15 Pet Care Myths Every New Owner Needs to Forget

Welcoming a pet into your home is exciting and fulfilling, but it also comes with a lot of well-meaning advice—much of which is untrue. As a new pet owner, navigating this information can be overwhelming. You want to ensure that you provide the best care for your pet, but distinguishing fact from myth can be challenging.

Misconceptions about diet, behavior, or health care can lead to improper pet care practices. To help you become a well-informed pet owner, we’ve debunked some common pet care myths that new pet owners are often told.

“Cats Need Milk”

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Contrary to popular belief, cats do not need milk as it can cause digestive issues. Many cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme lactase required to digest lactose in milk. Offering milk to cats can result in stomach upset, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems. Providing fresh water and a balanced diet suitable for feline nutrition is better.

“Dogs Eat Grass When They Are Sick”

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It’s a common misconception that dogs eat grass only when feeling unwell. While some dogs might do this to induce vomiting, most dogs enjoy the texture and taste of grass. Eating grass is a normal behavior and can be part of their instincts. However, if a dog eats grass excessively and shows other signs of illness, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

“Birds Are Low-Maintenance Pets”

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Many believe birds are low maintenance, but this is far from the truth. Birds require significant care, including an appropriately sized cage, regular social interaction, a varied diet, and mental stimulation. Neglecting these needs can lead to behavioral issues and health problems.

“Cats Always Purr When They’re Happy”

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While purring can indicate contentment, cats also purr when in pain or stress. It is their way of self-soothing and can also be a sign that they need attention. Listen to other body language and vocalizations to better understand your cat’s emotions.

“Dogs Age Seven Years for Every Human Year”

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Dogs’ aging process varies depending on their breed, size, and overall health. Smaller breeds tend to have longer lifespans than larger breeds. Instead of using the 7:1 ratio, talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s specific life stages and how to best care for them.

“Rabbits Are Great Starter Pets”

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While rabbits may seem like low-maintenance pets, they actually require a lot of care and attention. They need a proper diet, exercise, and socialization to thrive. Before getting a rabbit as a pet, do plenty of research and consider if you have the time and resources to care for them properly.

“Indoor Cats Don’t Need Vaccinations”

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Even if your cat never goes outside, it needs vaccinations to protect against common diseases. Discuss with your veterinarian which vaccines are necessary for your cat based on its lifestyle and potential exposure to other animals.

“Dogs Will Outgrow Bad Behaviors”

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It is a misconception that dogs naturally outgrow bad behaviors such as chewing or jumping on people. In reality, these behaviors can become more challenging to correct as the dog gets older. Early training and positive reinforcement are essential in preventing and addressing unwanted behaviors.

“Cats Are Independent Animals”

While cats may appear self-sufficient, they still need daily care and attention from their owners. Without proper social interaction, they can become lonely, bored, and even depressed. Spend quality time with your cat and give them toys and activities to stimulate them mentally.

“Grain-Free Diets Are Always Better for Dogs”

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Contrary to popular belief, grain-free diets are not always the best for dogs. Many of these diets are high in protein and might lack essential nutrients. Instead of choosing a diet based on trends, consult your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog’s needs.

“Cats and Dogs Should Have One Litter Before Being Spayed/Neutered”

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This myth suggests that pets should experience parenthood before being spayed or neutered, but this belief is unfounded. Allowing a cat or dog to have a litter does not confer any health benefits and can lead to complications. Spaying and neutering pets prevent unwanted litters, reduce some health risks, and can help behavioral issues like roaming and marking.

“Dogs Dragging Their Butts Means They Have Worms”

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It’s commonly believed that when dogs drag their bottoms on the ground, also known as “scooting,” it indicates they have worms. While worms can sometimes be the cause, scooting can also signify other issues like allergies, skin infections, or irritation from grooming products.

“Cats Hate Water”

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Many cats may not enjoy submerging in water, but they still require regular grooming and bathing. Some cats even enjoy playing with water and are known to drink from faucets or play in sinks. Introducing your cat to water gradually and using specialized cat-friendly grooming products is essential.

“Dogs’ Mouths Are Cleaner Than Humans”

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This myth suggests that the bacteria in a dog’s mouth is cleaner than humans, but this is untrue. Dogs’ mouths contain bacteria that can harm humans if ingested, so practicing good hygiene is essential after interacting with pets.

“Dogs Only Wag Their Tails When They’re Happy”

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While dogs often wag their tails as a sign of happiness and excitement, tail wagging can convey various emotions and intentions. The position and speed of the wag can provide clues about a dog’s feelings. For example, a high, stiff tail wag can indicate alertness or aggression, while a low, slow wag often suggests insecurity or submission.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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