Cat & Dog Myths to Leave Behind

Let's face it — we've all heard our fair share of dog myths and myths about cats over the years. Whether it's that age-old tale about cats having nine lives or the persistent belief that dogs can only see in black and white, pet health myths seem to multiply faster than a house full of unchecked fleas. It's time to separate fact from fiction and leave these persistent pet care myths behind.

• Myth 1: Raw food diets are better for dogs
• Myth 2: Corn is just a filler ingredient
• Myth 3: Pets can't get fleas with a flea collar
• Myth 4: Dogs only eat grass when they're sick
• Myth 5: Cats always land on their feet
• Myth 6: Milk is good for cats
• Myth 7: Treat-based training creates a reliance on treats for desired behavior
• Myth 8: Cats can't be trained
• Myth 9: A warm or dry nose means my pet is sick
• Myth 10: Vet visits mean long waits and costly care
• Final Notes

Myth 1: Raw food diets are better for dogs

The raw food diet trend has exploded in recent years, with proponents claiming it's more "natural" and, therefore, healthier for our canine companions. This myth draws parallels between wild wolves and our domestic dogs. However, the truth is more complicated than a simple "natural is better" argument.

Modern veterinary science shows that while a raw food diet can be adequate when properly balanced, it's not inherently superior to high-quality commercial dog food. Raw diets can pose significant risks, including bacterial contamination, nutritional imbalances, and potential tooth damage from bones.¹

Myth 2: Corn is just a filler ingredient

Among the most persistent myths about dogs is the belief that corn in pet food is nothing more than cheap filler. This misconception largely stems from clever marketing by certain pet food companies who've positioned their "grain-free" products as superior by demonizing ingredients like corn.

Corn is actually a nutrient-rich ingredient that brings a lot to the bowl. It's a valuable source of protein (with a biological value of 74), essential fatty acids for skin and coat health, B vitamins, minerals, and natural antioxidants.² While it's true that corn protein isn't as complete as egg protein, pet food manufacturers often pair it with complementary protein sources to create a well-rounded amino acid profile — similar to how vegetarians might combine different plant proteins for optimal nutrition.

What about allergies? Despite what you might have heard, veterinary nutritionists rarely see corn allergies in pets. Ingredients like beef, dairy, wheat, and soy are much more common allergens.¹ Corn is also often more affordable than meat products for manufacturers, and those savings are passed onto pet parents like you.¹

Myth 3: Pets can't get fleas with a flea collar

While flea prevention has come a long way, the idea that any single method provides complete protection is, unfortunately, wishful thinking. Today’s flea treatment options are highly effective, but environmental factors are crucial in flea control.

Flea collars can be part of a comprehensive prevention strategy, but they shouldn't be your only line of defense as they won't provide much protection if your home is infested.³ Regular monitoring, environmental treatment, and year-round prevention are essential for keeping these persistent parasites at bay.

Myth 4: Dogs only eat grass when they're sick

Ever wondered why dogs eat grass? While many pet parents believe this behavior only occurs when a dog feels ill, the truth is much more interesting. Your lawn-grazing pup might actually be following natural instincts that date back to their wild ancestors.

Dogs munch on grass for various reasons, most of which are perfectly normal. Sometimes, it's as simple as your furry friend enjoying the taste or texture, especially when that fresh spring grass comes in with all its enticing smells. Other times, they might be seeking out specific nutrients their bodies are craving.⁴

Boredom can also lead to grass-eating.⁴ Dogs might nibble on grass when they're not getting enough mental or physical stimulation. The solution? More walks, playtime, or puzzle toys to keep that clever mind occupied.

In some cases, persistent grass-eating might be related to a condition called pica — a tendency to eat non-food items.⁴ While grass is more nutritious than your favorite shoes, if you notice your dog consuming lots of unusual items along with grass, it's worth discussing with your vet, as anxiety or nutritional deficiencies might be at play.

For most dogs, occasional grass-eating is completely harmless as long as the grass hasn't been treated with chemicals.

Myth 5: Cats always land on their feet

This famous "righting reflex" has led to one of the most widespread myths about cats: they always land safely on their feet. While cats do have an impressive ability to orient themselves during falls, this doesn't guarantee a safe landing.⁵

This natural ability can actually lead to more severe injuries in falls from medium heights, where cats don't have enough time to fully prepare for landing. Cat nutrition and overall health influence their agility and ability to recover from such incidents.⁵

Myth 6: Milk is good for cats

Despite those heartwarming images of cats contentedly lapping up saucers of milk in movies and cartoons, the reality is quite different. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant⁵, meaning that giving them milk can lead to uncomfortable digestive issues like upset stomach and diarrhea.

While kittens can digest their mother's milk perfectly well, most cats lose this ability as they grow up.

The good news is there are plenty of better options for your feline friend. Instead of providing dairy, proper nutrition should be designed specifically for their dietary needs. If you really want to give your cat a special drink, you can find cat-specific milk substitutes at pet stores that are specially formulated without lactose.

Myth 7: Treat-based training creates a reliance on treats for desired behavior

Many pet parents worry about using treats in training, fearing their pet will only respond to food rewards. This concern often prevents them from seeking proper dog anxiety treatment or behavior modification help.

Professional trainers understand that treats are tools for learning, not permanent crutches. Proper training gradually phases out constant treat giving while maintaining desired behaviors through various reinforcement methods.⁶

Myth 8: Cats can't be trained

This myth likely persists because cats learn differently than dogs and are generally more independent. However, cats are highly intelligent and capable of learning numerous commands and tricks. In fact, the world record for most tricks performed by a cat in one minute stands at an impressive 26 tricks!⁷

Understanding feline motivation and using appropriate training methods can lead to successful training outcomes. It's about working with their natural instincts rather than against them.

Myth 9: A warm or dry nose means my pet is sick

If you've ever been convinced your pet was sick just because their nose felt warm or dry, you're not alone. This widespread myth probably started because many healthy dogs tend to have cold, wet noses. However, nose temperature and moisture are not very reliable for gauging your pet's health.

The truth is that your pet's nose naturally fluctuates between wet and dry throughout the day. A dry nose might simply mean your dog was napping in a sunny spot or spent time in windy weather.⁸ Similarly, a wet, cold nose doesn't automatically mean your pet is healthy.

Instead of focusing on nose temperature, pay attention to changes in your pet's typical behavior and appetite. If you notice unusual lethargy, loss of appetite, or irritated skin around the nose area, those are much better reasons to check in with your vet.⁸ The best way to monitor your pet's health is to know what's normal for them and watch for significant changes in their usual patterns. And if you’re not sure, schedule an online visit with a vet through our pet telemedicine platform!

Myth 10: Vet visits mean long waits and costly care

Traditional vet visits can be stressful for everyone involved. Between taking time off work, wrangling your anxious pet into a carrier, sitting in a crowded waiting room, and dealing with hefty unexpected bills, it's no wonder so many pet parents put off getting care until issues become serious.

Telemedicine for pets eliminates long waits and costly care. When you join Dutch, you get access to licensed veterinarians who can address your concerns from the comfort of your couch. Whether you're worried about a pet's behavioral issues or have a general health question, expert help is just a few clicks away.

Plus, Dutch takes that hassle out of pet medication management. With free shipping on pharmacy orders and direct delivery to your doorstep, you'll never have to make an extra trip to pick up your pet's prescriptions again. We provide quality veterinary care for the modern pet parent that's accessible, affordable, and incredibly convenient.

Final Notes

Staying informed and debunking these common myths helps you provide better care for your furry family members. With so much conflicting pet care advice out there, it's more important than ever to separate fact from fiction and work with a vet you trust.

Remember, your pet's health shouldn't be based on myths or outdated information. Professional guidance is just a click away, whether you're dealing with behavior issues, health concerns, or just seeking better ways to care for your pet. Online veterinary care options like Dutch make accessing expert advice and quality pet healthcare from home easier than ever. Become a member today.