16 Things About Pet Care You Should Never Believe

We all love to believe we know everything about our pets, but there are plenty of myths and misconceptions about pet ownership floating around. We looked to Arya Animal Acupuncture to help us learn about these false facts and the truth behind each one. Understanding these myths will help you care for your furry friend even better, making their life—and yours—happier and healthier. From diet to behavior, there’s always more to learn about your beloved pet, so keep reading, and you may be surprised by what you discover.
Your Pet is Sick if It Has a Dry or Warm Nose

This is an ancient myth that is false. Veterinarians suggest that your pet’s nose’s temperature and moisture level keep changing and altering during the day. It is contingent upon your pet’s environment, genetics, activity level, etc. Remember, the dryness or warmth of your pet’s nose does not indicate illness of your fur baby. If your pet usually behaves, you need not worry about your pet’s dry or warm nose, which will give you a sense of ease about your pet’s health.
When Your Kitty Purrs, It Means She is in Jolly Mood

Experienced vets always suggest that when your kitty pursues, she is in a jolly mood. But, it is more complicated to gauge. The vets are actually to indicate that a purring cat is often relaxed and comfortable. However, the purring of a cat also suggests they are trying to self-soothe during sickness, stress, or suffering silently in pain. The low-frequency vibrations of purs have healing properties that enable kitties to heal quickly.
Doggies Wag Their Tail When They Are Happy

Just like purring, the wagging of a tail by a puppy does not mean they are in a happy state of mind. According to research conducted by experts in canine behavior, they are cheerful whenever a furry pal wags to the right-hand side. On the other hand, when they wag their tail on the left-hand side, it indicates they are distressed or nervous. The minutest differences in speed and breadth of wagging combined with other body language cues can showcase their actual state of mind.
Indoor Cats Do Not Require Flea Prevention

It may surprise you, but even indoor cats require regular flea prevention. Fleas thrive in regulated indoor temperatures, and their eggs and larvae can lie dormant for months, waiting to hatch. When you avoid keeping fleas away from your indoor cats, it makes them susceptible to illness. To keep your kitty flea-free, it’s essential to administer proper flea-prevention treatments every month.
Trimming Double-Coated Dogs Keeps Them Cool

Although it might seem logical to trim down double-coated dog breeds like a Husky to assist them in beating the summer heat, it has the opposite effect on your fur baby. The double coats on selective dog breeds are natural to keep them insulated against extreme temperatures across the year. With the help of their undercoat and guard hairs, the doggies trap cool air under their skin. Shaving or trimming their coat interferes with their temperature regulations, making them vulnerable to sunburns.
Kitties Can Land on Their Feet from Greater Heights

The kitty’s specialized inner ear canals allow them to balance their feet from greater heights. This ability enables them to correct themselves mid-air and land on their feet more than any other animal. They can correct their landing if they fall from 3-4 feet. However, any more height and they are prone to injuries. So, never expect miracles to see whether your feline can land on their feet from greater heights.
Pooches Eat Grass Whenever They Are Unwell

Pet parents often see their doggies eating grass and feel they are ill. However, not all grass-eating doggies eat due to sick stomachs. Certain dogs enjoy the taste and texture of grass. The grass is also high in fiber, which betters their digestion process and provides nutrients lacking in their diet. Until and unless the grass eating is followed by vomiting or other symptoms, you should not worry about your fur baby’s health.
You can Skip the Winter Flea Treatment for Your Pet

Some pet parents believe that giving flea treatment to their pets during the colder months of winter is a wise call. However, when you take a break from the treatment, it results in re-infestation. Fleas tend to thrive indoors regardless of the weather outside. It is usually found that ticks typically wither away approximately at 18 degrees F or below. During cooler months, they are revived swiftly. Due to the unpredictable seasonal swings, non-stop monthly flea prevention is the best resort for pet parents.
Declawing of Your Feline is Not a Big Deal

One of the biggest myths associated with felines is that declawing them by manipulating the topmost knuckles of their toes is not a big deal. It is an excruciating process that sometimes makes your kitty less mobile and defenseless. If your cat remains clawless, it makes their walk painful and gasping for air. After the declawing procedure, various felines become more aggressive. So, if you are worried about your cat’s scratching behavior, do not ever go for declawing of their claws.
Smaller Breed Dogs Live a Long Life

This is a baseless myth. A dog’s size does not determine its long life. While it has been observed that giant breed dogs have shorter lifespans due to factors like weight-related joint stress, size is not a determinant factor for a dog’s more extended life. Other longevity factors include the disposition of the breed, which results in certain health conditions, and even the status of neutering. Certain more giant breed dogs overlive the smaller breed dogs.
Shelter Dogs Spreads Diseases

Despite warnings on some online sites about the potential health risks of petting shelter dogs, the risk of human-to-human transmission of most canine illnesses is relatively low. Shelter dogs are as healthy as any other dog, so you should have no problem adopting one. As long as you follow suitable hygiene protocols, there’s no need for pet owners to worry.
One Dog Year is Equivalent to Seven Human Years

Veterinarians have long claimed that one dog year equals seven human years, but this aging ratio needs to be revised. In reality, canines reach adulthood by the time they are one to two years of age, making the 1:7 ratio completely false. Instead, experienced researchers now consider calculations based on breed size and lifespan more consistent when comparing dog and human aging. However, neat age conversions remain somewhat capricious.
White Cats With Blue Eyes are Deaf

Have you heard this one before? It is actually a pretty common myth. Many people believe that white cats with blue eyes are deaf, but this is completely false. In reality, only white cats with two copies of the W gene, which suppresses coat pigmentation, are at risk of deafness. A single W gene combined with a non-blue eye color gene does not pose a threat of deafness. So a white cat with blue eyes may be able to hear you just fine!
Pets Hate Each Other On Sight

Some people think that pets instantly dislike one another, which is why dogs tend to nip or bark and cats have a tendency to run and hide from other animals. However, most pets simply want to sniff each other and figure out who is in their space. While taking precautions when introducing two pets can be good, it is not always necessary. Most animals will be just fine when meeting for the first time.
Cats Only Like One Person

Many cat owners may tell you that their feline friends only bond with one human and dislike all the rest. It is simply not true! Cats don’t bond exclusively with one person, but they can form attachments with multiple people in their environment. Their social nature allows them to build relationships based on positive interactions, play, and affection from various family members. Many cats enjoy the attention and care of different people, making the idea that cats only like specific people totally false.
Raw Diets Are Dangerous

The growing trend of feeding pets raw, natural diets has stirred plenty of debate. People seem to think that raw ingredients carry a higher risk of harmful bacteria compared to traditional kibble. However, plenty of studies show that the digestive systems of healthy dogs and cats are well-equipped to handle most microbes found in raw meats, much like their wild ancestors who thrived on whole prey. You can safely provide the fresh, nutrient-rich meals your pet deserves without worry. Just be sure to get your raw food from a reputable source!
While these debunked myths offer valuable insights, consulting a veterinarian for specific pet care concerns is always the best action. When in doubt, you can always check for the correct information from your vet. The twelve myths and realities about pet care have been enlightening and will undoubtedly assist you in caring for your pet with confidence.
This article was inspired by Arya Animal Acupuncture.