Pet care is full of well-meaning advice, but not all of it holds up to science or experience.
From ideas about goldfish memory to assumptions about dog behavior, many commonly repeated pet “facts” are actually misconceptions.
Believing them can lead to confusion, missed health cues, or even unintentionally harmful habits.
In this article, we’ll break down some of the most persistent myths about pets and what the facts actually show.
It’s intended for general informational purposes only and should not replace advice from a licensed veterinarian or qualified trainer.
1. Dogs Age Seven Years For Every Human Year
This popular formula oversimplifies how dogs actually age.
Puppies mature much faster during their first two years, reaching young adulthood by age two.
After that, the aging process slows considerably and varies by breed size.
Large breeds tend to age faster than smaller ones in their later years.
A Great Dane at eight years old is quite senior, while a Chihuahua at the same age might still act youthful.
Veterinarians now use more accurate breed-specific charts to assess a dog’s life stage and health needs properly.
2. Cats Always Land On Their Feet
Cats possess an impressive righting reflex that helps them twist their bodies during falls.
However, this doesn’t guarantee a safe landing every time.
Falls from low heights may not give them enough time to reorient themselves properly.
Ironically, falls from moderate heights can cause more injuries than higher ones because cats need distance to complete their rotation.
Veterinary clinics regularly treat cats suffering from broken bones and internal injuries after falls.
Keep windows screened and balconies secured to protect your curious feline friend from dangerous tumbles.
3. A Warm, Dry Nose Means Your Dog Is Sick
Dog noses change temperature and moisture throughout the day for completely normal reasons.
Sleep, weather conditions, and activity levels all affect nose wetness.
A warm nose doesn’t automatically signal illness.
Focus on other symptoms like lethargy, appetite changes, vomiting, or unusual behaviour instead.
These indicators provide much better clues about your dog’s health status.
The texture and moisture of a nose can vary between individual dogs too.
Check with your veterinarian if you notice genuine concerning symptoms rather than relying on nose temperature alone.
4. Cats Purr Only When They’re Happy
Purring often signals contentment, but cats also purr in stressful or painful situations.
Veterinarians frequently hear purring from frightened cats during examinations.
Some researchers believe purring may have self-soothing or even healing properties for cats.
The vibrations produced during purring might promote bone density and tissue repair.
Mother cats purr while nursing to comfort their kittens, creating a bonding experience.
Pay attention to your cat’s body language and context to understand what their purring really means in different situations.
5. Dogs Eat Grass When They’re Sick
Most dogs eat grass simply because they enjoy it, not because they feel unwell.
Studies show that grass-eating rarely leads to vomiting, and most dogs don’t appear sick beforehand.
Wild canines regularly consume plant matter as part of their natural diet.
Grass provides fibre and may satisfy ancestral foraging instincts in modern pets.
Some dogs just like the taste and texture of fresh grass blades.
However, ensure the grass hasn’t been treated with pesticides or chemicals that could harm your pet’s digestive system.
6. You Can’t Teach An Old Dog New Tricks
Older dogs absolutely can learn new behaviours and commands with patience and proper techniques.
Their brains remain capable of forming new neural pathways throughout their lives.
Senior dogs often have better focus and attention spans than energetic puppies.
Training provides valuable mental stimulation that keeps aging minds sharp and engaged.
You might need to adjust your training methods to accommodate physical limitations like reduced hearing or vision.
Shorter, more frequent sessions work better than long ones.
Celebrate your senior dog’s accomplishments and enjoy strengthening your bond together.
7. Indoor Cats Don’t Need Vaccinations
Indoor cats still face exposure to various diseases and should receive core vaccinations.
Viruses can enter your home on shoes, clothing, or through open doors when other animals pass by.
Some illnesses like rabies pose serious risks if your cat accidentally escapes outside.
Veterinary visits may expose indoor cats to contagious diseases from other animals in waiting rooms.
Boarding facilities and grooming appointments require current vaccination records for safety.
Discuss an appropriate vaccination schedule with your veterinarian based on your cat’s specific lifestyle and risk factors.
8. Dogs’ Mouths Are Cleaner Than Humans’
Dog mouths contain different bacteria than human mouths, not fewer bacteria overall.
Both species harbour hundreds of bacterial species, many unique to their respective mouths.
Dogs lick things humans would never touch, introducing all sorts of microbes.
Dental disease affects most dogs over three years old, creating unhealthy bacterial environments.
Dog saliva doesn’t possess magical antibacterial properties despite popular belief.
Regular dental care, including brushing and professional cleanings, keeps your dog’s mouth healthier.
Never let dogs lick open wounds, as their mouths can transfer harmful bacteria.
9. Cats Need Milk Every Day
Most adult cats are actually lactose intolerant and shouldn’t drink cow’s milk regularly.
Kittens produce lactase enzymes to digest their mother’s milk, but production decreases after weaning.
Cow’s milk contains different proteins and sugars than cat milk.
Drinking milk often causes digestive upset, including diarrhea and stomach cramps in adult cats.
Fresh water should be your cat’s primary beverage for proper hydration.
If you want to treat your cat occasionally, look for specially formulated lactose-free cat milk products at pet stores instead.
10. Pets Know When They’ve Done Something Wrong
That guilty look isn’t actually guilt but a response to your body language and tone.
Dogs and cats don’t connect past actions with current consequences the way humans do.
Research shows dogs display submissive behaviours when owners seem angry, regardless of whether they caused the problem.
Pets live in the present moment and don’t understand punishment delivered after the fact.
Scolding them later only creates confusion and anxiety without teaching appropriate behaviour.
Instead, catch them in the act and redirect to acceptable alternatives immediately for effective training.
11. One Pet Year Equals Seven Human Years For Cats Too
Cats age differently than both dogs and humans, making this formula inaccurate.
A one-year-old cat is roughly equivalent to a fifteen-year-old human teenager.
By age two, cats reach full adulthood, similar to a twenty-five-year-old person.
After that, each year adds approximately four human years.
Indoor cats typically live longer than outdoor cats due to reduced risks from accidents, diseases, and predators.
Proper nutrition, regular veterinary care, and environmental enrichment all contribute to healthy aging.
Understanding your cat’s true life stage helps you provide age-appropriate care throughout their lifespan.
12. Pets Will Stop Eating When They’re Full
Many pets will overeat if given unlimited access to food, especially tasty treats.
Wild ancestors faced unpredictable food supplies, so eating everything available made survival sense.
Modern pets don’t face this scarcity but retain those instinctive eating patterns.
Obesity affects over half of household pets, leading to diabetes, joint problems, and shortened lifespans.
Certain breeds show stronger food motivation than others.
Measure portions according to your pet’s ideal weight and activity level.
Free-feeding works for some pets but causes weight problems for many others who lack natural appetite regulation.
13. Shaving Your Pet Keeps Them Cool In Summer
Pet fur actually provides insulation against both cold and heat when properly maintained.
Double-coated breeds have specialized fur that regulates body temperature naturally.
Shaving removes this protective layer and can cause sunburn or heat-related problems.
The undercoat traps cool air near the skin while the outer coat reflects sunlight.
Fur also protects against insect bites and skin injuries.
Regular brushing to remove dead undercoat helps pets stay comfortable without drastic shaving.
Provide shade, fresh water, and air conditioning instead of removing your pet’s natural cooling system.
