Many dog owners love spoiling their pups and getting them the best of the best. After all, they deserve it! The pet care market is saturated with products and so many claim to be absolutely necessary or life-changing. It can become hard to discern what is necessary and what products may be harmful. In fact, some products have become so popular that a majority of dog owners don’t know the dangers that come with them. Below are three of the most commonly used products that dog owners should rethink purchasing.
  1.       Retractable leashes With its ability to easily lengthen and shorten, retractable leashes are beloved by many dog owners for their compact size and organized manner. However, this thin nylon-based leash system with a spring-loaded extension mechanism comes with hidden dangers.
First, retractable leashes can allow your dog to get up to 30 feet ahead (or behind) you, which limits your ability to control your dog and intervene in an emergency. Additionally, these leashes are well documented to become easily tangled around humans and dogs alike, causing intense rope burns and even strangulation. As a dog owner, the best route to take is to use a standard six-foot leash. Longer leads are available but should be used with intention.
  1.       Rawhide chews Bones and chew toys are included in every new dog-owner gift basket and recommendation list But not all are created equal. For what seems like forever, rawhide dog chews have been on the shelves and are a popular choice among many pet owners. However, veterinarians caution that rawhide isn’t a good choice for our canine friends. They can easily become choking hazards and even cause intestinal blockage that can only be remedied with expensive surgery. Instead, opt for digestible dog chews and durable bones.
  2.       Plastic bowls This may seem like it’s making a mountain out of a molehill, but plastic bowls just don’t cut it for our furry best friends. Plastic is malleable and can be easily scratched and chipped by dog teeth and claws. This allows bacteria to grow inside the bowl and contaminate your dog’s food. These bacteria can cause infections in the mouth and yeast infections in the folds of wrinkly dogs. Additionally, as plastic bowls wear and scratch, they can leech microplastics into your dog’s food which can have an array of effects on him. It is recommended that you replace any plastic bowls with stainless steel to prevent the above from occurring.