Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar

(775) 825-7984

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet The Team
    • Virtual Office Tour
    • Pet Memorials
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • Payment Options
    • Veterinary Resources
  • Services
    • Rx Home Delivery
    • Dentistry
    • Ultrasound
    • Laser Therapy
    • Cancer Treatment
    • Geriatric/Hospice Care
    • Online Medical Records
    • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Selector
  • Contact Us
    • Emergencies
    • Schedule an Appointment
  • Schedule Appointment
  • Galleries
  • Petsimonials
  • Links
  • Careers
  • Blog
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Tips for Pet Owners >
  • 5 Common Myths About Pets

5 Common Myths About Pets

Can you imagine a life without pets? Our pets bring us so much joy and enrichment. Life wouldn't be quite the same without them. Although pets quickly become cherished members of the family, they aren't people and don't always behave or the react the same way your human family members do. Examining these common pet myths can help you better understand your furry friends.

Myth #1 - People and Pets Can't Share Diseases

Zoonotic diseases are transmitted between people and animals. Rabies is the most well-known zoonotic disease, but it's not the only one. Others include cat scratch disease, salmonellosis, roundworm, hookworm, ringworm and toxoplasmosis.

You can reduce your risk of contracting a disease from your pet by washing your hands after you pet him or her or handle urine or feces. Do you kiss your pet? Although the habit may help you feel closer to your furry friend, it may sicken you. Your dog or cat's mouth contains bacteria that can make you ill. Although you're much more likely to become ill if you have a weak immune system, it's a good idea to save your kisses for your human family members.

Myth #2 - Pets Know Why You're Yelling at Them

Pets don't place the same value on your possessions as you do. When they're bored, they may tear apart the couch cushion, knock over plants or get into other types of trouble. Behaviors we consider "bad" also tend to occur if pets feel anxious or have separation anxiety. Although your pet may cower if you begin yelling, that doesn't mean that he or she understands why you're upset or realizes that it has anything to do with the cushion he or she destroyed hours ago.

Yelling at your pet serves no purpose if you don't catch your dog or cat in the act. If you do spot your pet about to tip over your favorite plant or dig into the garbage, a sharp "no" is all that's needed. Although a long, loud lecture may make you feel better, it won't have any effect on your pet's future behavior.

If your dog tends to get into trouble while you're away, confine him or her to one room or to a crate. Keep in mind that crates shouldn't be used all day long. Keep anything your pet finds too hard to resist out of reach to prevent mishaps.

Myth #3 - Cats Have 9 Lives

While it would be nice if cats really did have nine lives, they can become sick or injured just as easily as any other pet. The belief that cats always land on their feet after falls isn't true either. Cats have a natural righting reflex that allows them to re-position their bodies in mid-air. Unfortunately, if they fall from fairly low heights they don't have enough time to right themselves and can experience serious injuries. In 1984, veterinarians at The Animal Medical Center in New York City studied the phenomenon. They discovered that cats that fell from higher distances had the best chances for survival.

Myth #4- There's No Need to Brush Your Pet's Teeth

Pet's aren't immune from tooth decay. Tooth loss can affect your pet's ability to chew and may even lead to nutritional deficiencies. If your pet develops a bacterial infection due to severe tooth decay, the infection may even spread to the heart or brain.

Brushing your pets' teeth with gauze or special brushes that fit over your finger can help reduce tooth decay. It's usually easier to start brushing when your pet is young, although older pets can adjust to teeth cleaning with plenty of patience. If your pet absolutely won't cooperate, don't force the issue. Although teeth cleaning is beneficial, it's not worth the risk of an injury to yourself or your pet.

Myth #5 - You Only Need to Take Your Pet to the Vet in the Case of Illness

Just like people, pets need regular medical care to stay healthy. In addition to detecting health problems, such as diabetes and kidney failure, regular veterinary visits help ensure that your pet receives vaccinations that prevent common diseases, such as rabies, distemper, bordetella, parvovirus, adenovirus, feline leukemia and canine influenza. Veterinarians can also offer helpful advice on behavioral issues and provide suggestions that will help your overweight pet lose weight.

Protect your pet's health by scheduling a veterinary examination at least once per year. Call us today to make your pet's appointment.

Sources:

Hills Pet: Caring for Your Dog

http://www.hillspet.com/en/us/dog-care/resources/dog-myths

Prevention: 9 Pet Myths Debunked, 10/26/12

http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/pet-health-care-myths-to-ignore/slide/5

American Animal Hospital Association: Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/lifestyle/your-pets-dental-health-how-to-brush-your-pets-teeth-(and-why).aspx

New York Times: On Landing Like a Cat, 8/22/89

http://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/22/science/on-landing-like-a-cat-it-is-a-fact.html?mcubz=0

No article settings found. Please configure it

Featured Services

  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

Office Hours

Monday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Tuesday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Wednesday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Thursday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Friday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Find Us

Check out the map below to locate SWVH!

Testimonials

We love to hear your feedback!

  • "Southwest Vet is a wonderful place to take our animals. The front desk ladies are knowledgeable, patient, and compassionate. The vet techs are so wonderful with our animals. And Drs. Sargent and Rasmussen are just the tops!! The care our animals receive is extraordinary!!"
    Sarah S.
  • "Thank you so much for all that you do. You have always gone above and beyond for my pets and I. I feel truly blessed to have found you when I moved to Reno. Tank thinks you’re pretty awesome, too!"
    Ashley D.
  • "Thank you to each and every one of you who helped care for Gus while he was recovering during his long and scary week with Parvo. We can’t thank you enough for everything you did to get our loving and playful guy home."
    Aaron and Lisa C.
  • "So rare it seems to encounter an entire professional office who are as smart as they are kind. We are so grateful to have you care for Einstein. Thank you for your excellent care, patience and generosity."
    Leah R.

Featured Services

  • November Newsletter: What Causes Cataracts in Cats and How Are They Treated?

    Think cataracts only happen to people? Your cat could also develop this eye problem. ...

    Read More
  • November Newsletter: How to Celebrate National Senior Pet Month

    Don't have plans for National Senior Pet Month yet? Try these suggestions. ...

    Read More
  • October Newsletter: The Importance of Daily Dog Walks

    This simple form of exercise could make your dog one happy pup. ...

    Read More
  • October Newsletter: How to Care for Your Pets When They Are Teething

    Wondering what you can do to help your teething pet? ...

    Read More
  • September Newsletter: The Importance of Core Vaccines for Dogs

    Could core vaccines help your dog avoid serious illness or death? ...

    Read More
  • September Newsletter: Dry Food vs. Wet Food: Which is Better for Your Cat?

    Should you buy dry food for your cat or is wet food better? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Sign Up

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map