'I'm a vet and there's five common things I'd never do with my dog to keep them safe'

A vet has shared the five common things he would never do with his dog as he issues a warning to pet owners everywhere.

Vet Marcus, who is known as @thefriendlyvet on social media, has listed the 'common but dangerous' things that could put your pet in harms' way.

In his TikTok video, he starts by saying he would never take his pet, Charlie, to a dog park because he doesn't want to risk his pet picking up an illness or being attacked by another canine.

Secondly, he says he would never give Charlie a bone or bully stick to chew on as they can 'easily damage your dogs' teeth', leading to an expensive bill.

Instead, he recommends owners try dental sticks as they're much safer to pets.

He said: "I will never walk him without a leash. All it takes is one squirrel or a tennis ball and now he is in the middle of the street and gets hit by a car."

Naming an obvious one, he says he would never stop any of his long-term medications, preventatives or vaccines, saying they're prescribed and recommended for a reason.

Finally, he says he would never "free feed" him because it's easier to ensure he has a healthy, balanced diet when his feeding times are controlled.

He says it also allows his to see whether he has a decrease in appetite which could be a "huge underlying marker that something is wrong".

Commenting on his post, one user said: "Thank God I am not the only one not taking my dog to the dog park. I always feel guilty but I know is for his own protection."

Another user added: "Love all of this! I used to not give bully sticks either till I found bw_labs buddy that helps prevent choking!"

A third user said: "Yeah, I will never take my dog to the dog park because you do not know what disease they can get. Parvo is one of the worst."

One more user added: "I have never done any of these. Best thing I did was purchase preventative insurance when she was a puppy. Has made preventative care so affordable."

Another user added: "Free-feeding works for us because ours dogs are the biggest grazers and sometimes won't touch food for a full day! Depends on the dog!"

A final user said: "My puppy loves the dog park I have to take her there once a day. She has made so many friend there. I go there everyday."