Raising Dogs Like Kids: Pros and Cons Explained
Consider treating your dog like a child, with all the love and care that comes with that role.
From a nutritional standpoint, take a look at your dog's teeth. You'll notice that it's not necessary to feed them only the finest dog food at every meal. Adding some "whole grains" to their diet isn't harmful, and gnawing on bones can actually be beneficial for their dental health.
Dogs have a very strong stomach acid, so there's no need to sterilize their food bowls daily, provide only pure water, or ensure their food is squeaky clean. As long as the food isn't contaminated with parasites, mold, or other diseases, even a yogurt that's a couple of days past its expiration date won't harm your pet's health.
From a hygiene perspective, there are indeed diseases that can be shared between humans and dogs, particularly skin conditions like ringworm. If your pet contracts this disease and you don't catch it early, you and your family could be at risk, especially if you share a bed with your pet.
Some might argue that their dog is very clean, bathed regularly, and on a schedule for deworming, so there's no need to worry. However, nothing is absolute, is it? Even the cleanest of dogs can pick up dirt and feces from the ground during a walk, and you can't control every exposure.
Yes, sleeping with your dog isn't deadly, but the risk of disease transmission is significant. And remember to wash your hands after petting your dog!
When it comes to habits, dogs naturally belong on the ground. All you need to provide is a comfortable resting spot. Dogs are incredibly intelligent creatures and will gradually test your boundaries.
If they find that you don't mind them sleeping in your bed, they may start to assert their presence more, eventually considering your bed as their own, and it may become challenging to get them to leave.
From a social hierarchy standpoint, you are the human, and they are the dog; you are their owner. If a puppy starts sleeping in your bed from a young age, it may lead them to believe that your social status is equal to theirs, which could diminish their obedience over time. Overindulging a pet can lead to behavioral issues, and if you do something to upset them, they might even bite you or someone else.
In conclusion, you can choose to raise your dog in any way you see fit. I'm just providing some insights into the potential downsides of certain practices. Take it as you will!
