Vet Ben Simpson-Vernon has shared some important advice about popular items he wouldn’t buy for pets, because they could pose a risk to their health

Treating our four-legged pals to a new toy is part of the fun of pet ownership, but could some toys actually be detrimental? Vet Ben Simpson-Vernon has raised concerns about this very issue.

He recently made a TikTok video where he outlined five common pet items that he believes could pose health risks to cats and dogs. For cat owners who frequently use laser pointers to entertain their pets, Ben advises caution.

“Laser pointers – cats love these things because they have a strong, natural instinct to stalk, chase and catch,” he detailed. “The problem is with a laser pointer is they can’t do the catching bit, which can be really frustrating for them. So you’re better off swapping them for a wand toy.”

Surprisingly, Ben also warns dog owners about the seemingly small act of giving bones to their pets. He said: “Many people assume that bones are a natural and healthy thing to give to their dog, but we see so many dental slab fractures.”

Highlighting the severity, he shared an image of a dog under anaesthesia at his clinic, undergoing dental treatment for an abscess caused by a bone. He concluded with another warning: “Dogs can also get really constipated from bone fragments accumulating in the colon, which can be very painful.”

Ben also advises against giving dogs antlers to chew on, likening them to bones. He explains: “Anything you give your dog to chew on should be soft enough that you can indent it with your fingernail – if you can’t, it could easily break a tooth”.

Next on Ben’s cautionary list are tennis balls, a popular choice for many dog owners. He said: “So many dogs are obsessed with tennis balls, but the issue is that the fluffy bit on the surface is abrasive like sandpaper”.

He adds: “So, over time, when a dog chews on them a lot, the enamel on their teeth can wear down and the teeth can become quite sensitive – you’re better off finding a ball that doesn’t have that kind of surface.”

Finally, Ben suggests moderation when using ball-slingers. He says: “These are okay in moderation – they’re not a hard no for me, but some dogs become very obsessed with them and, because they fling the ball so far, the dog changes direction and speed so rapidly and repeatedly that it can put a lot of strain on their joints”.

One pet owner responded to Ben’s advice, confessing: “I’ve always bought my dog antlers in fact I’ve got a subscription on Amazon to get them quarterly. Thanks for the advice, I’ll be changing these to something softer.”

Another individual shared their own frightening experience, disclosing: “I had to pay £800 at the vets because my dog cracked two teeth chewing on hard bones. LISTEN TO HIM.” Meanwhile, a third commenter suggested: “The ball thrower makes no sense. Just throw it lighter with the ball thrower and save your elbow.”

Should you ever worry that there’s an issue with your pet, it’s crucial to get in touch with your vet for guidance. It’s important to always consult with a professional before trying to treat your pet yourself.