A vet has shared the three items he'd never buy his dog from the pet shop, warning they could be ‘choking hazards' and dangerous for your furry friend
A vet has revealed the three items commonly found in pet shops that he would ‘never buy' for his own dog.
Opening your home to a dog, or any other pet, can be one of the most rewarding decisions you can make.
However, it's not something to rush into as it's a significant commitment that brings with it numerous responsibilities and financial considerations.
If you're serious about getting a pet, it's crucial to do your research and consider how the animal will impact your lifestyle, and whether you can provide them with the care and attention they need.
Many people turn to social media for guidance, with both beginners and professionals eager to share their knowledge and expertise.
A vet named Dr Hunter Finn has gained popularity online due to his regular video posts on platforms like TikTok, where he shares tips and advice from his years of experience.
In a recent video shared with his 2.1 million followers, the vet revealed the items he would never buy his dog from the pet shop, as well as a popular product that should only be purchased if you can fully supervise your dog.
1. Rawhide treats
In the TikTok video, the vet showed a range of rawhide treats hanging in the aisles and wrote: “Absolutely NEVER buy raw hides with these double ended layers.”
Rawhide is a favourite choice for many dogs. It's the dried, untanned hide or skin of an animal, typically a cow, pig, or horse's inner layer.
Rawhide, a by-product of the leather industry, is often processed and shaped into dog chews and treats. However, it's not meant to be swallowed.
Purina UK highlights four major risks associated with rawhide treats, including choking, as supported by Dr Finn. There's also the risk of contamination, like any meat industry product, potentially exposing your household to salmonella or E.coli.
The tough consistency of rawhide could break your dog's teeth, and the glues sometimes used to shape rawhide can be harmful.
Lastly, if a dog accidentally swallows it, rawhide can cause intestinal obstruction. Purina UK explains: “Rawhide can cause a blockage in their gastrointestinal tract which may cause digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea as it will prevent food passing.
“The piece of rawhide can also cause serious damage to the intestines and can be life threatening for dogs”.
2. ‘Triple flavour' chews
The vet shared a pack of ‘Triple flavour' chews by Good ‘n' Fun, made with real beef hide and real chicken. The company describes the product on its website as “bone-shaped dog treats” that are “made with a savoury combination of three flavours that dogs love most”.
The description continues: “These delicious chew treats are made from the finest pork and beef hides, then wrapped with real chicken jerky to create a truly delightful, long-lasting rawhide treat your dog will love.
“High in protein and 98 percent fat free, Good ‘n' Fun Triple Flavour Chews are a healthy and delicious way to satisfy your dog's natural urge to chew.”
However, according to Dr Finn, these chews pose a choking risk. He wrote over the video footage: “These are absolute choking/surgical hazards”.
3. Unsupervised chews
The vet then suggested a three-pack of softer, differently textured chews as a safer alternative, but stressed that dogs still need supervision while chewing them.
He recommended looking for official approval stamps from registered veterinary associations when choosing chews that claim to benefit your dog's teeth or oral hygiene. The vet added another cautionary note, saying: “If it's too hard to slap on your knee, it's too hard for your pet to chew on.”
