Wicker & Wilde are proud pet parents and like others we would get anything to keep our dogs and cats happy. However, some things should be kept away from your furbabies. 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 folks 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 - Many pet parents say these are the worst! Rawhhides can swell in the stomach or intestines, leading to choking, blockages or emergency surgery for removal. Bacteria and broken teeth are also possible issues. Visit local pet shops like Dog Krazy or Dig to find natural chews. And we should all supervise our pets when giving them something new to chew on so we can see how they handle it.
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. Rebecca Wilde's puppy, Phillip, was hit by a car when the locking mechanism failed (she immediately stopped using them) and years later was attacked by a dog who snapped his own retractable leash line. Rebecca hates retractable leashes. And hate is not a strong enough word.
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) - ?? We were shocked by this one but apparently 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.
Just because something looks good in their add doesn't mean that goodness translates to what's good for your pet.