Despite the wealth of info at our fingertips at all moments of the day, some commonly repeated pet myths persist. And while most of them are pretty harmless, believing some of them could result in worse care for your furry friends. So, let’s learn together!
1. Dogs only see in black and white
Not the case. They don’t see the full range of color that humans perceive, but the world doesn’t look like a black-and-white movie to them. It’s more likely that they see color the way that color-blind humans do.
2. A purring cat is a happy cat
Purring is often associated with contentment in cats, but it’s not the only reason they purr. They may also do it to soothe themselves when they’re sick, scared, or in pain.
3. It’s good for your pet to lick their wounds
Licking won’t help with healing – and it may make things worse. Pets’ mouths contain bacteria that can lead to infection if it builds up. This is why pets are often given cones to wear until a wound has finished healing. In all cases, be sure to follow your vet’s advice for wound care.
4. Pets pee on things or destroy stuff out of spite
No, your pets aren’t mad at you. If they’re messing with your stuff and tearing apart your house, they’re probably just bored and need more stimulation in the form of play and toys. And if they’re doing their business where they shouldn’t, it could be a sign of a health issue that requires a check-up with your vet.
5. Declawing house cats is ok
Not only is declawing a cat not ok, it’s now illegal in many states – Illinois included. It amounts to an amputation because it involves removing the top joint and bone on their feet.
6. One dog year = 7 human years
It would be nice to have a handy formula like this, but it’s just not true. Many more factors figure into determining the relative age of a dog and how long it may live.
7. Cats are fine on their own
Cats tend to be thought of as more self-sufficient than dogs, which is true in some ways. But that doesn’t mean that it’s OK to put out a bunch of food and leave your cats alone for days. Like dogs, they are also social creatures and benefit from the company of people. If you plan to go out of town, you should always have someone come over to feed and hang with them at least once a day.
8. A dry or warm nose is a sign of illness
This is an old myth that simply isn’t true. The state of your pet’s nose can vary depending on many factors including the environment, weather, and activity level. A dry or warm nose may accompany other symptoms but isn’t reason enough to worry that your pet is sick.
9. Dogs only eat grass when they’re sick
The real story? Dogs may eat grass at any time… because they think it’s tasty. And it’s generally ok in moderation. Just make sure that the grass they’re snacking on isn’t treated with dangerous chemicals like pesticides.
