Pet Health Myths

You have probably heard lots of things about your pets that come from well-intentioned but misinformed people, and some of this advice can be quite harmful to your dog or cat. Here are some of the things that veterinarian and their staff hear most often from both pet owners and non-pet owners.

Animal Health

Myth 1: Dogs can mostly eat whatever people eat.
Your dog (and your cat, for that matter) should have a healthy diet that consists of protein, fat and carbohydrates that is delivered through quality pet food. What dogs need to stay healthy are not the same foods as what people should eat. If you’d like to feed your pets some of what we eat, stick to simple foods like cauliflower, small carrots, lettuce, pears and apples. Avoid raisins and grapes they are toxic to dogs. Cats shouldn’t be given milk, but many of them enjoy putting their paws in moving water.

Myth 2: Pets can get good dental care without using anesthesia.
You pet may be very calm, but no pet will be able to stay still long enough for a proper dental exam. Since animal medical centers clean both the exposed part of your pet’s teeth and the part that is above the gum line, your pet must be under anesthesia so that your veterinarian or assistant can do their part to keep your pet healthy.

Myth 3: Pets that spend all of their time indoors don’t need to see a veterinarian.
Even if your pets live in your house and never go out, they still need to be vaccinated. They may never be around other pets, but people can come into your house with germs clinging to them that can be passed along to your pet, possibly harming them and making them sick. It’s also a good idea to visit an animal medical center for grooming and dental care.

Myth 4: A little baking soda to brush your dog’s teeth is okay.
You shouldn’t brush your dog’s teeth with anything but specially-formulated dog toothpaste. Baking soda is too abrasive for your dog’s teeth. And of course, never use toothpaste on your pets that’s made for people.

Myth 5: Cats have nine lives
Of course, everyone knows that’s not true. But many people think that cats can always land on their feet. Cats are certainly curious, which leads them to visit around high places, but please remember that they can get injured just as easily as other pets.

The Animal Medical Center of Streetsboro believes in educating our clients so that their pets live long, happy, healthy lives. If you have any doubt about how to care for your pet, please give us a call. We’d love to help you truly understand your pet so that you can enjoy many years together.