Are you new to pet parenting and looking for some pet care tips? Don’t be fooled by everything you may read online or hear via word of mouth, in this article we’ll be debunking common misconceptions about pet care! 

“Pets, especially cats, can drink cow’s milk.”

Thanks to old cartoons, this misconception is an unfortunately popular one. Despite what you may have heard, your pets are actually lactose intolerant and should avoid cow’s milk and most non-pet friendly dairy products. It’s actually dangerous for strays to drink milk, as this can cause them to get sick and become extremely dehydrated. If you’re looking to treat your pets to milk, then you should only give them pet milk that is lactose free. 

“Your pet eats grass because they have an upset stomach.”

A common misconception when your pet eats grass is that they do so due to upset stomachs. This is, in fact, a myth. As a matter of fact, grass helps your pet’s digestive system, and provides them with nutrients they may be lacking. We wouldn’t recommend letting your pet eat grass from your lawn or a park because it may contain harmful chemicals like pesticides or fertilizers. Instead, we’d recommend purchasing a planter set and grass seeds to grow natural, healthy grass specifically for your pet. 

“Indoor pets don’t need regular vaccinations and don’t get sick.”

Having your pets be “indoors only”, doesn’t mean that they are immune to any diseases or parasites. Your cats and dogs will still need their regular annual vaccinations and parasite treatments. The best way to prevent any risk of illness is to prevent it entirely. Some illnesses can also be spread between pets and humans, which is why it’s important to ensure you’re both healthy!

“A dry nose means your dog is sick.”

A common doggie misconception is that if they have dry noses, they’re unwell, and while it would be convenient to know if your dog was sick based on their snouts, there’s no need to panic where dry noses are concerned! If your dog’s nose is dry, it may be due to a number of factors. According to the AKC (American Kennel Club), these factors may include dehydration, old age, exposure to heat or cold from outside, or even from napping, since they don’t lick their noses in their sleep. 

“Your pet can eat the food as you.”

There’s a reason why there are so many healthy pet food diets catered specifically for your pets. Our food is too high in fat content and carbs for their digestive tracts to process correctly, which can lead to health complications. If your pet is required to be on a specific diet involving chicken or vegetables, it’s important to only serve it to them when it’s unseasoned and prepared without any butters or oils. The best course of action would be to consult with your vet to determine which diet is best suited for your fur-baby. They’ll be able to guide you and recommend the right pet food option, or dietary guide. 

“Carrots are good for rabbits.”

Yet another myth made popular by old cartoons, many people tend to associate rabbits and bunnies with carrots. Contrary to popular belief, carrots should only be given to your rabbits in moderation as they actually contain high amounts of sugar. If you do give your bunnies carrots, it should be in small amounts as an occasional treat. 

“Cats only purr when they’re happy.”

Cats do in fact purr when they’re happy, but that’s not the only reason! Sometimes your cats might purr when they’re feeling in pain or are feeling afraid. Purring is also a method they use to self-sooth and help them stay calm, and mothers will purr to keep their kittens soothed as well.

“Dogs can’t see color.” 

Another “old wives tale” is that dogs “only see in black & white”. This is actually false, in fact, dogs can actually see in yellow and blue hues. They actually see better in low-light conditions due to them having more rods in their retinas. When you choose a new toy for your dog, consider one in a blue or yellow tone to get their attention! 

“Cats always land on their feet.”

This misconception is another one that may be dangerous. You might think that your cats are safe from falls because they’ll “land on their feet” but in reality, they may end up getting severely injured. This is why it’s important to ensure that your balconies or landings are protected and that your kitties won’t be able to fall off of them. 

It’s important to distinguish between misconceptions and facts when it comes to your pets to ensure that they’re being properly cared for and that the right amount of precautions are in place when needed. If you’re ever in doubt, we’d recommend contacting a reputable pet behaviorist or your local veterinarian for more guidance and to help you dispel any misconceptions you may have.