Caring for our pets is a tremendous responsibility. Have you heard any of these pet care myths when soliciting actual pet care advice?
When it comes to Foothills pet care, Woofie’s wants you to be properly informed. As an extension of your pet’s personal care team, we have heard it all. Everyone has their opinions – your neighbors, your aunt, and the well-meaning dog park crew – but sometimes pet care recommendations are nothing but legend and lore. Can these actually be true or are they simply preposterous lore? Let’s sniff out the truth!
Grooming Myth: Cutting Your Dog’s Coat Will Keep Him Cooler in Summer
This first myth is one we have heard often – and maybe you have too. It seems to all make sense. After all, when we get a fresh haircut, it can help us cool off faster in hot weather. But for our pets, not so much. Dogs’ coats help regulate their core temperature in cold and hot weather. Our pets are actually well-adapted to extreme temperatures, using their coats as insulation. Shaving your pet’s coat could result in unnecessary skin irritation and exposure to the environment.
What can be done instead to keep your dog or cat more comfortable and healthier? Aside from regular pet grooming, keeping their coats brushed is much better than cutting them close. Also, be mindful of your pets’ exposure to sun and high temperature and be sure they remain hydrated in the summer.
Pet Health Myth: Dogs Only Eat Grass When They’re Sick
Dogs, our beloved and peculiar creatures, will eat grass for a number of reasons. While it is said to help ease a sick belly, they might also munch on grass due to a lack of nutrients their body is seeking or even because they just like the taste. The latter might be true, especially if you see your dog returning to one area of your lawn to dine.
Don’t be too worried about their occasional consumption of sidewalk salad. But look for other signs of illness, like loss of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy.
Pet Care Myth: Dogs Don’t Need Sunscreen
This one is less often addressed, especially if you have personally busted the dog grooming myth above. While your pet’s coat will help regulate its temperature in hot weather, they can still become sunburned with too much UV exposure. Dogs with short coats or thin coats can quickly receive sunburn, but we must remember that even dogs with thick coats can get too much sun exposure on their faces, noses, and around their ears, where fur might be thinner or sparser.
Never use human sunscreen on your pets. Veterinarian-recommended sunscreen and lots of shade will help keep sunburn at bay.
Pet Kisses Myth: A Dog’s Mouth is Cleaner Than a Human’s
If you’re like us – hopeless dog-loving humans – you probably love puppy kisses. Kisses from our pets have the power of emotional healing. But are dog kisses healthy for our bodies? No, probably not. Dogs host a variety of bacteria in their mouths, just like humans. They just have different types of bacteria than us in their mouths.
We would never tell you not to accept those kisses but be mindful that harmful germs can be passed to you from your pet.
Regular professional grooming, as well as at-home and veterinary oral care are necessary to keep your pet’s mouth cleaner and healthier. An unhealthy pet mouth can also lead to an unhealthy pet body. Dental disease is a big risk factor for endocarditis and congestive heart failure in our pets.
Pet Health Myth: If a Dog’s Nose is Warm and Dry, They Are Sick
A warm, dry doggy snout is a poor indicator of health. Their noses are ever-changing, highly exposed to the world around them.
Instead of depending on nose checks, be on the lookout for other health indicators, like lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and extreme behavioral changes.
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Schedule your appointment today and treat your pooch to the pampering they truly deserve with Woofie’s of the Denver Foothills!