Some may be old wives’ tales, some may be spread by the internet or a well-meaning friend, but all are untrue. There are many pet health care myths out there that could be dangerous to your dog. Here are the facts so you are taking the best care of your pet possible.
Flea and tick protection isn’t necessary all year-round
Flea season can be a difficult thing to pinpoint, particularly in warm climates like Arizona. Fleas and ticks can hide in your home even during the cooler months and be harmful to your dog or cat. Parasites like heartworm and roundworm could affect your pet any time of the year. For these reasons, veterinarians recommend protecting your dogs and cats all year-round to prevent illness. Check with your vet for the best parasite protection for your pet.
Just this one bite of table scraps won’t hurt
Humans often think the best way to show our animals love is through food. But just one once of cheese to a small dog can be as much as one and a half chocolate bars to us. Dogs need balanced nutrition for their metabolism, activity level and age. Table scraps can add extra, unnecessary calories that just add weight. Obesity can lead to many health problems including diabetes. Giving your fur baby some extra snuggles or playing with them will show them more love than table scraps and keep them healthy longer.
Brushing my dog’s teeth isn’t necessary
As silly as it may sound, you should brush your dog’s teeth daily with a dog safe toothpaste. Just like in humans, tartar build-up can lead to dental diseases and even heart issues, like endocarditis. Have your dog’s teeth checked once a year. If you have not been in the habit of caring for your dog’s teeth, have the vet do a professional cleaning. Once clean, maintain his dental health by introducing a daily oral health care routine. Be sure to check with your vet for the proper size toothbrush and the proper toothpaste.
If my dog’s nose is dry, he is sick.
This one falls under the old wives’ tale category. We’ve all heard that a healthy dog has a cold, wet nose. But if your dog’s nose is dry, it could just mean, his nose is dry. A dog’s nose will often be dry when they first wake up. Don’t fret and run to the vet if you don’t feel a cold, wet nose when Fido nudges you in the morning. If there is swelling, difficulty breathing or he’s had a runny nose for several days then check with your vet.
My dog doesn’t need regular exams or shots once they reach adulthood
This couldn’t be farther from the truth. According to American Animal Hospital Association, puppies need to be vaccinated every 3-4 weeks between the ages of 6-16 weeks. But vaccinations should not stop there. Your dog should receive booster shots on a regular basis for many things including rabies and parvo. It will not only keep your dog healthy but save you money in the long run. It’s much less expensive to vaccinate and prevent a disease than to treat it later. Check with your vet for the vaccinations and schedule for receiving them that is best for your dog.
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