Announcements
The Pet Health Community and Pet Health Center are NOT substitutes for a vet visit. Contact a vet in an emergency! | Dog Conditions A-Z | Dog Symptoms A-Z | Cat Conditions A-Z | Cat Symptoms A-Z | Tales From The Pet Clinic blog
Remember Your Beloved Pet
Remember Your Beloved Pet
5 Pet Health Myths
Will Draper, DVM posted:
A myth is often defined as a story without a determinable basis of fact that is generally accepted as true. Here are a few myths about pets!
? Cats need to drink milk. Not true! As I've mentioned in a previous post -- you've probably seen cats in cartoons plotting against the milk man to get his milk. In reality, most cats are actually lactose intolerant and unable to digest milk. Milk can cause a cat to develop an upset gastrointestinal system, and as a result, can make changing the litter box a very messy task. Give your cat clean, fresh water instead of milk.
? Dogs can heal their own wounds by licking them. Nope! In fact, dogs carry a lot of bacteria in their mouths, so let's also discredit the myth that their mouths are cleaner than ours. These bacteria can infect a relatively minor wound, turning it into a more serious health problem. If your dog has a wound, visit your vet.
? Cats will always land on their feet. From certain heights, cats do have the ability to flip themselves over and land safely. However, if a cat falls, it can suffer serious injury. Cats will actually fair better from higher distances than they will from shorter ones, but they're better off not falling at all.
? A dog's wet or dry nose is a good indicator of illness. Not true. A dog's nose temperature and hydration can change with the weather -- just like human skin can change. Better health status indicators are the presence of lethargy, loss of appetite, changes in behavior, loose stool and presence of a nasal discharge.
? Dogs should eat bones. Again, this is a myth encouraged by the cartoons we saw as we were growing up. Dogs do need to satisfy their desire to chew, but bones are not the best answer. Bones, if swallowed, can cause mouth and/or throat injury, as well as injury to the gastrointestinal tract that can lead to surgery. Dogs do not need to eat or chew on bones. A safe toy or rawhide chew is a much better choice to satisfy your dog's urge to chew.
Here are links to more healthy information about dog and cat care -- on WebMD Healthy Pets.
5 Health Mistakes Dog Owners Make
6 Health Mistakes Cat Owners Make
What myths about pets do you know or suspect is a myth? Share here!
? Cats need to drink milk. Not true! As I've mentioned in a previous post -- you've probably seen cats in cartoons plotting against the milk man to get his milk. In reality, most cats are actually lactose intolerant and unable to digest milk. Milk can cause a cat to develop an upset gastrointestinal system, and as a result, can make changing the litter box a very messy task. Give your cat clean, fresh water instead of milk.
? Dogs can heal their own wounds by licking them. Nope! In fact, dogs carry a lot of bacteria in their mouths, so let's also discredit the myth that their mouths are cleaner than ours. These bacteria can infect a relatively minor wound, turning it into a more serious health problem. If your dog has a wound, visit your vet.
? Cats will always land on their feet. From certain heights, cats do have the ability to flip themselves over and land safely. However, if a cat falls, it can suffer serious injury. Cats will actually fair better from higher distances than they will from shorter ones, but they're better off not falling at all.
? A dog's wet or dry nose is a good indicator of illness. Not true. A dog's nose temperature and hydration can change with the weather -- just like human skin can change. Better health status indicators are the presence of lethargy, loss of appetite, changes in behavior, loose stool and presence of a nasal discharge.
? Dogs should eat bones. Again, this is a myth encouraged by the cartoons we saw as we were growing up. Dogs do need to satisfy their desire to chew, but bones are not the best answer. Bones, if swallowed, can cause mouth and/or throat injury, as well as injury to the gastrointestinal tract that can lead to surgery. Dogs do not need to eat or chew on bones. A safe toy or rawhide chew is a much better choice to satisfy your dog's urge to chew.
Here are links to more healthy information about dog and cat care -- on WebMD Healthy Pets.
5 Health Mistakes Dog Owners Make
6 Health Mistakes Cat Owners Make
What myths about pets do you know or suspect is a myth? Share here!
Dr. Will
5 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:5 Pet Health MythsA myth is often defined as a story without a determinable basis of fact that is generally accepted as true. Here are a few myths about pets! <br /><br />? <b>Cats need to drink milk</b>. Not true! As I've mentioned in a previous post -- you've probably seen cats in cartoons plotting against the milk man to get his milk. In reality, most cats are actually lactose intolerant and unable to digest milk. Milk can cause a cat to develop an upset gastrointestinal system, and as a result, can make changing the litter box a very messy task. Give your cat clean, fresh water instead of milk. <br /><br />? <b>Dogs can heal their own wounds by licking them</b>. Nope! In fact, dogs carry a lot of bacteria in their mouths, so let's also discredit the myth that their mouths are cleaner than ours. These bacteria can infect a relatively minor wound, turning it into a more serious health problem. If your dog has a wound, visit your vet. <br /><br />? <b>Cats will always land on their feet</b>. From certain heights, cats do have the ability to flip themselves over and land safely. However, if a cat falls, it can suffer serious injury. Cats will actually fair better from higher distances than they will from shorter ones, but they're better off not falling at all.<br /><br />? <b>A dog's wet or dry nose is a good indicator of illness</b>. Not true. A dog's nose temperature and hydration can change with the weather -- just like human skin can change. Better health status indicators are the presence of lethargy, loss of appetite, changes in behavior, loose stool and presence of a nasal discharge. <br /><br />? <b>Dogs should eat bones</b>. Again, this is a myth encouraged by the cartoons we saw as we were growing up. Dogs do need to satisfy their desire to chew, but bones are not the best answer. Bones, if swallowed, can cause mouth and/or throat injury, as well as injury to the gastrointestinal tract that can lead to surgery. Dogs do not need to eat or chew on bones. A safe toy or rawhide chew is a much better choice to satisfy your dog's urge to chew. <br /><br />Here are links to more healthy information about dog and cat care -- on WebMD Healthy Pets.<br /><br /><a href="http://pets.webmd.com/community-tv-pet-health-10/dog-health-mistakes">5 Health Mistakes Dog Owners Make</a>
<br /><a href="http://pets.webmd.com/community-tv-pet-health-10/cat-health-mistakes">6 Health Mistakes Cat Owners Make</a> <br /><br />What myths about pets do you know or suspect is a myth? Share here!
srstephanie responded:
- Cats don't feel pain. Many seem to think that cats do not feel pain because they often do not respond to it as dogs do with groaning or whining, etc. Cats are less domesticated and still have a wild instinct to hide pain so as not to be more susceptible to predators. However, cats do feel pain as all mammals do, but the signs are more subtle ... e.g. being more quiet and sedate, retreating or hiding, holding their head low, not wanting to eat, etc. More and more vets and owners are realizing that cats need pain medications after procedures such as spay surgery or tooth extractions ... where in the past many felt that they didn't need any medication because it was thought they didn't have pain.
Report This| Share this:5 Pet Health Myths<ul><li><b>Cats don't feel pain.</b> Many seem to think that cats do not feel pain because they often do not respond to it as dogs do with groaning or whining, etc. Cats are less domesticated and still have a wild instinct to hide pain so as not to be more susceptible to predators. However, cats do feel pain as all mammals do, but the signs are more subtle ... e.g. being more quiet and sedate, retreating or hiding, holding their head low, not wanting to eat, etc. More and more vets and owners are realizing that cats need pain medications after procedures such as spay surgery or tooth extractions ... where in the past many felt that they didn't need any medication because it was thought they didn't have pain. <br /></li></ul>
Byroney_WebMD_Staff responded:
I am always worried about the "home treatment" remedies for things like mange. I have seen dogs dunked in motor oil (Argh!) and given garlic in an attempt to "cure" skin conditions.
I also think it's a myth that bad breath is "normal" as your pet ages. My dogs are both almost four, my cats 5 and 7 years old and none of them have bad breath. I used to breed and show Italian Greyhounds and the judges would frequently comment how great my dogs' teeth looked. Even toy breeds like Italian Greyhounds can have good teeth. There are a lot more products available today for the pet owner, not to mention professional cleanings by your vet.
Byroney
I also think it's a myth that bad breath is "normal" as your pet ages. My dogs are both almost four, my cats 5 and 7 years old and none of them have bad breath. I used to breed and show Italian Greyhounds and the judges would frequently comment how great my dogs' teeth looked. Even toy breeds like Italian Greyhounds can have good teeth. There are a lot more products available today for the pet owner, not to mention professional cleanings by your vet.
Byroney
Report This| Share this:5 Pet Health MythsI am always worried about the "home treatment" remedies for things like mange. I have seen dogs dunked in motor oil (Argh!) and given garlic in an attempt to "cure" skin conditions.<br /> <br />I also think it's a myth that bad breath is "normal" as your pet ages. My dogs are both almost four, my cats 5 and 7 years old and none of them have bad breath. I used to breed and show Italian Greyhounds and the judges would frequently comment how great my dogs' teeth looked. Even toy breeds like Italian Greyhounds can have good teeth. There are a lot more products available today for the pet owner, not to mention professional cleanings by your vet.<br /> <br />Byroney
Great addition, srsteph...thank you!
Dr. Will
"Argh" is right! I remember the days of the old "motor oil for red mange" treatment I heard lots of in the '90s. I've fortunately not heard much of that lately.
GREAT point about the breath. Bad breath can be a sign of illness. Odors from the mouth can be indications of illnesses like kidney disease as well. Thanks for sharing!
GREAT point about the breath. Bad breath can be a sign of illness. Odors from the mouth can be indications of illnesses like kidney disease as well. Thanks for sharing!
Dr. Will
Report This| Share this:5 Pet Health Myths"Argh" is right! I remember the days of the old "motor oil for red mange" treatment I heard lots of in the '90s. I've fortunately not heard much of that lately. <br />GREAT point about the breath. Bad breath can be a sign of illness. Odors from the mouth can be indications of illnesses like kidney disease as well. Thanks for sharing!
Msbungle replied to Will Draper, DVM's response:
I have heard that rawhides are not really that great for chewing. That they can cause blockages? Instead of giving a dog a rawhide, shouldn't people be encouraged to buy the new digestible "chewies" on the market?
Report This| Share this:5 Pet Health MythsI have heard that rawhides are not really that great for chewing. That they can cause blockages? Instead of giving a dog a rawhide, shouldn't people be encouraged to buy the new digestible "chewies" on the market?
Featuring Experts from 
Bernadine D. Cruz, DVM, is an associate veterinarian at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital, Laguna Hills, Calif. She specializes in companion animal medicin...More
Helpful Tips
Hunting Instincts
My 3 y/o female tabby Urrow and I live in a really tiny room, and though she likes to play with some toys it somehow seems to grow old ... More
Was this Helpful?
2
of
3 found this helpful
Helpful Resources
Related News
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Learn more about the AVMA
Other Pet Health Information
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us
First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.