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Writer's pictureDiane Dewberry

Don’t be fooled! 23 Myths About Your Pet You Need to Know

At The Healthy Animal Healing Center, our job is to provide guidance to pet owners looking to help their animal companions live long, healthy lives.


That’s why we created our service called Total Wellness Consultations, a one-on-one consultation devoted to sharing our knowledge and expertise to create a wellness plan for the unique needs of your dog or cat.


Why do we do this?


Because of all the misinformation, misconceptions, and myths floating around about pet health and wellness.


The internet is flooded with information, opinions, and advice that leaves you questioning what's best for your beloved pet.


It's particularly true when it comes to holistic pet health practices, energetic healing, and intuitive communication with our pets.


How do you know who or what to believe??


Here are 22 of the biggest fallacies we deal with every day.


Myths About Your Pet’s Diet


dog eating, myths about pet diets

Myth: Feeding a Grain Free Diet Leads to Canine Heart Disease


Fact: This totally false statement was created by veterinarian researchers with financial ties to grain-inclusive dog food manufacturers. In fact, the FDA has released (quietly) the results of their most recent findings, stating that it does not believe grain-free pet foods are/were the cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. According to the AP, the original study was flawed as “some vets were instructed to submit only dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) cases that implicated grain-free, ‘exotic’ or ‘boutique' pet foods. Suppliers of ingredients used in grain-free dog foods have also exerted pressure on the FDA to protect their market.”


Myth: Feeding Dogs Bones Is Safe and Good for Their Teeth


Fact: Cooked bones can splinter and cause serious harm to a dog's digestive tract. Dental chews specifically designed for dogs are a safer option for oral health. NEVER feed your dog rawhide. Those “bones” pose a serious choking hazard and can easily block the intestines of swallowed in big hunks.


Myth: Cats Should Drink Milk


Fact: Many adult cats are lactose intolerant and cannot digest milk properly. It can lead to digestive issues. Water is the best drink for cats.


Myth: Kibble Helps Keep a Pet's Teeth Clean


Fact: While some pet food brands claim to promote dental health, kibble alone is insufficient to maintain clean teeth and gums. In fact, kibble is higher in carbohydrates, creating more plaque and tartar. Your pet will need regular dental care, such as brushing, dental chews, and professional cleanings, to prevent dental issues. Choosing the right diet and dental care routine is crucial for oral health.


Myth: Raw Diets Are Dangerous Due to Bacteria


Fact: While raw meat can contain bacteria, dogs have a shorter and more acidic digestive tract than humans, which is better suited for handling bacteria. Proper handling, storage, and sourcing of raw ingredients, along with good hygiene practices, can minimize the risk of bacterial contamination. Many raw feeders also argue that the benefits of raw diets outweigh the potential risks.


Myth: Raw Diets Lack Essential Nutrients


Fact: A properly balanced raw diet can provide all the essential nutrients dogs need. Raw feeders often include a variety of meats, bones, organs, and vegetables to ensure a well-rounded diet. Consult with a veterinarian or an expert in canine nutrition to create a balanced raw feeding plan for your dog.


Myth: Raw Diets Cause Aggression in Dogs


Fact: I think this one came about from people watching too many B-movies. There is no direct link between feeding a raw diet and aggression in dogs. Behavior issues can be complex and multifactorial, and diet alone is very unlikely to be the sole cause of aggression. It's essential to address behavior problems through proper training and, if needed, consult with a professional dog behaviorist.


Myth: Dry Pet Food with Added Probiotics Provides Beneficial Gut Health


Fact: While some dry pet foods may advertise added probiotics for gut health, the high-temperature processing involved in the production of dry kibble can often kill or significantly reduce the viability of probiotic organisms. The probiotics may not survive the heat during the extrusion process, rendering them ineffective by the time the food reaches the pet's bowl.


It's important to understand that for probiotics to be effective, they need to be viable and present in sufficient numbers at the time of consumption. When considering probiotics for your pet's health, it's often more effective to choose supplements or probiotic-rich foods that are less heat-sensitive, or consult with a veterinarian for guidance on the most suitable probiotic options.


Myths About Your Pet’s Physical Health


dog playing, myths about pet health

Myth: Pets Don't Need Regular Veterinary Check-Ups If They Look Healthy.


Fact: Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for early disease detection and preventive care. Pets can hide signs of illness until it's advanced. One of the advantages of working with an intuitive communicator is their ability to connect with your pet to alert you to things that are going on long before the outward signs begin to show.


Myth: Dogs Age Seven Years for Every Human Year.


Fact: The "one year equals seven years" rule is a simplification. Dogs have tremendous growth and age quicker at the beginning of their lives. This slows down as they grow older. Aging in pets also varies by breed and size. One estimate by the American Veterinary Medical Association breaks it down this way:

  • 15 human years equals the first year of a medium-sized dog’s life.

  • Year two for a dog equals about nine years for a human.

  • After that, each human year is about five years for a dog.

Myth: Dogs and Cats Need Regular Vaccinations.


Fact: Not necessarily! Over-vaccination causes many health problems. Before you automatically okay your pet’s next vaccination, ask your vet to run blood titer tests to determine if the booster is really needed. Many times plenty of antibodies exist in your pet, meaning an extra vaccine is overkill.


Myth: Pets Shouldn't Be Neutered or Spayed Because It Changes Their Personality.


Fact: Neutering or spaying can reduce certain behaviors related to mating, but it doesn't drastically change a pet's personality. It can have many health and behavioral benefits.


Myth: Holistic Methods Are Only for "Alternative" Pet Owners.


Fact: Holistic approaches complement traditional veterinary care and can benefit all pets, regardless of their owner's beliefs. Just as you benefit from massage, chiropractic care, acupuncture, Reiki, your pet can benefit from flower essences, energetic healing, and other holistic modalities.


Myth: All Supplements Are Safe and Effective for Pets.


Fact: Supplements, when appropriate, can be a great benefit to your pet’s health, but not all supplements are suitable for all pets. Consult with a holistic practitioner or veterinarian for guidance on the right supplements for your pet's specific needs.


Myths About Your Pet’s Emotional Health


cat playing, myths about pet health

Myth: Pets are destructive and mess in the house out of spite.


Fact: Pets do not engage in destructive or messy behavior as a form of retaliation. These actions are usually their way of expressing distress, discomfort, or a need for attention. By addressing the underlying causes and providing a loving and supportive environment, pet owners can work towards resolving behavioral issues and strengthening their bond with their furry companions.


Myth: Dogs Wag Their Tails to Show Happiness, and Cats Purr When They're Content.


Fact: Tail-wagging and purring can also indicate stress, anxiety, or discomfort. It's important to consider the context in which the behavior occurs and body language your pet shows.


Myth: Pets Don't Grieve the Loss of a Companion or Owner.


Fact: Pets absolutely experience grief and loss. They may show signs of sadness, changes in behavior, or appetite. Providing support and companionship during these times is essential. Flower essences are safe, powerful remedies to help your pet cope with all kinds of emotional distress.


Myth: Energetic Healing Methods Are Not Based on Science.


Fact: While some of the mechanisms of energetic healing are not fully understood, many practices have shown benefits in scientific studies. The field continues to evolve and more studies continue to be conducted.


Myth: Energetic Healing Can Harm Pets.


Fact: When administered by a trained and qualified practitioner, energetic healing methods are safe and non-invasive. Always choose a reputable practitioner.


Myth: Flower Essences Are Just Placebos for Pets.

Fact: Flower essences are not placebos; they are natural remedies that can have a positive impact on a pet's emotional and behavioral wellbeing. While the mechanisms aren't fully understood, many pet owners and practitioners have reported noticeable improvements in their pets' behavior and emotional states when using flower essences. These remedies work on subtle energy levels and can complement traditional approaches to pet wellness.


Myth: It’s Impossible for a Person to Intuitively Connect with an Animal


Fact: It is indeed possible for a person to intuitively connect with an animal. Many individuals have reported meaningful and profound experiences of intuitive animal communication. Humans have a long history of intuitive interaction with the natural world, including animals. Indigenous cultures around the world have practiced intuitive communication with animals as part of their spiritual and survival traditions.


Some studies have started to explore the potential for human-animal intuitive communication. As our understanding of consciousness and animal cognition advances, we may gain more insights into this phenomenon.


Myth: Flower Essences Are Harmful if Administered Incorrectly.


Fact: Flower essences are generally safe and non-toxic when administered following recommended guidelines. Unlike some herbal remedies, flower essences do not have side effects or interactions with medications. However, it's essential to consult with a qualified practitioner to ensure proper use for your pet's specific needs.



Myth: All Flower Essences Are the Same, Regardless of Brand or Source


Fact: Flower essences can vary in quality and effectiveness depending on the brand and source. Different manufacturers may use different methods for preparing and diluting essences, which can impact their potency. It's important to choose high-quality, reputable brands and consult with experienced practitioners who can guide you in selecting the right essences for your pet. At the Healthy Animal Healing Center, we only offer the finest flower essences available.


Be careful when surfing the internet for information about your animal’s health and wellbeing! There’s a reason why Google is often referred to as “The Center for Misinformation.”


Vet the source of your information to be sure it’s from a reputable source. Better yet, contact us for a personalized Wellness Consultation for your pet. We do all the research for you and use our 30+ years of experience when detailing your pet’s Complete Wellness Blueprint.


When it comes to the health and wellbeing of your beloved animal companion, it’s much better to be safe than sorry.


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