Vet shares five common items he would never buy for cats or dogs

We all enjoy spoiling our beloved pets with a new plaything to keep them entertained and active, but could these gifts be inadvertently detrimental to their well-being?

Veterinarian Ben Simpson-Vernon has highlighted five common pet toys he would never purchase for his own animal companions due to potential health hazards. He shared his insights on TikTok, aiming to guide cat and dog owners alike.

Cat lovers are well aware of felines’ penchant for pursuing laser beams, yet Ben cautions against this particular device. “Laser pointers – cats love these things because they have a strong, natural instinct to stalk, chase and catch,” he remarked.

“The problem is with a laser pointer is they can’t do the catching bit, which can be really frustrating for them. So you’re better off swapping them for a wand toy.”

Surprisingly, Ben also recommends steering clear of offering bones to your canine friend. “Many people assume that bones are a natural and healthy thing to give to their dog, but we see so many dental slab fractures,” he observed.

To drive home his point, he presented a photo of a dog under anaesthesia at his clinic, undergoing a painful procedure with a dental probe inserted into its root canal to address an abscess. Ben added: “Dogs can also get really constipated from bone fragments accumulating in the colon, which can be very painful.”

Ben also warns against giving your dog antlers to chew on too, likening them to bones in terms of potential dental hazards. “Anything you give your dog to chew on should be soft enough that you can indent it with your fingernail – if you can’t, it could easily break a tooth,” he cautions.

Next up on Ben’s list of items to avoid is a dog’s classic favourite: tennis balls. Despite their popularity, he points out a significant downside.

“So many dogs are obsessed with tennis balls, but the issue is that the fluffy bit on the surface is abrasive like sandpaper,” he observes. This abrasiveness can lead to dental wear and sensitivity over time. Ben advises: “So, over time, when a dog chews on them a lot, the enamel on their teeth can wear down and the teeth can become quite sensitive – you’re better off finding a ball that doesn’t have that kind of surface.”

Closing, Ben highlights the perils of ball-slingers, which can be problematic for overly enthusiastic pets. “These are okay in moderation – they’re not a hard no for me, but some dogs become very obsessed with them and, because they fling the ball so far, the dog changes direction and speed so rapidly and repeatedly that it can put a lot of strain on their joints,” he explains.

A pet owner responded to Ben’s advice, reflecting on their own practices: “I’ve always bought my dog antlers in fact I’ve got a subscription on Amazon to get them quarterly. Thanks for the advice, I’ll be changing these to something softer.”

Another individual recounted a costly vet bill due to their pet’s dental injury: “I had to pay £800 at the vets because my dog cracked two teeth chewing on hard bones. LISTEN TO HIM.” Adding to the advice, a third TikTok user noted: “The ball thrower makes no sense. Just throw it lighter with the ball thrower and save your elbow.”

If you’re ever concerned that something is wrong with your pet, always contact your vet for advice. You should always seek professional advice before attempting to treat them.