‘I’m a vet and there’s 3 things I wish everyone knew about their dogs’

Amir the Vet, who shares advice online, recently revealed the things he wishes more dog owners knew, noting they could significantly influence a dog’s health, behaviour and general wellbeing.

His initial piece of guidance centres on something numerous owners may not even be aware they’re doing.

According to the vet, dogs are remarkably attuned to human emotions and body language, meaning nervous owners can inadvertently transfer their anxiety onto their pets.

He explained: “Calm owners create calm dogs. Dogs are so incredibly sensitive to body language and energy. So if you are a reactive or anxious owner, your dog will pick this up unintentionally.”

While it’s impossible to remain composed at all times, he urged owners to stay as tranquil as possible when engaging with their dogs, particularly in potentially stressful circumstances.

His second recommendation is directed at owners of elderly dogs.

Numerous people presume that a pet becoming less active is merely a natural element of growing older, but the vet cautioned this isn’t invariably the situation.

He said: “Don’t assume that if your dog is slowing down, it has to be because they’re getting older.

“In many cases this can be true, yes. However, in several cases they may be slowing down because of heart disease or because of arthritis pain.”

Rather than attributing behavioural changes to advancing years, he encouraged owners to consult their vet to eliminate any potential underlying medical conditions.

“Have them checked out if they are slowing down because you do not want to miss a possible diagnosis,” he added.

His final recommendation may surprise numerous dedicated pet owners.

While most individuals lavish their dogs with affection, the vet clarified that love alone isn’t sufficient for a dog to flourish.

Instead, he maintains dogs require both compassion and firm boundaries.

“Love without structure and routine creates insecurity,” he explained. “And structure without kindness creates fear.”

According to the vet, the happiest and most self-assured dogs are those whose owners achieve the proper equilibrium between affection, consistency and routine.

He said: “You need to provide your dogs with a combination of both love and kindness and structure and routine for them to thrive and be happy.”