Indeed, the line between fact and fiction can be downright hazy. That’s where we come in! Together, let’s debunk some of the most common pet care myths.

Nutritional Fallacies

We work tirelessly to educate pet owners on the subject of proper pet nutrition, and one of the most common pet care myths surrounds what people food a pet can or cannot consume. Many pet owners erroneously assume that all human foods are off-limits, but many healthy fruits or vegetable (like cantaloupe, carrots, and apples) can add a great deal to a pet’s vitality.

Secondly, grass eating misconceptions abound. Many breeds, such as Labs and retrievers, tend to graze on grass naturally indicating that it tastes good to them. However, it’s more common for a dog to chew on grass to help him or her vomit in response to gastritis symptoms or other digestive upset. While never a hard and fast rule, it’s always good to closely observe your dog’s grass intake and whether or not he or she keeps it down.

Lastly, many of us grew up with images of kittens lapping up dishes of cream or milk, but the reality is dairy products are not good for your pet. Lactose is incredibly difficult to digest and can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Behavioral Mistakes

You know that old adage “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”? Well, it’s completely wrong! Older pets can most certainly learn new tricks and, with proper motivation and owner support, your aging or senior cat or dog may just shock you with his or her precision, consistency, and enthusiasm.

Many people misunderstand that a wagging tail always means happiness. Your pet may regularly wag his or her tail when agitated, angry, aggressive, or anxious, in addition to other pleasant stimuli. Always look out for a pet’s corresponding body language to help understand his or her overall behavior.

One of the most widespread cat myths is that cats purr exclusively when happy. However, cats also tend to purr when stressed, ill, or injured. Purring remains somewhat of a mystery to experts, but, conclusively, it’s a direct reaction to blissful, stressful, or even uncomfortable stimuli.

Debunking Pet Care Myths

Other myths that pervade our culture (and we daresay, logic) include:

  • Cats have nine lives
  • Dogs are colorblind
  • Cats can see in the dark
  • A warm nose means your dog is sick
  • Your dog’s mouth is cleaner than your own (oh, please don’t forget about your pet’s dental care!)
  • A strictly indoor pet is healthier than indoor-outdoor or outdoor only pets (all pets need annual or bi-annual wellness examinations to support health and longevity)
  • Cats always land on their feet

The above pet care myths (and probably dozens more) will continue to perpetuate our culture’s approach to the animals with whom we share our lives. The reasoning behind the myths vary considerably, but one thing’s for sure: they keep pet owners puzzling over what the truth may be.

If we can address any questions or dispel concerns about pet care myths that you’ve heard about or suspect, please give us a call. We are always here to help!