Pet Care Blog

Top 10 Pet Care Myths: How Many Do You Still Believe?

Aliyah Diamond
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Pug tilting head

When you hear something over and over again, it can be easy to fall into the trap of believing it’s true. Unfortunately, many myths are spread around this way.

Today, we’re going to break down the top 10 pet care myths and why they are not true, despite popular belief.

1. Dogs Eat Grass When They Have an Upset Stomach

Many pet parents believe that their dogs eat grass to force themselves to vomit when they have an upset stomach. Others believe that dogs eat grass to fulfill a nutritional deficiency.

However, neither of these reasons were found to be true.

A survey of over 1,500 pet parents found that only 8% of dogs showed signs of sickness before consuming grass and only 22% of dogs that ate grass vomited afterward, indicating that this is not a reliable way for a dog to make themselves vomit.

So why do dogs eat grass then?

Scientists believe that dogs and cats may eat grass due to biological reasons. For example, eating grass could have helped wild dogs and cats purge their bodies of parasites.

Despite this, we still wouldn’t recommend letting your dog eat grass. Both for your yard’s sake and the possibility that your pup could consume chemical treatments on your grass.

2. Cats Only Purr When They're Happy

This myth has some truth to it. Cats frequently purr when they’re happy.

However, cat purrs are also a soothing noise that your cat may use to comfort themselves when they feel fear or pain. Mama cats may also purr to soothe their kittens.

3. Your Dog's Mouth Is Cleaner Than Your Own

This one might come to mind when a pup covers you in kisses, or after sharing a bite of your food.

Dog licking girl's face

Unfortunately, dog’s mouths are no cleaner than the average human’s mouth. This is because both human and dog mouths have millions of bacteria and microbes. Studies have found that both humans and dogs have around 600 types of bacteria in their mouths simultaneously.

Now, if you love puppy kisses (and don't we all?), that's totally cool. Just know that dog’s mouths are around the same level of cleanliness as ours in terms of how much bacteria they have.

4. Cats Can See in the Dark

This myth has some truth to it.

If you were to block all light, your cat would be unable to see. However, cats do have better vision in low light conditions when compared to humans. For example, a cat will be able to see better on a moonlit night than a human.

According to Cat’s Protection, a cat’s improved night vision is a result of having more light receptors, otherwise known as rods, in their eyes. The rods allow them to be more sensitive to any available light and see better even with very little light present.

5. Dogs Are Colorblind

It’s long been thought that dogs are colorblind. However, recent studies have disputed this. According to the American Kennel Club, dogs can see yellow and blue hues.

Unlike humans, dogs have more rods in their retinas, allowing them to see better in low light settings. In contrast, humans have more cones in their retinas, which allows for a greater spectrum of color perception.

Dogs see far fewer colors than us but can see better at night and in low light conditions.

Based on the colors we believe that dogs can see well, it’s recommended that next time you’re shopping for a new toy for your pup that you select one that is yellow or blue.

This difference in their vision may be the reason why dogs favor bright yellow tennis balls!

6. Cats Always Land on Their Feet

Cats will usually land on their feet due to their highly flexible backbones and ability to correct how they’re falling midair, which is also known as a “righting reflex.”

Unfortunately, cats don’t always land on their feet, and it should never be assumed that they will land on their feet. Animal hospitals see many cats every year that do fall from considerable heights that are gravely hurt, and many unfortunately do not recover.

Blue Cross for Pets recommends keeping all of your windows shut and attaching mesh to windows and balconies to prevent your cat from falling.

Gray cat climbing down wall

7. A Warm, Dry Nose Means Your Dog Is Sick

It would be wonderful if we could tell instantly if our dog was feeling under the weather based on the temperature of their nose. However, sick dogs can have warm or wet noses.

There is a little truth to this statement, as wet noses allow a dog to smell better, but a warm nose doesn’t necessarily mean that your pup is ill.

The American Kennel Club explains that a few things could be the cause of a warm nose, including:

  • Old age
  • Napping - dogs aren’t licking their nose while they sleep, which may result in a drier nose.
  • Dehydration - especially after exercising.
  • Exposure to heat, cold, or wind.
  1. Cats Are Nocturnal Animals

Many cat parents assume that cats are nocturnal animals because they have been, unfortunately, woken up by their cat’s nighttime antics.

Cats do seem to prefer nocturnal activities, but they are not genuinely nocturnal animals. Instead, they are classified as crepuscular animals.

Crepuscular is a term used to describe animals that are most energetic at dawn and dusk. Many cats fall into this category because they lay low during the night when they would be more vulnerable in the wild and become more active as there is more light during dawn and dusk.

The exception to this is kittens, who often have so much energy that they may run around all night! In that case, we recommend trying to tire your kitten out with a good playtime session before you go to bed.

Spaying female cats is also hugely important to keeping your cat quiet at night as unspayed female cats have high levels of hormones that can lead them to vocalize in the middle of the night to attract mates.

We don’t know about you, but a midnight serenade by our cat doesn’t scream a good night’s sleep to us!

9. All Human Foods Are Off Limits

It can be hard to resist those big puppy dog eyes or a slight nudge of the head from your feline friend when they’re eyeing something you’re snacking on. But it’s important to be judicious about which foods you share, as some things that are perfectly suitable for humans are highly toxic to pets.

Fortunately, not all human foods are off-limits for cats and dogs -- many fruits and veggies can make for delicious, nutritious treats, with crunchy textures that many pets love to chew on. Be sure to check out our list of foods dogs can eat and a list of foods cats can eat

10. Puppies and Kittens Can Drink Milk

Like many humans, puppies and kittens can be lactose intolerant, which can cause a host of problems if they consume milk. Per Vetwest, a small handful of puppies and kittens will be lactose tolerant and can consume milk products. However, if you notice any signs of an upset stomach or diarrhea, immediately stop giving them milk or dairy products.

As a general rule, it’s best to skip giving your pets milk products. If your puppy or kitten is too young to be eating solid foods, they should be getting milk directly from their mother or from veterinary approved canine or feline milk replacement formula. Once they are old enough to transition to wet or dry food, they no longer need milk and you don’t need to supplement with cow’s milk from the grocery store. However, if you do intend to give milk products to your puppy or kitten, consult with your veterinarian first to ensure that it will not impact their growth, nutrition or any medications.

We hope this piece cleared up some common pet care myths for you! Which of these pet care myths did you still believe?

Do you want to find the best pet insurance?

Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Ready?

Analyze My Pet

About Pawlicy Advisor

The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. By comparing personalized coverage and pricing differences we can save you a ton of money, up to 83% in some instances!

Pawlicy Advisor helping a pet parent and their dog find a great deal on insurance

Instantly Compare Pet Insurance Plans

Get Quotes

Guides

How Pet Insurance Works

How To Compare Plans

Determine If Pet Insurance Is Worth It

Determine If Wellness Plans Are Worth It

Vet Visit Costs

New Puppy Checklist

Comparison Charts

ASPCA vs. Pets Best

Pets Best vs. Embrace

Embrace vs. Pumpkin

Pumpkin vs. MetLife

More Comparison Charts

Find Your State

New Jersey

California

Florida

Oregon

Texas

New York

Colorado

Pennsylvania

More States

Dog Insurance

German Shepherd

Rottweiler

Akita

Boxer

English Bulldog

French Bulldog

Great Dane

Pug

Corgi

Chihuahua

Poodle

More Breeds

Aliyah Diamond

Aliyah Diamond
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Aliyah Diamond has more than ten years of experience in animal hospitals - working with dozens of species from dogs and cats, to elephants and snow leopards. Her lifelong passion for helping animals currently has her earning her doctorate of veterinary medicine at Cornell University and helping Pawlicy Advisor educate pet parents.

More you might like

Boxer dog running
6 minute read

Boxer Breed Guide

White and black French Bulldog
6 minute read

French Bulldog Breed Guide

Spotted Great Dane in sunshine
6 minute read

Great Dane Breed Guide

Woman walking Pug dog
7 minute read

Pug Breed Guide

Boston Terrier with wrinkles laying on the floor
3 minute read

11 Photos of Dogs to Help You Make It Through Monday

Man giving high five to yellow Labrador Retriever
7 minute read

What Is Preventive Care?

Dachshund acting like a ventriloquist dummy
2 minute read

8 Hilarious Dog TikTok Accounts to Make You Laugh

French bulldog with upset stomach laying on ground
10 minute read

Remedies for Upset Stomach in Dogs

Cat with blue eyes and blue collar
5 minute read

Probiotics For Cats

Gray cat receiving pet and appearing to be sick
8 minute read

Constipation in Cats

Cat stepping out of litter box
7 minute read

Diarrhea in Cats

White Standard Poodle standing in yard
8 minute read

Poodle Dog Breed Guide

Dog on the beach
6 minute read

Summer Essentials for Dogs

Small dog in carrier receiving a shot
11 minute read

What Vaccines Do Dogs Need?

White dog looking at bowl of vegetables
11 minute read

What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?

Vet examining a dog near a woman wearing a face covering
8 minute read

Should I Take My Pet to the Emergency Room?

Golden Retriever has dry nose
6 minute read

Why Is My Dog's Nose Dry?

person wrapping a dog's paw with gauze
14 minute read

Top 10 Items To Put In A Dog First Aid Kit

Dalmatian dog eating fruits on table
12 minute read

What Fruits Can Dogs Eat?

Cat drinking milk from a bowl outside
6 minute read

Can Cats Drink Milk?

Cat Near Bananas on Counter
5 minute read

Can Cats Eat Bananas?

Cat staring at food on the floor
16 minute read

Human Foods Cats Can and Can't Eat

Dog eating a blade of grass laying down in a field
6 minute read

Why Is My Dog Eating Grass?

Cat sniffing a branch of an apple tree
7 minute read

Can Cats Eat Apples?

Cat eating corn from a bowl on the floor
7 minute read

Can Cats Eat Corn?

woman in rain coat petting dog
7 minute read

Pet Emergency Kit Checklist

Cat eating from green bowl
6 minute read

Can Cats Eat Avocado?

Cat trying to get vegetables off counter
5 minute read

Can Cats Eat Carrots?

Cat eating cheese
7 minute read

Can Cats Eat Cheese? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Brown pointer dog resting head on the ground
7 minute read

Blastomycosis in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Rescue dog swimming in water
3 minute read

10 Inspiring Photos of Heroic Dogs Caught in the Act

Orange long-haired house cat resting on post
3 minute read

10 Photos of Cats Being Household Heroes

Cat eating rice off counter
6 minute read

Can Cats Eat Rice?

Pet cat looking over owner's shoulder
12 minute read

Cat Health Issues

Black Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog sits on toilet
12 minute read

Diarrhea in Dogs: Causes, Treatments, Prevention

Mother cat and her newborn kitten
2 minute read

10 Heartwarming Photos of Mamma Cats & Their Kittens

Dog licking puppy's face
2 minute read

10 Adorable Pics of Mamma Dogs & Their Puppies

Cat staring at a bowl of grapes
4 minute read

Cat Cats Eat Grapes?

Beagle dog nursing her puppies outdoors
6 minute read

Mastitis In Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Large dog laying on vet table licking owner's hand
7 minute read

Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Dog wants to eat fruit dessert plate on table
12 minute read

List of Food Dogs Can (and Can't) Eat, According to Vet

Garlic peeled and diced on cutting board
6 minute read

Can Dogs Eat Garlic? Here's Everything You Need to Know

American Foxhound dog tilting head
6 minute read

Ataxia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Dog with conjunctivitis eye problem
6 minute read

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

White cat cleaning rear end with tongue
5 minute read

Tapeworms in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Brown Labrador Retriever puppy laying on grass
31 minute read

Labrador Retriever Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know

Basset Hound puppy sitting outside in sun
7 minute read

Basset Hound Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need to Know

Havanese puppy with black and white spots
6 minute read

Havanese Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need to Know

Maltese puppy close-up
7 minute read

Maltese Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know

Pomeranian puppy standing in grass
8 minute read

Pomeranian Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need to Know

Back to Blog
A family with pets that are insured by Pawlicy Advisor
Pawlicy Advisor is the leading independent marketplace for finding the best coverage for your pet at the lowest rate.
Join 2,438,795+ insured dogs and cats across the US.
Get a Quote
Our pet insurance partners
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Logo
Pets Best Pet Insurance Logo
Embrace Pet Insurance Logo
Pumpkin Pet Insurance Logo
MetLife Pet Insurance Logo
Prudent Pet Insurance Logo