10 Items You Should Never Buy For Your Dog

With so many pet products on the market it can be hard to determine which ones are worth the money. From different leashes to a plethora of toys, how can you tell what is safe for your pet? All dogs are different and what may work for one pup, might not work for another. However, there are certain items that all pet parents should stay away from. Today, I’m sharing 10 items that you should never buy for your dog. 

Retractable Leashes

Retractable leashes are a popular choice for new dog owners because it allows you to choose between a longer leash or a shorter one. However, retractable leash injuries are incredibly common for both dogs and their owners. The thin cord on a retractable leash can cause friction burns and cuts should it get wrapped around the dog or yourself. 

Another concern with these leashes is that they get incredibly long, some can extend to 26 feet. This gives dogs more freedom than they need and can allow them to get out of sight of their owner. Problems occur when a dog is so far ahead of its owner that it is able to approach an unfriendly dog or run into traffic. 

Retractable leashes are on the top of my list of items you should never buy for your dog. Instead, purchase a short rope or nylon lead and take your pup to a park when you want to let them run around. 

Large, Cooked Bones

Large, cooked bones can cause injuries in dogs such as cracked teeth, bone splinters, and obstructions. Cooked bones splinter easily. Instead, buy an appropriately sized raw bone for your dog. Your 30 pound pup will appreciate a bone that they can chew comfortably over one that won’t fit between their teeth.

Raw bones are great for keeping dogs teeth clean and allowing them to practice their natural chewing instincts. You can purchase them for fairly cheap at your local butcher shop.

Rawhide

Even worse than cooked bones are rawhide bones. Rawhide is near impossible for dogs to digest and is known for causing blockage and obstruction in their digestion tract.

Bully sticks are a great substitute for rawhide. The long lasting treat is all natural and easy for Fido to digest.

Tennis Balls

You may be surprised to see tennis balls on the list of items you should never buy for your dog. Tennis balls are a popular toy for playing fetch with your pup. But did you know that the fur on a tennis ball can cause your dogs teeth to grind all the way down? If you have a pup who loves to chew on their balls, a silicone or rubber ball is a much better option.

Highly Processed Treats

The pet product market has grown dramatically over the last decade and as a result there are hundreds of different dog treat options out there. Popular treat brands such as Milk Bones, Pupperoni, and Beggin’ Strips are some of the worst foods you can feed your pet. These treats are all highly processed and made with ingredients that lack any nutritional value.

Instead of buying commercialized dog treats, purchase single ingredient treats instead. Freeze dried salmon or Himalayan yak milk cheese sticks are good options. Your dog will likely enjoy these treats much more and they’ll be better for their health in the long run. 

Stuffed Animals

While some dogs can enjoy a stuffed toy without issue, they can cause problems for more destructive chewers. A hard plastic eye or a chunk of stuffing can give your dog a blockage and you a hefty vet bill. 

If your dog is gentle with their toys, a stuffed animal can be safe to play with. However, for those more destructive pups, a stuffing free toy is a better option.

Rope Toys

Rope toys are easily shreddable and the small strings that come off of them can get stuck in your dogs teeth or ingested. If your dog swallows a piece of a rope toy there is a chance that it could get wrapped around their internal organs or cause choking. 

If you want to play a game of tug-of-war with your pup, use a plush toy such as the Tuffy’s Ultimate Tug-O-War dog toy instead. 

Plastic Frisbees

Watching a dog catch a frisbee is both adorable and impressive. But hard plastic frisbees can actually cause injury to your dogs mouth. Catching a frisbee can cut your dogs mouth or crack their teeth. There’s also concern than the plastic will crack when caught, breaking off small sharp pieces that your dog can choke on if swallowed.

Soft, rubber frisbees are a safe option for a game of catch with your furry friend. 

Cheap Dog Shampoo

Dog shampoo that uses poor quality ingredients can cause skin burns and irritation or even fur loss. When picking a shampoo for your pet, look for one with all natural ingredients such as this one from Paws & Pals.

Plastic Bowls

Plastic bowls are a cheap option and therefore common amongst pet parents. However, plastic bowls are impossible to keep clean. The material harbors bacteria that can make your dog sick after awhile of constant use.

A stainless steel bowl is a safe and reasonably priced option for your dogs food and water.

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.