Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

Nobody knows your pet better than you do (at least, no one who can talk!), but you just might be making some assumptions about your silent furry friend. It’s no wonder, though: These health myths about pets are the kind of things that get tossed around like a Frisbee at the dog park, but learning the truth can help you make sure your dog or cat gets the care they need to live long and happy lives.

Myth #1: A warm, dry nose means a dog is sick

The truth: It could just be the weather! A cold, wet nose is more typical for dogs, a warm, dry snout doesn’t mean your pup is under the weather, says Alison Creighton, a registered veterinary technician with VCA Animal Hospitals. It could just be a result of the actual weather. “A healthy dog, for example, might have a dry nose after lying in the sun or being exposed to heavy winds,” Creighton says. But if your dog’s nose is dry and the skin around it is red and irritated, or if there are other symptoms like lethargy or loss of appetite, call your vet, as this can indicate a medical problem like dehydration. And don’t assume that a cold, wet nose means all is well. “The best way to monitor your dog’s health is to keep an eye out for any symptoms or behaviors that aren’t typical for them,” Creighton says.

Myth #2: Dogs eat grass when they have an upset stomach

The truth: There are actually so many reasons dogs eat grass. Although some dog owners see a connection between pets not feeling well and their eating grass, an upset stomach isn’t always what drives a dog to munch on the green stuff—and sometimes it’s the grass itself that causes them to throw up, says Angela Hoover, a registered veterinary technician with VCA Animal Hospitals. There are many other possibilities for why dogs eat grass, including boredom, enjoyment, and, some believe, their natural instinct to scavenge. Still, it’s best to discourage the habit if you can, especially beyond your own backyard: The grass could be chemically treated or contaminated with parasites from another animal’s feces. Yuck.

 

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Myth #3: Urine outside the litter box just means a cat is marking its territory

The truth: For healthy neutered or spayed cats, spraying outside the litter box is uncommon. If a cat is fixed before puberty, the chance of their spraying can be reduced by 90% in males and 95% in females, says Jennifer Bruns, D.V.M., M.P.V.M., of PetSmart veterinary services. If your kitty is fixed, missing the litter box likely has nothing to do with marking territory, especially if it’s new behavior. Maybe you need to clean the box more often or your cat is stressing over a new pet or baby or even a noise in your house. But urine issues can be a sign of potentially serious illnesses like kidney disease or a urinary tract infection, Bruns says. If your cat is peeing more often, straining to pee, or doing it outside the box, tell your vet. “Your vet will likely do blood work and a urinalysis to find the root issue and determine the best course of action to get the cat’s health back on track,” Bruns says.

Myth #4: A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s mouth

The truth: “Human and dog mouths are equally dirty,” says Hoover. Just as we do, dogs have hundreds of bacteria in their mouths, some good, some bad. The bacteria pasteurella, for example, is the biggest culprit behind why a bite or scratch from a dog or cat gets infected. Doggie smooches are fine, Hoover says, but be careful not to let a dog lick your wounds or theirs. All that bacteria is bad news for your dog’s dental health as well: At least 80% of dogs over age 3 have periodontal disease, research shows. Hoover recommends brushing their teeth regularly with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. While once a day is best, aim for three times a week at minimum. If your dog won’t let you, talk to your vet about other options, Hoover suggests, such as enzymatic washes or dental treats that help clear tartar off dogs’ teeth. You could also have your dog’s teeth cleaned while they’re under anesthesia.

Myth #5: Cats don’t need help keeping themselves clean.

The truth: Cats who are older or sick, or have gotten into something really dirty. may need a bath (or a once-over with pet-safe cleaning wipes) now and again, Bruns says. These kitties may also require regular brushing to reduce hairballs and matting, she adds. Additionally, all cats need their teeth brushed and their nails trimmed regularly. Try to brush your cat’s teeth every day, but if that’s not an option, there are wipes, treats, and foods that can help with dental disease; talk to your vet about good choices and ask about how often it’s necessary to trim your cat’s nails. Doing so regularly helps keep their paws healthy. As a bonus, it can also cut down on furniture scratches, Bruns adds.

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Kate Rockwood is a freelance writer based in New York. 

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By admin