3 Things to Never Give a GSP
Are there things we shouldn't give our dogs? There are some items that are marketed for dogs but should never be given to them, in my opinion. I wanted to take a minute and walk through the 3 things I will never give to my GSPs and think you shouldn't either!
#1 RAW HIDE :: Raw hide dog chews are absolutely a terrible idea for dogs. When I got my first dog, Bentley, I didn't know any better. I assume items marketed for dogs were safe for them. (Well, that was my first mistake). Raw hide is often known for not being digestible, getting stuck in their digestive system and needing to be surgically removed. My dog continually just threw it back up all over the house. So gross! Just don't do it. It's not worth it.
#2 TENNIS BALLS OR CHEAP PLASTIC BALLS :: Cheap balls and tennis balls seem like a great idea for games fo fetch. You are always seeing images of dogs playing with tennis balls in advertising and in movies! So it must be safe right? Wrong! These balls are easily broken apart into little pieces by a GSP. And then if your dogs are anything like mine, then the little pieces get eaten and once again caught in their digestive tract if you don't catch it in time. Spend the little bit of extra money for the only balls I will ever buy for my dogs, the Chuckit Ultra Rubber Balls. You can get a 2 pack for just $5 from Chewy.
#3 CHEAP KONG KNOCK OFF TOYS :: Kong toys are the super strong red or black rubber toys that are virtually indestructible. But they are pricey, I get it. Trying to save some money I purchased a knock off version of the Kong toys and regretted that decision when my GSPs destroyed that toy into a million little pieces within minutes of me giving it to them. More tiny little pieces to destroy their insides. Just don't do it! Spend the money on the actual Kong toys. While it may be a higher up front cost, the cost in the long run is so much cheaper, when you don't have to repurchase toys or take your dog to the vet to find out what's wrong with them after they eat the tiny pieces.
What would you add to the list? Comment below to let me know what else to avoid!
I also made a video where I talk more about each item with bonus footage of me showing you a new toy we got that I love to hate as well as a fetch game hack with two dogs!
