These Popular Pet Trends Are Causing More Harm Than You Think.
Trends come and go, but when it comes to pet care, some fads are doing more harm than good. What may seem like a fun or innovative way to care for animals can often lead to unintended consequences. From diet crazes to over-the-top grooming habits, some of these trends put pets at risk—whether by causing health problems, increasing stress, or prioritizing human desires over animal welfare.
The rise of social media has only made the problem worse, with pet owners following viral trends that aren’t always in the best interest of their furry friends. Some practices, like feeding raw diets or dressing pets in elaborate outfits, may seem harmless at first but can lead to serious complications. Others, like impulse adoptions or over-reliance on AI for pet care, reveal the darker side of modern pet ownership. Here are 14 trends that may be causing more harm than good.
1. Designer breeds are being created at the expense of animal health.
The demand for unique crossbreeds has skyrocketed in recent years, leading to a surge in trendy “designer dogs.” According to Farmer Pete’s, these mixed breeds often prioritize aesthetics over health, resulting in severe genetic problems. Many of these dogs suffer from respiratory issues, hip dysplasia, or other inherited conditions due to poor breeding practices.
Unfortunately, irresponsible breeders see these trends as an opportunity to make quick money. Puppy mills and backyard breeders frequently cut corners, ignoring genetic testing and ethical breeding standards. While designer dogs can make wonderful companions, many suffer from long-term health issues that unsuspecting owners aren’t prepared for, leading to costly vet bills and heartbreaking outcomes.
2. Exotic pet ownership is fueling the illegal wildlife trade.
Keeping exotic animals as pets has become more popular, but it’s doing far more damage than people realize. As noted by Farmer Pete’s, this trend contributes to illegal wildlife trafficking, with many animals being taken from their natural habitats and sold under inhumane conditions. While some people believe they can properly care for exotic pets, the reality is that most lack the knowledge or resources to meet these animals’ complex needs.
Many exotic pets require specialized diets, environments, and medical care that standard pet owners simply can’t provide. As a result, these animals often suffer from malnutrition, stress, and poor living conditions. Some even end up abandoned or surrendered to rescue organizations when their owners realize they can’t handle the responsibility.
3. Over-the-top grooming trends are causing unnecessary stress for pets.
It’s one thing to keep pets clean and well-groomed, but the rise of elaborate grooming trends has taken things too far. According to OVRS, practices like dyeing fur, adding hair extensions, or shaping fur into extreme styles can cause anxiety and discomfort for animals. While these treatments may look cute on social media, they can be overwhelming and even harmful to pets.
Some of these grooming techniques involve harsh chemicals or excessive handling, both of which can lead to skin irritation or stress. Pets don’t understand why they’re being dyed or styled, and the constant exposure to unfamiliar scents and sensations can make them anxious. Instead of focusing on aesthetics, grooming should prioritize comfort and health.
4. Raw food diets are putting pets at risk.
The idea of feeding pets a raw diet has gained traction among owners looking for a “natural” approach to nutrition. However, OVRS warns that raw diets come with serious risks, including bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances. While some claim that raw feeding mimics a pet’s ancestral diet, many homemade raw meals lack the essential nutrients needed for long-term health.
Raw meat can harbor dangerous bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, which pose risks not only to pets but also to humans in the household. Without proper supplementation, these diets can also lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. A well-balanced commercial pet food, formulated by veterinary nutritionists, is often a safer and more reliable option.
5. Overuse of pet strollers is limiting animals’ natural movement.
While pet strollers can be useful for elderly or disabled animals, their overuse is becoming a problem. Pets need exercise, mental stimulation, and the ability to explore their surroundings. Constantly keeping them in a stroller prevents them from engaging in normal behaviors like sniffing, running, and interacting with their environment.
Some owners treat pet strollers as a convenience rather than a necessity, using them even when their pets are perfectly capable of walking. Over time, this can lead to weight gain, reduced muscle tone, and behavioral issues caused by lack of stimulation. Unless a pet has a medical reason to be in a stroller, they should be encouraged to move naturally.
6. DIY pet care remedies can be dangerous
Homemade pet treatments are popping up everywhere, with people turning to essential oils, herbal mixtures, and other DIY solutions. While some natural remedies may be safe, others can be extremely harmful. Without proper veterinary guidance, pet owners risk exposing their animals to toxic substances or ineffective treatments that delay necessary medical care.
One of the biggest dangers is the assumption that “natural” always means safe. Many essential oils, for example, are highly toxic to cats and dogs. Similarly, homemade flea and tick treatments often fail to provide adequate protection, leaving pets vulnerable to parasites and disease. When it comes to pet care, professional veterinary advice should always come first.
7. Fad diets for pets are leading to health complications.
Trendy diets like grain-free, vegan, or boutique pet foods have become increasingly popular, but not all of them are backed by science. Vegan diets, while ethical for humans, often fail to meet the complete nutritional needs of carnivorous animals.
Pets require specific nutrients that can only be obtained through a properly formulated diet. Following diet trends without understanding an animal’s biological needs can lead to severe deficiencies, causing long-term health problems. Pet owners should focus on well-researched, veterinarian-approved nutrition plans rather than chasing the latest food trend.
8. Giving pets supplements without veterinary approval is leading to serious health risks.
Pet owners are increasingly turning to supplements, believing they can boost their pets’ health or prevent future issues. While some supplements may be beneficial, giving them without professional guidance can do more harm than good. Over-supplementation can lead to imbalances, toxicity, or interference with other medications.
Many pet parents assume that if a supplement is labeled as “natural,” it must be safe. However, certain vitamins and minerals can be harmful in excessive amounts. Too much calcium, for example, can lead to skeletal issues in growing puppies, while an overdose of vitamin D can cause kidney failure. Always consult a veterinarian before adding anything new to a pet’s diet.
9. Social media fame is prioritizing pets’ online presence over their well-being.
Pet influencers have taken over social media, with owners chasing likes and sponsorships at the expense of their animals’ comfort. Some pets are dressed in elaborate costumes, put through stressful stunts, or exposed to unnatural environments for the sake of a viral video. While it may seem harmless, the pressure to constantly create content can negatively affect an animal’s well-being.
Not all pets enjoy constant attention, and being repeatedly handled, posed, or exposed to bright lights and cameras can cause stress. In extreme cases, pets are forced into situations that put their safety at risk, just for engagement online. Animals deserve to be treated as companions, not props for entertainment.
10. Dressing pets in excessive clothing is causing more discomfort than convenience.
Pet fashion has exploded in popularity, with some owners dressing their animals in elaborate outfits year-round. While some clothing serves a practical purpose—like coats for cold weather or medical garments for post-surgery recovery—many outfits are purely for aesthetics and can cause unnecessary discomfort.
Pets rely on their natural coats to regulate body temperature. Dressing them up unnecessarily can make them overheat, restrict movement, or cause anxiety. Some animals tolerate clothing better than others, but forcing them to wear outfits for extended periods just for human amusement is unfair. Comfort should always come before fashion.
11. Over-humanizing pets is leading to behavioral issues.
Treating pets like family members is natural, but some owners take it to an extreme. Over-humanizing pets—by carrying them everywhere, allowing them to dictate household routines, or giving them human foods—can create confusion and behavioral problems. Dogs, for instance, thrive on structure and clear leadership, and when those boundaries are blurred, they may develop anxiety or aggression.
Some pets become overly dependent on constant human attention, leading to separation anxiety when left alone. Others may develop resource-guarding tendencies if they’re given too much control over their environment. While love and companionship are essential, pets need to be treated in a way that respects their natural instincts.
12. Impulse adoption of pets during the pandemic has led to heartbreaking surrenders.
During lockdowns, pet adoptions skyrocketed as people sought companionship. Unfortunately, as life returned to normal, many of these pandemic pets were surrendered to shelters when their owners realized they couldn’t keep up with the responsibility. Shelters have since reported a surge in abandoned animals, many of whom struggle to adjust after bonding with their owners.
Impulse pet adoption often results in animals being placed in homes that are unprepared for the long-term commitment. Pets require time, training, and financial resources, and when those factors aren’t considered, they are the ones who suffer. Adoption should always be a carefully planned decision, not a reaction to loneliness or boredom.
13. Relying too much on AI for pet care is leading to overlooked health issues.
Smart pet technology has made life easier for many owners, with AI-powered feeders, cameras, and health monitors becoming common. While these tools can be helpful, over-relying on them can lead to critical health issues being missed. No app or gadget can replace the hands-on attention of a responsible owner or a veterinarian’s expertise.
Automated feeders, for example, may fail to detect changes in appetite, which can be an early sign of illness. AI health trackers may provide data, but they can’t interpret behavioral changes or spot subtle symptoms that a trained vet would notice. Technology should be used as a supplement to pet care, not as a replacement for direct observation and veterinary visits.
14. Extreme pet pampering is creating poorly adjusted animals.
Luxury pet services, from spa treatments to gourmet meals, are becoming more popular, but they can have unintended consequences. While pampering pets occasionally is fine, making it a constant lifestyle can lead to animals becoming overly dependent, spoiled, or even anxious when their environment changes.
Dogs and cats, for example, thrive on routine and consistency. When they are constantly exposed to indulgent treatment, they may struggle to cope with normal situations, like vet visits or being left alone. Instead of treating pets like royalty, owners should focus on building confidence and resilience, ensuring their animals are well-adjusted to everyday life.
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