Caring for a dog or cat goes far beyond offering food, water and affection. Just like humans, pets They need a routine of health care, prevention and appropriate management to live with quality. The problem is that, even with more information available today, there are still old guidelines that are passed down from generation to generation, but that do not make sense in the light of current veterinary medicine. Some of these myths seem harmless, but they can delay diagnoses, encourage illnesses, cause discomfort and even put the dog or cat’s life at risk.

Below, learn about some outdated myths that can harm your pet’s health.

1. Be or pet lives indoors, does not need a vaccine

Mito. This is one of the most dangerous myths when it comes to prevention. Living in an apartment or going out little does not mean that dogs and cats are protected from infectious diseases. Viruses and bacteria can enter the environment through clothes, shoes, objects, visitors, other animals and even quick trips to the vet or bath and grooming. The correct thing is to follow the vaccination protocol recommended by the veterinarian, according to the animal’s age, lifestyle and health history.

2. Cat does not need to go to the vet because it is independent

Mito. The reputation of being independent makes many people believe that the cat “gets along on its own” and only needs care when it shows very obvious signs of illness. The problem is that cats tend to hide pain and discomfort, which means that many illnesses are only noticed in more advanced stages.

Kidney diseases, dental problems, obesity, urinary disorders and hormonal disorders can evolve silently. Therefore, the ideal is to maintain routine appointments, periodic check-ups and observe subtle changes in behavior, water intake, use of the litter box and appetite.

3. Milk is a good food for every cat

Mito. The image of the cat drinking milk is classic, but that doesn’t mean the practice is healthy. After weaning, many of them have difficulty digesting lactose, the sugar present in milk. When this happens, consumption can cause vomiting, diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain and intestinal discomfort. This also applies to dogs, who may also have an intolerance. In practice, fresh water and a adequate nutrition are sufficient for the routine pet.

4. Giving bones is natural and good for the dog

Mito. Although the habit is old, offering bones to dogs is far from a safe recommendation. Bones can break teeth, cause choking, perforate the digestive tract and cause intestinal obstructions, especially when they fragment into splinters. Even cooked, they tend to become more brittle and dangerous. In addition to the physical risks, some have excess fat and can contribute to episodes of pancreatitis or gastrointestinal discomfort.

5. Healthy dogs can eat any leftover food in the house

Mito. Sharing a plate with your dog can expose the animal to inappropriate ingredients, excess salt, fat, seasonings and toxic foods. Onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol and alcoholic beverages are some examples of items that can cause poisoning and serious complications. Even when the food is non-toxic, excess calories and lack of nutritional balance favor obesity, pancreatitis and dietary deficiencies.

6. If the dog or cat is eating and playing, he is not sick

Mito. The absence of obvious signs does not always mean good health. Many problems develop slowly and silently, without immediately changing the appetite or mood of the patient. pet. Kidney disease, heart changes, hypertension, dental problems, obesity, hormonal disorders and even some tumors can progress without clear manifestations at first. Additionally, dogs and cats have survival instincts that can mask pain or weakness.

7. Fleas and ticks only appear in summer

Mito. It is true that heat favors the proliferation of fleas and ticksbut that doesn’t mean they disappear for the rest of the year. In urban environments, especially indoors, these parasites can find favorable conditions during all seasons. In addition to itching and discomfort, they can transmit diseases, cause allergic dermatitis, anemia and infections.

8. Dewormer and medicine can be given independently, because they are always the same

Mito. Self-medicating dogs and cats is a mistake that can be costly for the animal’s health. Not every medicine works for everyone petand the wrong dose can cause intoxication, treatment failure and worsening of the condition. This applies to dewormers, flea medications, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and human medications. A cat, for example, can have serious reactions to substances that appear harmless to people or dogs. Furthermore, deworming without evaluation can mask symptoms and not solve the real cause of the problem.