Dollar Stores are the fastest growing sector in retail by far – people love getting bargains. But there are lots of things for sale in dollar stores that aren’t safe, in fact, they’re downright dangerous… not only for you, but for your Morkie too.
Don’t buy this stuff at a dollar store:
- electrical cords – faulty power strips, surge protectors, holiday mini-lights, extension cords — sure you might save a buck or two but you also could BURN DOWN YOUR HOUSE! Undersized wires, loose connections, faulty components or improper grounding are just some of the problems.
- any canned or boxed food – it’s probably expired or could be contaminated.
- toys – they either break quickly or worse, are often a choking hazard. Just check out the U.S. Consumer Recall site to see how many recalls are dollar store type products.
- tiny sized shampoos, beauty and cleaning products – they’re not necessarily dangerous they’re just not a good deal. But their small packaging can fool us.
- toilet paper, facial tissues, paper towels – really? Are these the products you want to fail? Thin, flimsy, single layer toilet paper just isn’t welcome in my household.
And one of the WORST THINGS to buy at a dollar store:
Dog Treats!
Rawhide, jerky, bully sticks – all these so called treats have been recalled over and over. Even from top quality manufacturers and retailers, let alone dollar stores. The dollar store versions are likely about to expire, or already have. Very nasty stuff for your Morkie.
Nasty Knock-Offs
They’re probably knock-off treats made in China, and we know how that can end. The Veterinary Information Network published an update on the jerky treat problem in May; Chicken Jerky Treats from China may be Associated with Kidney Issues.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has been strongly warning us to avoid these treats since 2007– whether they’re made from beef, turkey, chicken or duck. Whether they’re called tenders, sticks, poppers, treats or jerkies… And the ‘new and improved’ sweet potato treats are no better. In fact they’ve been directly linked to dog and cat poisoning.
Better treats for your Morkie or small dog:
- baby carrots
- cooked (by you) liver bits
- experiment with different fruits and veges like a green bean, a blueberry or small slice of banana.
AVOID: grapes and raisins, anything with added sugar, chocolate, tea, coffee, alcohol, onions
WATCH OUT FOR: very hard treats like nylon bones, antlers and smoked bones. These can be very hard on your Morkie’s tiny teeth, even breaking them off.
Foods your Morkie should never eat
Kim Lam has some great healthy dog treat recipes for you to make including wheat-free biscuits, pumpkin dog cookies and cheese pops that your Morkie puppy will love:
Definitely a better choice – simple, healthy treats YOU make