I’m a vet – there are three things nearly all pet owners do that I cannot stand
A VET influencer has revealed the three things dog owners are doing to drive her barking mad.
Dr Laura Robinson said avoiding these pet-care bugbears will keep your furry friend – and local vet – happy.
Her advice may prove surprising – with tip number one warning “pet parents” against visiting their local dog park.
And despite chew toys’ widespread appeal, tip number two was to avoid hard toys and treats.
While in her final nugget of advice, Dr Laura discouraged all-natural and over-the-counter flea and tick products.
In an Instagram reel shared to her account @vet.lo.robinson, Dr Laura listed the three tips – while wearing her trademark teal vet scrubs.
The American animal expert, from Southern California, begins: “Dr Robinson here and today I’m here to share with you a few things that pet parents do that I really don’t like.
“Number one: dog parks. I know they’re fun, but all I see are dog bites, fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites and other injuries.
“Number two: giving your dogs antlers to chew on.
“The amount of times I have seen dogs come in with cracked teeth because they’re too hard to chew on is more than I can count.”
The pet specialist, who has amassed more than 21,000 Instagram followers, goes on to advise a simple trick for testing a toy’s suitability.
She suggests: “Bang the thing you want to give your dog against your knee cap; if it hurts, it’s too hard.”
The vet then reveals her final tip: avoid all-natural materials and products which are sold over the counter when it comes to flea prevention, including essential oils.
A visibly frustrated Dr Laura finishes: “These do not work. I repeat: these do NOT work.”
The advice has been viewed more than 51,000 times – but it has left some viewers more confused than enlightened.
User @dessiemercado asked: “So what am I supposed to use for fleas?”
Dr Laura responded: “Prescription meds from your vet!”
But @kateb_1980 was less convinced by the expert’s recommendations, writing: “Been using natural flea and tick for 8 years. Never had a flea or tick.”
Meanwhile, other users appreciated Dr Laura’s blunt advice, with one commenting: “Nice to hear honesty from a vet!”
It comes after a vet counselled against shaving your pooches to cool them in summer heat.
Dr Kirsten Ronngren said: “It’s a common misconception that shaving a dog’s hair helps keep them cool.
“Shaving can have the potential to make it harder for dogs to cool themselves naturally while also putting them at higher risk of sunburn.”
While a life-saving vet hero last week urged owners to investigate the hidden danger of their dog’s chew toys.
Dr James Tate, who saved an 11-month-old pup’s life after two rubber toys became lodged in his stomach, said: “Toys are important to a dog’s wellbeing as they stop them becoming bored or anxious and encourage them to exercise.”
Speaking to LeedsLive, he added: “But it is important to keep an eye on dogs when they are playing and also to check the toy is the right size for them so they can’t choke or swallow it.”