Does your canine companion take note every time you grab something to eat, and fix you with his most adorably heartbreaking stare? Does Fido follow you into the kitchen, or sit beside you at the table? These doggy habits can be cute, but it’s best not to encourage them. In this article from Westside Animal Hospital, a Savannah, GA veterinarian lists some reasons to nip that bad habit in the bud.

Pecking Order

First and foremost, begging is just bad manners. This can also contribute to other behavioral issues. Dogs are pack animals by nature, so it’s important for Fido to see you as the leader of the pack. He may get other ideas about that if he figures out that he can get you to share food anytime he likes!

Obesity

Another reason not to let your pooch beg? It can definitely play a role in doggy obesity. While Fido may look adorable with a little extra padding, he’ll be much healthier if he stays at or at least near a healthy weight. Extra pounds can cause all sorts of problems for our canine companions: they increase your dog’s risk of developing several dangerous health conditions, and also make it harder for him to get around.

Danger Potential

This is a big one. If Fido gets used to begging, he could end up convincing someone to offer him something that isn’t safe. Some foods, such as grapes and raisins, are extremely dangerous for our canine buddies, and can make them very sick, even in small amounts. This can be an issue with little children. Kids will sometimes try to share their snacks with their furry pals, and could inadvertently give your pup something unsafe without realizing it.

Aggression

When you cave in to your pooch and share your burger with him, you’re basically rewarding him for being demanding. This may be cute, but it can lead to Fido becoming increasingly demanding, or even aggressive. Some pups get so pushy that they will steal food from people’s plates.

Guests

We’re guessing that if you’re reading this, you probably love dogs. However, not everyone is as enamored with our furry friends as we are. Begging dogs make some people quite uncomfortable! Please contact Westside Animal Hospital, your Savannah, GA animal clinic, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs. We’re always happy to help!