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Pets bring so much joy. But myths about their health can confuse us. Some ideas sound true but aren't. Experts like vets set the record straight. This guide looks at five big myths. We'll use facts from trusted sources. You'll learn what's real. This helps you care better for your dog or cat. Let's clear up the confusion.

Myth 1: A Dry or Warm Nose Means Your Pet Is Sick

Many think a pet's nose tells their health. If it's dry or warm, they must be ill. Right? Wrong. Vets say the nose changes with the weather. A warm room makes it warm. Low humidity dries it out. Pets wake up with dry noses after sleep. That's normal.

Look for other signs instead. Is your pet tired? Not eating? Drinking too much? These matter more. A healthy pet can have a dry nose. One with a wet nose might still be sick. Check the whole picture. Talk to your vet if worried. Don't rely on the nose alone.

Myth 2: Cats Always Land on Their Feet

We've heard this one a lot. Cats twist in air and land safely. They have a special reflex. It's called the righting reflex. But it's not foolproof. Cats need time to flip over. Short falls don't give enough. High falls can hurt too.

Vets warn about injuries. Broken bones happen. Jaw damage is common. Keep windows screened. Don't let cats on high spots without safety. This myth makes people careless. Secure your home. Your cat isn't superhuman.

Myth 3: A Dog's Mouth Is Cleaner Than a Human's

This sounds gross but funny. People say dogs lick wounds because their mouths are clean. Not true. Dogs' mouths have bacteria. Lots of it. They sniff and lick dirty things. Some bacteria can pass to humans.

Human mouths have bacteria too. But dogs can carry parasites. From eating poop or trash. Licking wounds adds germs. It slows healing. Vets say keep dogs from open cuts. Brush their teeth instead. Use pet toothpaste. Clean mouths help everyone.

Myth 4: It's Okay to Feed Pets Table Scraps

Sharing food feels loving. A bit of chicken here. Some veggies there. But experts say stop. Human food has fat and spice. Pets' tummies can't handle it. It causes upset stomachs. Even pancreatitis. That's painful and serious.

Pets need balanced meals. Not our carbs and salts. Over time, scraps make them fat. Or picky eaters. Stick to pet food. For cats, try wet cat food for moisture. Or dry cat food for crunch. Ask your vet for safe treats. Fruits like apples work. No pits though. Keep meals pet-friendly.

Myth 5: Pets Only Need Vet Visits When They're Sick

Why go if they look fine? Many skip check-ups. Big mistake. Vets catch problems early. Like dental issues or heart trouble. Pets hide pain well. You might not see it.

Yearly visits are key. Twice for older pets. They get vaccines. Parasite checks. Weight watches. This prevents big bills later. Indoor pets need it too. Germs sneak in. Start young. Make vets a habit. Your pet lives longer and happier.

These myths trick even smart owners. But facts from vets help. Sites like PetMD and animal hospitals agree. Don't fall for old tales. Use science. Your pet counts on you.

Think about your furry friend. Have you believed any of these? Time to change. Small steps make big differences. Feed right. Watch close. Visit vets often. You'll see more tail wags and purrs.