Common Pet Health Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

There are many common beliefs held by society regarding our pets' health. Pet owners can neglect to care for their pets' health properly by listening to some of these beliefs. Let’s debunk some of the more common pet health myths.

Dogs Eat Grass to Make Themselves Vomit

This is a common myth surrounding dogs' health: they eat grass to make themselves vomit. This is not completely true. Dogs do occasionally eat grass and then throw up. So, did the animal consume the grass to ease its stomach, or did it cause them to become ill? It’s a chicken-and-egg question. Dogs may become sick from fertilizers and pesticides used on grass. It is a fact that vomiting after consuming grass is observed in less than 25% of dogs, while illness symptoms before eating grass are only present in 10% of dogs.

So, in most cases, there is a high chance that both behaviors are unrelated. Dogs graze on grass merely to eat it and get roughage because they are dogs. Behaviorists related to dog health care have stated that eating grass is a normal behavior that dogs enjoy and has nothing to do with their feeling sick.

A Pet’s Oral Health is Not Important

Many pet owners believe their pet’s oral health is unimportant. However, oral hygiene is important to your pet’s overall health. You can use numerous methods at home to support your pet's dental hygiene. Regular brushing and dental treats or toys can help your pet's dental health. You are also encouraged to use the dental care products that your veterinarian prescribes. You should occasionally take your pet to get their mouth and teeth thoroughly cleaned, oftentimes your groomer can do this for you.

It is Okay for Pets to Lick Their Wounds

The myth that pets are okay to lick their wounds is wrong on various fronts. When pets lick their wounds, they transfer all the bacteria from their mouths to the wound site. This can lead to an infection and affect the pet’s overall health. The rough surface of their tongue can also inflame and irritate the tissue around the wound. The pet will feel pain once it licks the wound, then licks to relieve the pain, and then continues in a cycle. The more the wound hurts, the more the pet will lick it to soothe itself. Therefore, preventing pets from licking their wounds is important to ensure a speedy recovery.

When your pet gets a wound, you can purchase an E-collar (Elizabethan collar) to stop them from licking. This collar might make your pet a little unhappy, but this is what’s best for their health.

Pets Don’t Need Flea/ Tick/ Worm Protection

Despite what people may believe, your pet's health is still at risk from pests such as fleas and ticks even during the winter. Various environments, including your home, can sustain these pests. If they make contact with your pet and your pet is not protected, they can still multiply and spread diseases. Fleas can survive up to three years if they find a warm place. Don’t let that warm place be your precious pet.

Even if you aren’t seeing fleas on your pet, there’s a high chance they’re still present. Look for flea dirt, which resembles tiny, dark specks in the fur, and indications of excessive scratching and sores from your pet scratching themselves following a flea bite.

Dog Health Problems are More Expensive Than Cat Health Problems

It is a common myth among pet owners that cat health problems are less expensive than dog health problems. Both dogs and cats have chronic health problems that require testing and medications. Many believe treating a sick cat will be less costly than treating a sick dog. Although cats are generally smaller than dogs, that does not mean basic healthcare costs are cheaper.

Though medications are often dosed according to body weight, which may result in lower expenses for cats, the overall cost of healthcare is still the same. Up to 35% of pet owners admit they underestimated the cost of having a pet. However, cat care may not be significantly less expensive than dog care over the long term. This is something to remember when considering adopting a cat or a dog. Considering cat/dog health insurance might be advantageous, which may save a little on veterinarian bills.

Pets Can Easily Express Their Pain

Another common myth among pet owners is that their pets will tell them about their pain. This is not typically true when it comes to your pet. Pets tend to hide their pain naturally. This behavior was helpful for their survival in the wild, but it makes it hard for pet owners to identify when something is wrong making it a challenge for pet owners to know when their pets need medical attention.

Monitoring your pet's behavior regularly and seeking advice from a veterinarian as soon as you notice any changes in their behavior or signs of pain is crucial for their well-being.

Final Thoughts

With so many commonly accepted myths, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Don’t let these myths fool you regarding your pet’s health; try to understand their body language and unspoken messages. Do your research. The many complications in your pet’s health can be likened to the difficulties and complications in the health of their humans, too.