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We all want what’s best for our furry friends. But what if, by trying our best, we may unintentionally do more harm than good? Think of all the overpriced and delicious-looking snacks you get for your bamboozler at a local pet store, the sea of pet toys you shower them with just because you love ‘em to the moon and back... and you wonder what’s up with your bank balance!

But one vet is debunking common myths and sharing some real useful pet tips, from things to get them at a pet store to things we feed them that are actually very toxic.

Meet Dr. Hunter Finn, TikTok’s beloved veterinarian, who has set out on a mission to educate owners on pet care and “strengthening the human + animal bond.” And with a whopping 1.9M followers and a total of 39.5M likes, it seems like Hunter is doing a terrific job.

More info: TikTok | Instagram | Youtube | DrHunterFinn.com

@dr.hunterfinn

#petsoftiktok #veterinarian #vettech #veterinarylife I’m on vacation, but promise to make more videos if y’all like these. Cats next.

♬ Send Me on My Way - Guy Meets Girl

#1

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

1. Shows you their tummy
2. Gently bites/nibbles you
3. Slowly stares and blinks at you

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Tash Wen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my 17-year-old cat stares and blinks at me almost all the time. She's also very chatty. I think she loves me almost as much as I love her

Rissie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How about sits on top of you for hours and trusts you to be a nice warm comforter? If you can't see when a cat loves you, the cat doesn't love you.

Helenium
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my cat and me best friends, i al her she comes, i ask if shes ok she chirps, if i cant find her and i call she chirps to say im here, love her

Luna Lovegood!
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, mine have no self-control, so does it still count if the biting is not so gentle?

Bella, Your Kitty-Loving Queen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well then my cat REALLY loves me. He rolls on his back and sticks his tummy out all the time.

sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my two rescues, will not give me her tummy, but I know, she was very abused and suffered trauma, she does show me love in other ways, I am Blessed that she does !!!

CincyReds
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What about never shows tummy, bites hard and scratches, and never stares at me. I just showed up one day, and has been with us ever since. I think he has serious trust issues. I just let him be hime. If you pet him to long he starts to give signs that he has has enough, it is very imporatns to watch

Kimberley Gayle Thomas
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have 3 cats. I get a mixture of the 3 things from them. One always shows his tummy, but only lets me pet it when he's on the bed with me. Otherwise, it's just a trap that I fell for. "Attack and see your blood Meowmy!" 2 of them always stare and blink at me. Sometimes it looks like disgust depending on the furball. Kitty #2 is the only one who licks and nibbles my hand as I pet her. The 3rd used to be very standoffish when it came to affection. "Would you prefer I throw you back on the street where I found you? Ungrateful cat." Now she wakes me up and demands pets when I want to go back to sleep. She lets me pet her tummy whether she's on the floor or on my bed.

Ladytiger
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Literally just took the cutest pic of my cat with his bare belly.

InfectedVoice
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All 4 of my cats do this at times, but it is always on their terms, of course, one of mine 'Little Bit' is so sweet and the way she looks at me and blinks still gets me every time even though I've had her for 5 years now.

Miss Frankfurter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know mine loves me. She regularly let's me know she wants to "flop" ( Too long explanation). Stares and blinks. Flips over for belly rubs that can last for up to 20 min. Maybe that's mercenary? But most of all, I know she loves me because she cares enough to relieve me of the stress of running the house. It's all up to her. What a comfort!

Missy Moo Moo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmmm does she hate me if she kicks all of her litter out of the litter box - EVERY SINGLE TIME?

F. H.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Random street cats do that when you pet them. That doesn't mean love.

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#2

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"Don't make them fat. "

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A B C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If this is a "lesser known" fact, we seriously need a pet license. It's amazing how stupid people can be.

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#3

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"It shortens their life. They rely on you"

Hunter Finn Report

With so many fun, colorful and tasty-looking things sold in the pet stores, it’s easy to get lost. Do you really need a bunch of overpriced organic dry foods for your furry friend, or yet another chewy bone to add to your pupper’s collection? Well, the experts say you may be better off without some of them.

So to find what to snatch and what to pass on in pet stores for the safety of our beloved four-legged friends, Bored Panda talked to Molly DeVoss, a certified feline training and behavior specialist who runs Cat Behavior Solutions agency.

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“I do not recommend buying a covered litter box—especially in a multi-cat household. Cats worry that they’ll be ambushed when coming out of a covered box,” Molly said and continued: “In the wild, a cat will choose to urinate/defecate in wide open spaces so they can see potential predators coming.” Turns out, covered litter boxes are often a cause for avoidance issues.

#4

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

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Sheila McEnany Markowitz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My cat loves cool, wet cloths draped on him in very hot weather. He walks around wearing it like his superhero cape.

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#5

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"Doesn't it always mean they are sick or have a nutritional deficiency? If they eat too much grass it can cause them to vomit yes. But the truth is they probably just enjoy it."

Hunter Finn Report

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Bow, I’m a Slytherclaw
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Our old cat used to go outside, eat some grass, then come in and puke on the living room floor.

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#6

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"My whole life's been a lie because that's the most perfect pill pocket I've ever seen"

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Missy Moo Moo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

British bulldog owner here - she seriously LOVES strawberries! I could hide a brick in a strawberry and she would eat the brick too

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Among other things that Molly would suggest avoiding is buying a box that’s too small. “As a rule of thumb, the box needs to be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat (measured from tip of nose to base of tail),” she explained.

Moreover, the feline behavior expert would also avoid buying dry food for cats “because it does not provide adequate hydration. The worst brand of wet food is far better for your cat than the highest quality dry food. Yes, dry food is convenient for you, but it is not what your feline species needs to maintain optimal health.”

#7

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

"The plants are extremely toxic and can cause kidney failure. Even the pollen or water from the vase can be toxic"

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A B C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you have any pet, check ALL your plants for toxicity. Here's a good place to start: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

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#8

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"Alcohol, onions, chocolate, Macadamia nuts, grapes"

Hunter Finn Report

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#9

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

1. Recognizes your name when talked about
2. Guarding you or looking the other way while you eat
3. Prolonged staring at you

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Yettichild
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With medium to large dogs, you can easily tell by the number of things your dog breaks wagging their tail.

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And when it comes to cat toys, Molly said it is a lot like buying toys for children; “you want to avoid small parts and pieces that can break off or be chewed off and swallowed. Ingesting toys can create serious intestinal issues and blockages in cats.”

According to her, wand toys are the best choice for your cat; interactive play simulates the hunting sequence and burns off pent-up energy. “Be sure to put the wand toy away—out of reach to the cat—when you’re not using it,” she reminded all the cat owners.

#10

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

1 year old dog= 31 year old human
2 years=49

What about 7 year old dog? 62

Aging slows down. 8 year old= 64

Hunter Finn Report

#11

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

Make sure there is no xylitol and its super high in calories so MODERATION or else they gonna get chonky

dr.hunterfinn Report

#12

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

"We don't know the exact toxin in the grapes and some dogs will be fine while others go into kidney failure"

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Iggy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Right, they're getting left in the shop along with the lilies.

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We also talked to Salman Haqqi, a pet insurance expert at Money.co.uk who said that when picking the right toy for your dog, you should consider “the size of your dog, how active they are, their breed and age." Moreover, "Toys that are too small can get lodged in your dog's throat or be easily swallowed so it’s best to buy the appropriate size for your breed.”

And when it comes to many dogs' favorite squeaky toys, the Money.co.uk animal experts warn that the canine “may want to track down and demolish the noise, which could be ingested if left unattended, so just keep an eye on your pooch to make sure they aren't eating anything they shouldn't be.”

#13

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"Yes, they like the exaggerated, high pitched tone. But only when using dog relevant words like 'walk' or 'play'"

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Lynn Donovan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We do sound stupid when we walk our puppy. "Yaaaaay!" "Good boooy!". But we don't care! We love how excited he gets.

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#14

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

"Pig ears. Very fatty. Can contribute to obesity, vomiting and diarrhea. Higher chance of bacterial overgrowth"

Hunter Finn Report

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#15

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

Hunter Finn Report

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A B C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whut? I can slap a stone against my knee without it hurting, and I can slap a sausage against my knee so hard that it hurts. It depends on how hard I slap!?

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“Be careful with rawhide dog chews as they may pose choking hazards, it's always important to check with your vet about the most safe and appropriate toys. We’d recommend Kongs and fun treat dispensers that keep your pet entertained for long periods of time.”

If you’re thinking of getting your pet some chews, you should make sure there is nothing sharp or hard that could damage pets' teeth or cause injury, “anything that could splinter or be a choking hazard.”

#16

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

1. Picking fights with housemates.
2. Peeing outside the litterbox
3. Tearing up furniture
4. Overgrooming
5. Sleeping more
6. Overeating

Hunter Finn Report

#17

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

"They are smelling secretions from anal sacs. These glands produce a unique odor to that animal. It gives them instant information and helps them determine how to act"

Hunter Finn Report

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#18

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

"Bones (Raw or processed) and Hooves. These WILL wear/break your dogs teeth and possibly cause gastrointestinal problems. Remember this: if you can't make any indention with your fingernail or hit it against your knee comfortably, then it's hard for your dog to chew"

Hunter Finn Report

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know what to believe. Some vets say raw bones are good for dogs, especially with keeping their teeth clean and now this vet says no to raw bones.

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#19

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

The next year=about 10 years
Then every year = about 7 years after that

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crazy_cat_notAlady
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm living with the equivalent of a 65-year old man with a "mid-life" crisis. my cat's human persona would b a grey-haired man, with a small paunch, who lounges around in his boxers, yells at his neighbors for mowing their lawn on Saturday afternoons. Drinks beer after lunch while judging millennial kids and dreaming about buying a boat. (pisses in the garden despite having 5 toilets in the house) yup. that explains it.

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#20

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

1.Remove the stinger (don't use tweezers)
2. Apply baking soda/water paste and ice the area
3. Call your vet

dr.hunterfinn Report

#21

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

"These won't always cause problems, but if shredded, ingested and unable to be passed can become life threatening"

Hunter Finn Report

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Lynn Donovan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dog loves a good tugging war but I always put the rope away when we're done. I do this with a good majority of his toys (he can keep his plushies and one chewing bone) so he never gets tired of them and it's safer this way (I'm home with him all day so we play multiple times a day).

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#22

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

1.Hyperactive at times
2. Always hungry
3. Drinks a lot of water
4. Losing weight

dr.hunterfinn Report

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#23

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

1.Establish one primary veterinarian
2. If you're concerned, don't wait
3. Invest in pet insurance

Hunter Finn Report

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Disagree with the pet insurance. Even Choice Australia doesn't recommend pet insurance coz there is just too many catches, restrictions and fine print. Better to save a few dollars a week in a separate account or money box.

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#24

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

"Meat is the #1 ingredient means it must be the best right? Meat is generally about 70% water. So maybe it should say "water is the first ingredient". Don't base your choice off of this one marketing tactic"

Hunter Finn Report

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Grain free is also a marketing tactic coz dogs need some grains in their diet unless medically exempt. And vegan cat food should be illegal since they are obligate carnivores and can't thrive and survive without meat in their diet.

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#25

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

"Wet noses help their sense of smell and help cool them down"

dr.hunterfinn Report

#26

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dr.hunterfinn Report

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Yettichild
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you value your sense of smell/sanity, never feed a dog jasmine rice. We had to evacuate the house her farts were so bad.

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#27

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"All dog feet smell... some more than others. Mainly due to microbes like yeast and bacteria. If the odor is getting stronger or your dog is licking/chewing a lot go see you vet"

Hunter Finn Report

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#28

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

At least once every 3 days. Make sure to get those back molars especially as they chew with those most often

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Yettichild
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't brush my cat's teeth. He won't let me. But, I did feed him oral care food plus feline greenies up until recently (had to change him to Rx food for kidneys) and my vet is always floored by his teeth. He is 14 now and has never once needed a cleaning or anything. The vet says, by his teeth he would have said my cat was 6, and that just from the wear. Pretty sure they think I'm lying about his age. But he was one of my foster kittens and I've had him since he weighed less than 2 lbs. I'm determined to keep him around as long as possible. Within reason of course, I wouldn't make him suffer needlessly.

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#29

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"The best way to avoid even HAVING to do this is to use prevention (orals are better than collars). But this product helps you remove the entire tick. Without having to touch it or leave the head in the dog. Prevention is better than simply removing ticks because now this dog is at risk for many different diseases"

dr.hunterfinn Report

#30

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

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Mike Crow
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have an English mastiff and we can hardly find any chew toy that she won’t destroy in minutes. With over 500 psi of bite strength, even the “tough” toys don’t last long.

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#31

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

"Dog hair constantly goes through different cycles. Dogs that shed less (poodles) have hair constantly in the growing cycle. The BEST way to reduce shedding is to BRUSH your pet frequently"

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A B C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait, brushing helps against shedding/loose hair? So that's why there's hair in my hairbrush every morning? And that works on dogs, too? Astounding!

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#33

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

1. Allergies (grasses, pollens, food, fleas)
2. Bacterial or Yeast infections
3. Mites (demodex and scabies)

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Jaz Jensen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Food allergy. My dog was on itch medication, for months. I changed his diet to grain free & chicken free and he hasn't itched since.

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#34

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

"Exhibit A. Drown out the rain. Distract them with play. Many different calming nutraceuticals/products. Last resort veterinary prescribed medication"

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If only they worked for my dog. We have spent hundreds of dollars trying different things to help calm our dog and the only thing that works are strong dose of anti anxiety meds with an added sedative, which is NOT a long term solution.

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#36

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

"You should never feed a homemade diet. Look, guys, you can absolutely feed on my diet. You just have to take some precautions. The biggest thing you have to worry about is making sure that is balanced. No, just trust me, because I have this little piece of paper right here that says I can practice medicine as a bat. I'm a pet parent, too, and I want what's best for my pets, just like I want what's best for years. Please don't just go Google these recipes and think that they're balanced. They may be tasty, but that's not the best way to do it. There's literally a website called Balance AdCom. You can put in the proteins, carbs, fats, whatever you want. It'll balance it for you. It's free to use and you can literally make sure you're giving your pet everything they need. The trick is you do have to add in like a multivitamin or something that balances that food. But every food you're going to go by will have that done already. And if the food's not balanced, cut it out"

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#37

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

1. Extra gassy or loose poops
2. Itchy skin
3. Vomit
4. Low energy

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#39

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

Your dog will suck in air and it can sound pretty scary. But they can breathe and it's very rarely ever an issue.
1. Gently close your dogs muzzle and place finger over one nostril
2. Gently massage their throat

dr.hunterfinn Report

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#40

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

"Start allergy treatment"

Hunter Finn Report

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Missy Moo Moo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Animal dermatologists are all over the world - they can desensitize allergies. My dog has been treated and never scratches or licks her paws. Best thing I've ever done!!

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#41

Pet-Care-Tips-Vet-Hunter-Finn-Tiktok

1. Buy pet insurance as soon as possible
2. High quality diet/supplemets can prevent many diseases
3. Brush their teeth at least once every 3 days

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bumble bee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't buy pet insurance, feed them good dog/cat food and you won't need supplements, brush their teeth at your own risk

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