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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

dr.hunterfinn Report

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    #2

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

    "Don't make them fat. "

    dr.hunterfinn Report

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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

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

    "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

    Hunter Finn Report

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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
    Community Member
    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

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

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

    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

    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"

    dr.hunterfinn Report

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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

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

    "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

    dr.hunterfinn Report

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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

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

    There's the key word: xylitol. It's a sweetener that can be found in lots of things but can be fatal for our canine comrades. Beware. If you have mints in your purse, there could be a potential poison for curious Muttley.

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

    I like to give my dog crunshy peanut butter because they tend to have less sugar.

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

    Smuckers makes yummy non-sweetened pb, it's great for giving pills in.

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

    At the shelter the coolest job was handing out peanut butter filled My Kong's to the dogs

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

    One time when I came home by dog had chewed open a jar of peanut butter and eaten all of it, there was a huge mess on the carpet and my mum and I were panicking thinking that peanut butter was harmful for dogs, later on we found out it was fine 😅

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

    This is how I give my dogs their medicine, they love peanut butter!

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

    I've checked (big fan of Skippy pb) Skippy is safe for dogs. I freaked out when I first found out about the xylitol. I checked, my babies were/are safe.

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

    Except that none of my dogs (over 11) have ever voluntarily eaten peanut butter. I don't know what is IN US peanut butter, but I'd also be very very careful of which oils are in the stuff.

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

    I put it on the roof of my dogs mouth, he likes and hates it in equal parts.

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

    I first spoon the jar empty, and then doggy gets turns over the coming days to lick the last out of the jar ;)

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    #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"

    dr.hunterfinn Report

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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

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

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

    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

    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

    Hunter Finn Report

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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

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

    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

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

    "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

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

    "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

    Hunter Finn Report

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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"

    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

    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)

    dr.hunterfinn Report

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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"

    dr.hunterfinn 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

    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"

    Hunter Finn Report

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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

    dr.hunterfinn Report

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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

    Hunter Finn Report

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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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