Dog and Cat Myths and Misconceptions

Whether you own a dog or cat, you have probably heard a myth or two about them. Here are a few of the most common myths or misconceptions we hear at Beechmont Pet Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Dogs

1.  If the dog’s nose is warm, it means it’s sick

The temperature of the dogs nose does not indicate that it is sick or has a fever.

The only accurate way to tell if your dog has a fever is by taking their temperature with a thermometer. A normal temperature for a dog is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees F.

2.  If a dog is wagging its tail, it is happy

While it is true that dogs wag their tails when they are happy, a wagging tail can also mean the dog is agitated, tense, frightened or feeling angry or aggressive.

3.  One year of a dog’s life is equal to 7 years of a humans life.

A more accurate rough guide for a medium size dog (30 – 50 lbs.) is:

Of course, there is a distinct difference between small breed and large breed dogs. Large dogs have a shorter life span than small dogs.

4. Dogs eat grass to vomit

 No one is 100% sure why dogs eat grass. Less than 25% of dogs vomit after eating grass.  Eating small amounts of grass is normal dog behavior.  Make sure your grass does not contain harmful pesticides, if your dog(s) eat grass.

5.  Dogs that spend time outside in the fenced yard get enough exercise

Most dogs will just lie down and go to sleep in the yard if left alone. Dogs need you to interact with them by throwing a ball, etc. to get enough exercise in the yard.

6.  Dogs that are mostly indoors don’t need heartworm protection

This is not true.  Indoor pets are still at risk for heartworm disease. Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes which can come inside.

7.  It’s ok to feed your dog table scraps and bones

Bones can be very dangerous for your dog, as they can get stuck in the esophagus, windpipe, stomach, or intestines . Fat trimmed from meat, cooked or uncooked, can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Many other human foods are toxic to pets.

Cats

1.  Cats can have cow’s milk

Just like people, cats can be lactose intolerant. The most common symptom of lactose intolerance in cats is diarrhea.  Cats do not need milk in their diet, as most children’s storybooks suggest.

2.  Cats are nocturnal

Cats are crepuscular. They are most active at dusk and dawn.

3.  Cats only purr when they are happy

While it is true that cats purr when they are happy, they also purr when they sick, stressed, injured, frightened or in pain.

4.  Cats always land on their feet

Cats do instinctively try and fall feet first. They can still sustain severe or even fatal injuries from a fall.

5.  Cats can see in the dark

The pupils of cats eyes open much wider than that of people, letting more light in during dawn and dusk. Cats cannot, however, see in total darkness.

6.  Cats hate water

While most cats hate baths and do not want to be immersed in water, a dripping faucet is like a cat magnet.

7.  Indoor cats don’t need to go the veterinarian for annual exams or get vaccinations

Annual exams are essential for veterinarians to have the opportunity to discover serious illness at an early stage, when steps may be taken to lessen the impact of the disease and prolong your cat’s life. Many diseases are clinically silent, which means the cat can have a serious ailment and appear completely normal.

Vaccinations are an inexpensive way to protect your cat against costly and sometimes deadly diseases. Rabies vaccines are required by law for both dogs and CATS in Cincinnati, Ohio.

For additional Myths and Facts about dogs and cats see our Pinterest Page.