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Milk Thistle for Dogs

Support for liver and kidney detox and cancer support in dogs

USD $42.95
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How to Make Sure Your Pet Supplies are Safe

Pet Care Tips 5 min read
How to Make Sure Your Pet Supplies are Safe

We all want to do what we can to make sure that our furkiddos are safe and healthy. With so many pet supplies available it is hard to know what products you can trust. With products like food and supplements, companies often provide information about the research or studies that they have done to formulate their products. With items like toys, leashes, and bowls, it is much harder to find reliable information. Our pet experts have created a list of some things to look out for to make sure that products are safe for your pet.

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Choose Toys that are Meant for Pets

Make sure that you are giving your pet only toys that are made for pets, as children’s toys can have small pieces or parts that can be removed and swallowed by your pet. Avoid toys that have things like buttons or bells because these are often easily removed and can be a choking hazard. Even if your pet manages to swallow it without choking, it can get lodged in their gastrointestinal system.

It is also a good idea to opt for tennis balls that are made specifically for pets rather than for sports as they are made from different materials. Pet-specific tennis balls are usually made of softer material as sport tennis balls are made of a more brittle material that can be damaging to the teeth and gums.

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Check Where the Pet Supplies are Made

Not every country has the same regulations for manufacturing pet supplies and materials. Countries like Canada and the United States have stricter regulations which make it easier to trust. If you are planning on buying a new toy for your pet, we recommend researching the company first to find out where their products are made and if they release any information on the materials they use and their safety.

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Sometimes Spending a Bit More is Better

Although dollar stores often carry pet supplies that are made to look like common pet supplies but are not manufactured in the same way or with the same materials. Pet Supplies and toys from dollar stores are usually made with less expensive materials in order to keep the price low. Lower quality materials are often broken down easier which can lead to your pet swallowing or choking on pieces. It is also possible that lower quality or unregulated items like bowls may contain traces of toxins that are not safe for pets.

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Keep an Eye on Rope Toys

Rope toys can easily fray and separate into their individual strings that can be swallowed by your pet. The strings can get caught in your pet’s gastrointestinal system resulting in a blockage or having discomfort while passing them. Discount rope toys should be avoided because they are more likely to fray compared to higher-quality rope toys. No matter where you buy a rope toy from, we recommend supervising your pet while they are playing with one to ensure that they do not eat any strings that may come apart.

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Avoid Plastic Bowls

Plastic bowls are not recommended for pets, especially cats. Not only can the bowls be made out of a type of plastic that contains toxins or chemicals not safe for pets, but they can carry more bacteria compared to metal or silicone bowls. Plastic often develops microscopic abrasions that bacteria can collect in. This bacteria can spread to your pet’s face and chin while eating or drinking out of the bowl. This bacteria often cause cats to develop acne on their chin.

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Be Very Careful with Bones

Elk antlers are very strong and brittle and commonly cause teeth to fracture.

Chews and bones are a great way to keep your pet occupied and happy, however, some can be dangerous. Elk antlers are very strong and brittle and commonly cause teeth to fracture. In many cases, these teeth fractures can require surgery. Raw hydes can break off or separate into irregular pieces can be a choking hazard or get lodged in the gastrointestinal tract. Raw hyde also often expands when moist and can expand while in your pet’s system, which makes it harder for your pet to digest and can result in stomach upset. Just like plastic bowls, plastic or nylon bones can collect bacteria and can make your pet sick.

Supplements to Help

While there are things we recommend avoiding, each pet parent should use their own discretion when choosing the pet supplies that are right for their furkiddo. It is impossible to make sure that everything your pet comes into contact with is safe but it is good to be conscious of which items are better to avoid. Some supplements that are handy to keep on hand to help support your pet are Milk Thistle, Natures Immuno, and Multi Essentials.

Milk Thistle – helps detoxify the liver and kidneys and helps remove toxins that can build up in a pet’s system. It helps improve liver and kidney function, supports the regeneration of the liver, and supports overworked kidneys.

Natures Immuno – is a blend of mushrooms known for their extensive health benefits. It helps boost the immune system and helps fight against viral infections. Natures Immuno is also useful for cardiovascular, liver, kidney, diabetic, and endocrine health.

Multi Essentials – is a plant-based multi-vitamin herbal extract that helps fill nutritional voids, aids digestion, and enhances nutrient absorption. Multi Essentials also helps stimulate the metabolism, reduces fatigue, increases energy, and promotes healthy skin and coat.

As pet aisles in supermarkets continue to grow, the chances of picking up a product with less research and testing increase. Ask your questions and do your research. Your NHV Pet Experts are always here to help you make the right decision for your furkids.

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NHV Pet Experts

NHV Pet Experts

We have a dedicated group of pet expert professionals, including veterinarians, vet techs, and other pet professionals to guide you through any questions. We’re committed to your pet’s wellness and can offer additional tips, resources, nutritional advice, and more.

Published: October 26, 2019

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