Phone Number
Email
As a quality pet care provider, Poop’d Out commonly receives questions in regards to your pet’s health and behaviour. Recently, we’ve noticed a few similar questions pop up that hold quite a few misconceptions in regards to your pet’s behaviours or symptoms.
So, we thought we’d address some of these common pet care myths you’ve read about on Google, so we can be sure to provide the best quality care for our pets.
Sound like a plan?
Here are our top pet care myths, BUSTED!
MYTH #1: Retractable leashes are a great option for dog walking.
Truth: Retractable leashes are actually relatively dangerous and can cause injury to both the dog and their owner. In fact, we do not allow retractable leashes for our dog walks at Poop’d Out.
They definitely sound like a good idea in theory. They allow you to extend the leash out, in case your pet discovers an object to sniff, or you can bring them in close.
But, they also give you the false perception that you’re in control of your pet when you’re not. No matter how small they are!
These leashes can also promote leash pulling because every time they expand the length of the leash, they learn that they get what they want. A.K.A, “When I pull on the leash, I’m able to sniff that bush or chase that squirrel.”
Leash pulling can damage tracheas as well as hurt their spines. This is not to scare you, but to make sure you’re aware of the potential dangers that can hinder your progress for loose-leash walking with your dog.
For more information on retractable leashes, you can read more here.
MYTH #2: Coconut oil is the cure-all – even for pets.
Truth: Be wary, because this isn’t always the case. While many vets can agree that coconut oil can be good for the skin, there isn’t sufficient evidence that indicates it’s safe for pets to consume.
Like any good source, the best advice here is to talk to your veterinarian before starting any new regimen for your pet.
MYTH #3: My dog should be playing alllll day!
Truth: Dogs also need rest.
You want to make sure your dog is mentally and physically stimulated, right? The younger pups are definitely full of energy!
But, it’s necessary for your pets to take breaks and relax. In fact, do you know how many hours your pup should be sleeping every day?
MYTH #4: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Truth: This myth is a tale as old as time. Simple answer. Yes, you can and should be teaching your old dog new tricks! It’s so important to get your pets’ brains thinking, no matter their page. Stimulating them physically and mentally can help further their lifespan and keep them happy and healthy for years to come!
MYTH #5: Physical exercise is all my pet needs to be happy!
Truth: Well, yes physical exercise is obviously one of the best things to do for your pet, but mental stimulation is also important.
You should frequently switch out their pet toys so that they have something new to experience and explore. Puzzle toys and games can be a great way to keep them mentally stimulated. Pets can also benefit from the sounds of nature or relaxing music, especially while you’re away at work.
One of the best things you can do to mentally stimulate your dog while he gets his exercise is to change up the walk route, allow him to explore, or get extra play-time in the yard. We can certainly help with the dog walks – all you have to do is click here! When you book a walk with us, it’s more than just a simple dog walk. We do our best to respond to each dog’s needs – all the way from a fast-paced walk down to play time in the yard or simple training games!
MYTH #6: Dogs with warm noses are sick.
Truth: That’s not necessarily true. In fact, it’s unlikely.
The research is in, and there’s nothing that shows a warm nose to be a bad sign.
MYTH #7: Our pets mouths are cleaner than ours.
Truth: Unfortunately, this isn’t necessarily true.
Pet dental care is actually very important!
Pets have similar teeth to humans in the sense that they need to be brushed and regularly cleaned. If you aren’t regularly cleaning your pet’s teeth, there is a higher risk of dental disease or some form of plaque buildup, among other dental problems. Dental disease is extremely painful for our pets, just like with us, but it’s hard for them to show it.
Take a look at your pet’s teeth or talk to your veterinarian about a dental care routine for your pet.
MYTH #8: My pets prefer free-feeding, and it works!
Truth: In 99% of the cases, this is not a great idea for the health of your pet.
- You can’t really tell how much they ate and when.
- They can easily overeat, even if they’ve been on a free-feed diet regularly for years.
- If you have multiple pets, one can easily overeat and the other can undereat.
As your pet ages, experiences new things, you get a new animal, etc., their feeding habits and routines change. As a pet owner, you are much more aware of your pets’ health when you monitor their food intake. It’s one of the best and easiest ways to tell if your pet isn’t feeling well. By sticking to a regular feeding schedule, you’re also promoting a consistent and healthy routine that allows your pet to thrive!
MYTH #9: Raw diet is the only way to have a healthy pet.
Truth: Since we’re talking food here, we might as well the address the new hype that is the raw food diet. Yes, this diet can work WONDERS for your pet and can help with food allergies. Raw is a great way to have a healthy pet and has many benefits, but it’s not the only way. There are other options out there like homemade feeding and/or quality kibble.
So, if you are feeding your pet dry or canned commercial food, just be aware of the ingredients that go into the food to ensure you are feeding a quality diet.
Some ingredients to be cautious of:
- The word “by-products” as one of the main ingredients
- Added sweeteners
- Corn fillers
- Artificial preservatives
P.S. Be wary of grains. Some pets do well with grains, and others do not.
If you’re looking to get started on a raw diet for your dog, consider learning more about it before getting started. Alicia’s Holistic Pet Wellness is a great resource for all things holistic health when it comes to your dogs. She even offers courses and customized online coaching!
MYTH #10: “My Dog is Eating Poop! That is SO bad and SO gross!”
Truth: While it is a little bit gross to know your beloved dog is eating his own poop, or any poop for that matter, it is also a sign for you to know something is going on with him. Many pets can form a habit – the more they eat it, the more they will want to. Staying on top of picking up the poo in the backyard and being aware of left poop while on walks will help prevent this habit.
There are MANY reasons for dogs eating poop, and to get the right answer, you’ll most definitely have to go to your veterinarian.
Here are a few common reasons that might explain why your dog is eating poop:
- Boredom/anxiety
- Nutrition deficiency
- Parasites
- Stress
MYTH #11: Cats ALWAYS land on their feet!
Truth: This is definitely not the case, so you’ll still need to be careful of the surroundings and open windows in your home. In fact, it’s important to also be aware of the shorter falls and jumps your cat can make, as it provides an even shorter time allotment for your cat to readjust his body for a safe landing. All in all, just because your cat is better at landing on his feet than your dog, it’s still not something you want to dismiss!
And if you’re worried about your cat while you’re away, we are here for all of your cat sitting needs. View our pet-sitting services here or you can just directly request a reservation here.
**For any of the above concerns, please take note that we are not licensed veterinarians or certified trainers, so please bring any concern, new product, or symptom to your veterinarian or trainer! NOTE: Here is our recommended Edson veterinarians and dog trainers.**
There you have it!
Let’s get on top of our pet’s health and happiness, which means busting these myths and implementing their respective truths into our lives.
Oh, and hey. One of the BEST things you can do for your pet is…..
Have a professional dog walker come and give your doggie his/her daily exercise while you’re working long days!
Go ahead and request a dog walking service here.
Recent Comments