Myths about pets and nutrition.

Do you also get plenty of information how to best treat your pets from “other” people who you meet in the park? If you do, you have probably come across many falsehoods and myths. Obviously, not everything what people say is true and that goes for our grandmothers too. Sorry. So, let us take a closer look at the most common superstitions.

Talks about nutrition

Probably the most controversial issue is milk and cats. To be clear milk is not a natural food for cats. Even though cats don’t mind it, most cats are not too crazy about it (or at least their digestion system). Surprisingly, powdered milk may be better choice, or even cream but it should not be a regular part of cats’ diet. Consider it only when your cat is expecting kittens or nursing them.

As far as dogs are concerned, potatoes are a frequently discussed topic.Should or shouldn’t dogs eat them? Well, they are not bad actually. Potatoes are a good source of fibber and other nutrients. However, you must serve them cooked and warm. Check with your veterinarian and he will confirm this.

Photo: Pixabay

And what about dogs licking a wall? What does that mean?Well, the answer is: nothing.Your dog is certainly not suffering from a lack of calcium, which it would have hard time to find in today’s special paints anyway. Your dog simply likes it or learned an interesting bad habit. Don’t try to discover anything else behind it.

Talking about dairy productsand calcium. All dogs can eat calcium and it is not true that small breeds will grow more if you provide them with more calcium. The size is determined by genetics and you may help the dog to grow if you give it a cottage cheese or yogurt.

How about gestation?

Do you also think that your female cat or dog should have puppies at least once in their life? Should you really let them get pregnant at least once?, Well if your female dog or cat get pregnant only once, it will affect their health in exactly the same way as if they did notget pregnant at all. If you fear that your female dog or cat may get a mammary gland cancer, the only reliable solution is castration before reaching sexual maturity.

And the same applies to males. The widely accepted myth that castration is prohibited within one year is false. There will be no clogging with urinary stones or impaired development of the penis.

Movement and exercise

Your pets need exercise that is for sure, but …another controversial issue for dogs and cats is whether they should climb stairs.Did your friends yell at you for letting your puppy run around or run down a few stairs? Does this activity really strain the musculoskeletal system and cause your pet to have joint problems later?

Of course not. This is another myth.If there are not too many stairs, do not pick your dog or cat.However, if your puppies are too playful and active do not engage them in prolonged physical activity. Throwing a ball four hours can do more damage than stairs. The same is definitely true for exercise and movement – everything in moderation.

Preview photo: Pixabay