It's easy to be tempted to buy all the different treats and toys available for dogs these days. But no matter how cute and fun they seem, they're not all good for your pup. That's why Adam Christman, DVM, a veterinarian and popular influencer, has taken to social media to help pet parents figure out exactly what products they should avoid. Read on to find out the five things this vet says he would never buy for his own dog.
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1 | Rope toys
iStockIf you're walking down the toy aisle of a pet store, Christman says there is at least one section you should skip: rope toys.
"Not only do they get obstructed, but they fray very quickly," the veterinarian and dog dad shared in his TikTok video.
2 | Retractable leashes
iStockWhen it comes to what leash you buy your dog, Christman also has advice on what to avoid. According to the vet, retractable leashes are a no-go. "Especially in the veterinary hospital," he notes.
In a previous TikTok video from April 2022, Christman explained that retractable leashes can "seriously" cause injuries to your ankles and hands if you don't have good control of your dog. That's also why he recommends pet owners talk to professionals about what kind of leash, collar, and harness to get for their specific pet.
"Check with your trainer and your veterinarian about which one's best for your dog," he said.
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3 | Wood chew toys
iStockMost dogs love picking up sticks. So you might assume buying them a wood chew toy would be a safer alternative than them finding a random one outside. But Christman advises against these products after a harrowing experience at his clinic.
"I had a patient where part of [a wood chew toy] got stuck right in the hard palate," he said, warning that this can lead dogs to develop "severe abscess infection, multiple splinters in paws and in mouths, and cracked teeth."
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4 | Squeaky toys that are very thin
iStockChristman also said he would never buy his dog "very thin, squeaky toys." He explained, "I don't care how little your puppy is, they will destroy this in two seconds."
5 | Treats that have certain nutritional claims
iStockOutside of toys and leashes, Christman also has strong feelings about what snacks are being sold to dog owners. You shouldn't let yourself be swayed by "any treat that has a product claim on [it] for Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids," according to the vet's video.
"Just don't expect it to be enough to meet the nutritional needs for your dog," Christman said. Instead, he recommends pet owners "check the inclusion rates and do the math" themselves for treats, as well as chat with a vet about a "diet or specific supplements" for their dogs.
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