We want the very best for our furry friends. But did you know that some of the things you own may need thrown away? Here we will help you determine which items these are.
•Plastic bowls. These are hard to get really clean. The plastic is easily scratched, and the tiny defects can trap bacteria and oil which can cause issues with your pet’s lips and face.
•Dull nail trimmers. Many pets are already not fans of having their nails trimmed. Using dull trimmers will make this experience worse for them by pinching or crushing the nail prior to cutting into it.
•Broken or chewed up toys. It is really easy for your dog or cat to swallow a broken piece of toy. Consumed pieces of toys have the potential to cause serious problems by getting stuck in the GI tract. Discard any toys that cannot be repaired.
• Smelly or outgrown collars. Collars should be kept clean and fresh. They rub on the skin and can create infections or hot spots around the neck. Don’t forget to wash or replace them regularly.
• Expired or inappropriate medications. Although it may be tempting to save all left-over medications just in case you need it in the future, please refrain from doing so. Medications are prescribed for a specific pet for a specific illness. Although conditions may seem the same, often they will require a different medication. Inappropriate medications are not worth the risk and expired medications have the potential to be dangerous.
• Dogs - Retractable leashes. These have caused many accidents and can be confusing to your dog because the place where you want him to walk is constantly changing. The leash portion can cause tangling and even injuries to people and pets.
• Cats - Scratched-up litter boxes. Most litter boxes are made of plastic, which allows them to become scratched up when kitty paws at the bottom of the box. Tiny scratches trap odor and bacteria.