TikTok vet reveals what you should avoid buying at pet stores

In a world of uncertainty, at least we have Dr. Hunter Finn’s TikTok account to navigate taking proper care of our pets.

Finn is a 27-year-old veterinarian in Arlington, Texas who shares his top pet tips on TikTok. A recent series of his, which has generated millions of views, tells viewers what toys to avoid buying at pet shops. Even though the aisles are filled with options, there are certain products Finn doesn’t endorse.

First is raw hides with double layered ends. Finn says that these are choking and surgical hazards for your dog.

Credit: TikTok

Instead, products like Nylabone or teething treats are much better for your dog and also can have dental benefits — just make sure to look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) stamp on the packaging,

Finn’s overall tip for toy bones is that if it’s too hard to slap against your knee, it’s too hard for your dog to chew on.

In part two of his series, Finn goes over pet snacks to avoid. Pig ears, which are super popular for dogs, are actually very fatty and can give your dog health issues like obesity and vomiting. There’s also a higher chance of bacterial overgrowth on them, which is not good for your puppy to chew on.

@dr.hunterfinn

#petsoftiktok #veterinarian #vettech #veterinarylife I’m on vacation, but promise to make more videos if y’all like these. Cats next.

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Raw or processed bones and hooves are also dangerous for your dog. Finn claims they will break or harm your dog’s teeth and are known to cause gastrointestinal problems.

A rule of thumb is that if you can’t make an indentation in the product with your fingernail, it’s too tough for your dog to chew on.

Rope toys don’t always cause problems, but if they start to tear apart and are ingested by your pet, it’s possible the string won’t be able to pass through them. That can cause life-threatening damage.

“My pup ate a rope toy when she was 1 and $800 later she’s doing just fine,” one commenter agreed.

Credit: TikTok

“Jerky treats have been under investigation for causing renal disease in pets for YEARS,” Finn writes in the third part of his series.

In his opinion, the treats aren’t worth recommending because they aren’t necessary for any dog’s diet and can potentially cause too many health issues.

As with most professional-run TikTok accounts, commenters disagreed with a lot of what Finn said — based on their own personal experience.

“I don’t agree with any of this,” one particularly opinionated commenter wrote.

Others were so overwhelmed with the negatives of these common pet treats, they begged Finn in the comments to make a TikTok about products he does recommend.

“It seems like nothing is good so can you show us what is?” someone asked.

“Sir please just tell me what to give my dog,” another added.

“You’ve literally cancelled out everything I’ve gotten my dog in the past 3 videos,” a user lamented.

Want to read more about pets? Watch this super sweet “goodbye party” for a family’s pet dog.

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