5 daily habits that can drastically reduce your dog’s lifespan – including smoking around them

Think your routine is safe for your dog? These 5 habits could put their life at risk.

PUBLISHED 3 HOURS AGO

L: Man with a dog smoking a cigarette; R: Bored dog lying on sofa. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | L: Mauro Grigollo; R: Jena Ardell)

Everyday routines that seem harmless can pose a risk to your pet’s life. From secondhand smoke to a lack of mental stimulation, these small but dangerous habits can lead to serious health problems and even premature death. Based on expert insights highlighted in The Focus, here are five daily habits that you might be doing without realizing that they put your dog’s health at risk. Avoiding them may also prevent excessive medical expenses in the future.

1. Passive smoking

Smoking around your dog can harm their health, as they may inhale dangerous irritants. It can cause breathing problems, eye infections, and allergies. Another layer of threat comes from thirdhand smoke. Cigarette smoke around your pets leaves toxic particles on their fur and skin, and because they lick themselves constantly, they end up ingesting these harmful substances, which can seriously endanger their lives. Furthermore, the exposure also increases their aggression, fearfulness, and laziness, reduces trainability, and elevates anxiety levels, according to a study by Science Direct.

An adult man crouching with his dog in a cobbled city square. Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Mauro Grigollo. — An adult man crouching with his dog in a cobbled city square. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Mauro Grigollo)

2. Poisonous detergents within reach

Home cleaners can be toxic to their health. Common household cleaning agents, such as chlorine bleach, drain cleaners, and dishwashers, are harmful to dogs. If a dog accidentally licks or swallows these substances, it can lead to severe stomach issues that require immediate medical attention. Splashes from detergents can also cause injuries to the eyes, skin, and mouth. The Kennel advises storing these products in elevated locations.

Dog playing with washing machine. Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Damedeeso — Dog playing with washing machine. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Damedeeso)

3. Skipping early socialization

The 3-3-3 rule refers to a three-day, three-week, and three-month period allowing the newly adopted pups or dogs to socialize and adjust easily to a new environment. However, a lack of early socialization can increase anxiety, leaving dogs uncomfortable around new experiences and reluctant to engage actively. The Focus highlights that unrestricted socialization helps dogs develop confidence and adaptability.

Dog is lying on the floor at home. Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Maria Varaksina. — Dog is lying on the floor at home. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Maria Varaksina)

4. Days filled with boredom

Signs, including an increase in weight, excessive barking or whining, hyperactivity, and being more anxious, indicate that the dog is bored and needs some physical activity. Prolonged physical inactivity in dogs causes low mental stimulation, causing them to chew electrical cords in the house or swallow unsafe objects, which can lead to destructive behavior. Taking your dog out for a walk regularly is necessary. According to PetMD, scent walks, playing hide and seek, letting them chew on frozen objects, and doing some training can keep your dog mentally stimulated.

Girl jumping on bed with dog. Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Seventy Four. — Girl jumping on bed with dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Seventy Four)

5. Encouraging high jumps

Allowing your dog to jump repeatedly from couches, beds, or stairs can lead to joint strain, ligament damage, and mobility issues. Such playful activities should be avoided if your breed is prone to hip dysplasia. In such cases, providing ramps or guiding them safely down reduces the possibility of long-term damage.