Sometimes humans get the urge to express their love for their pets in a similar way that they express their love for a human.
Who wouldn't want to be thanked for all they do with a big hug, an extra special treat or a new outfit?
Although many people think they are doing a nice thing for their pets, sometimes they thank them in a way that is unpleasant - or even harmful - to their pet.
Check out these five common things people think are nice to do for their pets but really aren't:
1. Giving Them A Big Loving Hug
While your soft, furry friend may seem super hugable, not all pets actually like to be hugged. Cats and dogs don't have arms and are hardwired to express their love to others without hugging. Instead many animals can see a hug as a gesture of dominance, reported Mother Nature Network (MNN).
2. Playing Dress Up
Although it's no question that pets in costumes are adorable, they typically don't like wearing these outfits as much as we think.
Costumes can be restricting for your pet, so you need to be wary when you are urging to dress your fur baby up for Halloween.
"While some dogs enjoy being dressed up, they need us to make sure they are safe and cared for by providing the structure and predictability of a good command-response relationship that shows them how to get what they need," Amy Pike, a St. Louis-based veterinarian, told Care.com.
3. Letting Them Nap All Day
It's true that pets love a good nap, but that doesn't mean they should do it all day long. Sometime behavioral problems in pets can be a result of a lack of exercise, so you want to make sure you're taking your dog on daily walks and playing with your cats often!
4. Feeding Them Table Food
As cute as pets can be when begging for a taste of our human food, a lot of foods in the average human diet are toxic for your furry friends.
Some of the most toxic human foods to avoid include alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, fatty foods, dairy, and nuts.
5. Over Grooming Them
Although it may be relaxing for your pet to be groomed, too much of it can be harmful. Brushing your pet more than once a week can cause skin irritation, reported The Dodo. Similarly, it can also be harmful to bathe your pet too often. Different pets require bathing more than others so be sure to check with your vet for more grooming tips.
