10 Things You Shouldn’t Buy Your Dog

Diamond's Friends Pet Rescue
Jun 13
5 min read

Bringing home a new dog often means hitting the pet store and stocking up on cute toys and must-have gear. But not everything marketed for dogs is actually safe for them. In fact, some items can be dangerous.

As you fill your shopping cart, make sure to leave these items on the shelf.

1. Retractable Leashes

In 2007, over 16,000 injuries related to retractable leashes were treated in U.S. emergency rooms. More recent statistics are lacking, as they include “pet products” as an overall category. However, the reality is that these products can be dangerous.

While retractable leashes might seem convenient, they can cause all kinds of issues. These can range from mild, like rope burns, to more substantial ones if they snap or break, like lacerations and even blindness if the leash snaps back and the clip hits you in the eye (yes, it’s happened).

From a dog safety perspective, these leashes give you substantially less control over your dog, allowing them to ingest something they probably shouldn’t before you can reel them in or worse. Plus, if your dog bolts and snaps the leash, they could run into traffic and get hit by a car.

These leashes are not worth risking your safety or your dog’s life. Don’t buy them.

2. Flat Buckle Collars

While they are ok for holding ID tags, flat buckle collars aren’t ideal for walking or training, especially if your dog pulls. When a dog pulls while wearing a flat buckle collar, it exerts a significant amount of pressure on their trachea, which can lead to serious injuries.

What’s worse, dogs can more easily slip out of a flat buckle collar (believe us, we’ve seen it happen many times). This puts dogs at risk of escaping and getting into dangerous situations.

Consider safer alternatives like a Martingale, slip lead, or a harness (but more on that in a second).

Learn More: Things You Should Buy Your New Dog

3. Harnesses (Especially Back-Clip Harnesses)

Not all harnesses are bad, but poorly designed ones can cause rubbing, restrict movement, or make it too easy for a dog to back out and escape. The former issues aren’t ideal for your dog, but the latter can be extremely dangerous.

If you insist on using any type of harness, make sure it fits your dog well and that you use a safety clip as a backup just in case your dog turns into Houdini.

Additionally, harnesses that clip on the back can increase the amount of pulling your dog does on the leash. If you don’t want to have a dog that pulls a lot on the leash, you’ll want to use an Easy Walk Harness or another tool to help your dog learn to walk appropriately.

4. Rawhide

Rawhide chews are concerningly popular. They’re hard to digest and can lead to choking or blockages.

What’s worse is the manufacturing process includes potentially harmful chemicals that can be dangerous to your dog. There’s even a risk of bacterial contamination.

The bottom line is that there’s a reason there have been multiple rawhide recalls. If your dog loves to chew, there are safer options out there that don’t carry the same risks.

5. Tennis Balls

Yes, tennis balls are on our list. The felt covering on tennis balls can wear down your dog’s teeth in a process called blunting. This can result in dental problems, like difficulty chewing and pain.

What’s more, tennis balls can be torn apart and swallowed, leading to choking or intestinal blockages.

There are other, safer balls on the market for your dog. That said, we do recommend getting one that’s big enough that your dog cannot swallow it since entire balls can get lodged in your dog’s throat, causing a choking hazard.

But the classic tennis ball? Just avoid it.

Learn More: Items You Should Always Supervise Your Dog With

6. Plastic Toys

Cheap plastic toys can crack or splinter when chewed. When this happens, sharp edges are created that can hurt your dog’s mouth or cause them to choke.

There’s also the risk of your dog ingesting splintered or broken pieces, which can cause blockages that may require surgery.

Beyond that, plastics tend to have chemicals in them that may be toxic to pets.

Opt for durable, non-toxic materials made specifically for tough chewers.

7. Sticks

Ok, so you don’t buy sticks for your dog. However, you may let them pick up a stick while out on a walk, or you may find one in the park and use it as a toy for fetch. We will (embarrassingly) admit we’ve done it.

Unfortunately, sticks can splinter and cause mouth injuries or intestinal damage if swallowed. It’s safer to use rubber or nylon fetch toys instead.

While U.S. stats are hard to come by, Direct Line Pet Insurance in the U.K. reports that 14% (or 1.4 million) of dogs in the country have been injured by sticks, whether through impalement or biting a stick and causing it to splinter.

The next time you think letting your dog play with a stick is cute, consider using a safer toy instead.

8. Bully Sticks

Some dogs love them, but bully sticks are high in calories and can carry bacteria if not processed and stored properly. Poorly sourced bully sticks can cause digestive issues or dental problems.

They’re also a choking hazard when chewed down into small pieces.

From personal experience, our veterinarian has warned us against using bully sticks, and one of our adopted dogs developed liver issues after she started eating bully sticks.

Our take: we trust our vet and will follow his advice, especially when other options for chews are out there.

Learn More: What To Do if Your Dog Is Choking

9. Pig Ears

Pig ears can be greasy, fatty, and may carry bacteria. Like bully sticks, they’re a choking hazard and can upset a dog’s stomach.

In 2019, the FDA issued a recall after over 150 cases of Salmonella were linked to contaminated pig ear treats.

What’s more, pig ears have been linked to obesity and pancreatitis in susceptible dogs.

With plenty of other chews on the market that don’t come with these risks, you might as well skip pig ears.

10. Jerky Treats

Not all jerky treats are created equal. However, some imported brands have been linked to serious health issues, including kidney problems.

Between 2007 and 2015, the FDA received reports of over 5,000 illnesses and 1,100 dog deaths associated with jerky pet treats, mostly from products made in China.

Always read ingredient labels and stick to reputable, U.S.-made brands if you’re going to use them at all.