We share our homes, our beds, and our hearts with our pets, but much of the “common sense” we use to care for our pets may be rooted in outdated folklore rather than modern veterinary science. Whether it’s a tip passed down from a neighbor or a viral post on social media, rumors about pets can be surprisingly persistent (and sometimes dangerous). While these myths often originate from a place of love and care, adhering to them can cause unnecessary anxiety for owners, or worse, preventable health issues for our furry companions.
Understanding the truth behind your pet’s behavior and biology is the first step to becoming a responsible advocate for pet welfare. From the belief that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s to the idea that cats always land on their feet, veterinary professionals hear these misconceptions every day. By dispelling pet care myths, we can provide truly evidence-based care.
For some expert advice, we turned to Dr. Rory Lubold, DVM, MBA, CCRT, director of veterinary services at Yourgi, a pet services marketplace dedicated to helping pet owners connect with trusted local providers. To help you replace myths with expert insights, Dr. Lubold shares The Most Common Pet Myths Veterinarians Want You Not to Believe.
Cats always land on their feet
The myth that cats always land on their feet has been circulating for some time, but Dr. Lubberd says that’s not entirely true. “Cats do have impressive righting reflexes (the ability to orient themselves ‘upward’), but they can still suffer serious injuries, or worse, from falls,” he said. “This is especially true for very high falls or slippery landings.”
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A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s mouth
Many dog lovers embrace their pet’s “kisses” because they think their dog’s saliva is so clean, but Dr. Lubberd points out that the reality is much more complicated. “A dog’s mouth contains many different bacteria, but there are no clean bacteria,” he explains. “Biting or licking broken skin can definitely lead to infection.” While a quick nuzzle is usually harmless in healthy people, it’s important to keep those affectionate licks away from the mouths of people with open wounds or compromised immune systems.
Related: Vet Wants You to Stop Buying Stuff for Your Pets
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Table scraps are never good
When it comes to pet diets, Dr. Lubold says that with consistency, you can feed your pet fresh, whole-ingredient foods, especially low-fat foods. “Some human foods are unsafe for pets, such as grapes, onions and garlic, and can cause gastrointestinal distress or toxicity in even small amounts,” he said. “However, if your pet enjoys fresh food as part of their regular diet, consistency is important as their guts adapt to what they normally eat. If they typically eat small amounts of low-fat table scraps, this may be the perfect opportunity to bond with them and offer them fresh food.”
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Some pets are too old for teeth cleaning
Dr. Lubold says taking care of your pet’s dental health is crucial at any age. “Dental disease worsens with age, and poor oral health can lead to heart, kidney or liver disease (in addition to mouth pain),” he explains. “While we may adjust how dental procedures are performed or the anesthesia used on older pets, providing good dental care is even more important.” By prioritizing professional cleaning, owners can ensure that their aging companions remain comfortable and able to eat without pain as they age.
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Indoor pets don’t need parasite prevention
If you have indoor pets, it’s still important to protect your furry friends from parasites. While keeping indoor pets may limit exposure to certain parasites, it’s not a perfect form of protection, Dr. Lubold said. “Mosquitoes, fleas and ticks are common parasites (or vectors) and they certainly won’t respect the threshold of your home as a ‘no fly zone,'” he explains. “There are real benefits to just staying indoors, but many parasites can still be spread, and the effects of parasites can be devastating.”
Related: How to keep your home looking great when you have pets
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If your cat “looks fine,” you don’t need regular veterinary visits
Although cats are often thought of as independent and low-maintenance compared to other pets, they require the same level of care and attention. “Cats can be very stoic and hide their disease for long periods of time,” Dr. Lubold shares. “A veterinarian’s physical examination and regular laboratory testing can help identify subtle signs of disease before symptoms appear, allowing for prompt treatment and better outcomes.” Relying solely on a cat’s outward behavior can be misleading. By the time they develop disease, the underlying condition may have progressed significantly.
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Cats often vomit; this is “normal”
Dr. Lubold says that while it may seem “normal,” frequent vomiting may be a sign of a more serious condition. “Some cases of vomiting may not be cause for concern (such as hairballs in long-haired cats), but are worth checking with your veterinarian to be sure,” he says. Persistent or chronic vomiting can often be a red flag of an underlying problem, such as a food allergy or inflammatory bowel disease, that needs more attention.
Related: The Best Low Shedding and Hypoallergenic Dogs
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Mixed breed dogs do not suffer from genetic diseases
Dr. Lubold said that while mixed breeds have some advantages when it comes to genetic diseases, they are still susceptible to them. “There’s a phenomenon called hybrid vigor, where the genetic diversity of mixed-breed dogs may provide some protection,” he said. “However, they can still inherit some diseases of their breed, as well as other diseases that are genetically related but not necessarily inherited.” Assuming that mixed-breed pets are naturally “immune” to genetic problems can be a costly mistake, and regular health checkups and genetic testing can be just as valuable for them as they are for purebred animals.
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Dogs don’t need sunscreen
When the weather warms up, it’s just as important to protect your pet’s skin as your own, as dogs’ skin can get sunburned just like humans. “Their fur may provide some protection, but the dog’s nose, skin around the eyes, and belly area may be overexposed,” explains Dr. Lubold. “Short-haired dogs are also susceptible all over their bodies and should be protected. There are several pet-specific sunscreens (human sunscreens are generally not safe) that can be applied to exposed skin, but also consider keeping them indoors on days with high UV index.”
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It’s normal for older dogs to have bad breath
While it’s more common for older dogs to have bad breath, it can be a sign of some degree of dental disease. “It could just be gingivitis and tartar, but it could also be a tooth infection, a lump in the mouth, or even organ dysfunction like liver or dental disease,” says Dr. Lubold. “Examining your pet to find out the cause will help keep them comfortable and healthy.”
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