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Things Vets Want You To Stop Buying Your Pet:
Pet parents spend thousands of dollars every year on the latest and greatest accessories and vets want you to take a moment and reconsider that pattern. Some owners tend to buy based on ads and don’t do the research they should. Here are 10 things vets, who were asked by “Good Housekeeping,” say you shouldn’t buy:
- Rawhide chews. They can swell in the stomach or intestines, leading to choking, blockages or emergency surgery for removal. Bacteria and broken teeth are also possible issues
- Retractable Leashes. The locking mechanisms can fail, and sudden jolts when a dog reaches the end of the line can lead to injury for both you and your dog
- Over The Counter Medication. OTC pain relievers for pets like ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen come with significant side effects
- Tiny Litter Boxes. Litter boxes should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat and the general rule is one box per cat plus one extra
- Dog Shampoos Marketed As “Made For Dogs”. Many products do not fully disclose all active and inactive ingredients and may contain harsh chemicals that can do more harm than good over time. Look for topical products that fully list their ingredients and are mostly made with natural components
- Dog Multivitamins. Dogs mostly do not need supplements and you should always verify with your vet
- Grain-Free Food. For most pets they offer no benefit and some formulations have been linked to diet-associated heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs
- Laser Pointer Toys (For Cats). Some cats develop stress-related aggression, over-grooming or inappropriate urine marking from repeated use
- Cheap Toys. These can tear apart easily and cause a choking or a blockage risk
Source: Good Housekeeping