Debunking Pet Health Myths: What Every Owner Should Know

Myth vs Fact

• Myth: Grass-eating means sickness.
• Fact: Most dogs eat grass for enjoyment.

The biggest myth that is taking up space in the mind of pet owners is that “Dogs eat grass to make themselves vomit when they are not feeling well.” But unfortunately that is not the case, according to Applied Animal Behaviour Science, less than 10% dogs showed signs of being ill before eating grass, and less than 25% suffered from vomiting after eating grass.


The real fact is that dogs eat grass simply because it is a natural digestive for them. Also, the main reason dogs are seen gobbling up grass is because they like the texture of it.


Myth vs Fact

• Myth: A dry nose means sickness.
• Fact: Look at your pet’s overall behaviour.

A major panic button for pet owners is when the nose goes dry. A dry nose is not a 100% symptom of your pet being sick, it can occur due to various other reasons like being in the heat, waking up from a nap or after coming back from a tiring activity.

All the vets put pressure on this point that a dry nose is not the symptom. Owners should actually be looking for real signs of illness rather than touching the nose every now and then. Signs like loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, or unusual behaviour are reliable signs of an animal being sick.

Myth vs Fact

• Myth: Cats are invincible to falls.
• Fact: Cats do suffer serious injuries from falls.

Almost every animal lover has heard this sentence once in their lifetime. Just so you know it is not entirely true, it could be fatal if proper precautions are not in place. It is true that cats do have an unbelievable ability to twist their bodies mid-air, but that isn’t a given that a cat will always, 100 out of 100 times land on it’s feet.

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) states that, falls from even the lowest height can cause fatal injuries like broken bones, internal injuries and even head injuries. ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) says that approximately 130,000 cats suffer injuries due to falling from heights.

Myth vs Fact

• Myth: Grain-free means healthier.
• Fact: Most pets thrive on balanced diets.

A trending pet myth in 2025 that has got everyone talking is ‘Grain-Free’ pet food. Some owners believe that not giving their pets grainy food is doing good for them. Unfortunately that is another myth is turning into the suffering of animals for no reason at all. Grains are not harmful to majority of the animals, exceptions being if they have some probable health issues. They in turn provide important nutrients to the animal for the their well being.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a research to link grain-free pet food with heart diseases in dogs. The research concluded that deprivation of grains in the body leads to decreased nutrients like fibre and vitamins. Only dogs that should avoid grains are those who have food allergies, and they are less than 1% of the entire population according to veterinaries.

Myth vs Fact

• Myth: Chew toys are dental care.
• Fact: Pets need dental care.

A dangerous myth about pets is that they keep their own teeth clean and do not need any dental checkups from time to time. This carelessness of the owners leads to the dog into have various different problems like, infections and shortened lifespans. Just like humans, routine visits to the doctor and annual checkups are important for our four-legged companions.

According to The American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC), they say that by the age of three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some kind of dental diseases. Chewing toys helps keep their teeth clean to a certain extent, but that does not mean it is 100% efficient.

Myth vs Fact

• Myth: Indoor pets are completely safe from diseases.
• Fact: Indoor pets are also prone to falling sick to diseases.

Staying indoors does not mean one is safe from diseases. The same goes for animals, indoors pets are also prone to diseases just like other animals. Pets that stay indoors also need vaccinations for rabies, and other dangerous illnesses.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that rabies, though rarely found in countries, is fatal even if one symptom appears. To take precautions annual visits to the clinic and full body checkups are a must. It is not about just curing the illness, it is about catching health issues earlier.

Your choice for your family member

Some of these myths sound comforting and logical and that is a major reason why people tend to believe them. But on the other hand, facts must always out weigh folklore.

According to the American Pet Association, 67% of American households own pets. If myths spread like wildfire through all those families, animal hospitals will be flooded with little furry patients who have fallen sick because of their owners were not well informed.

The next time a person gives you advice for your companion, make sure it is backed by science and not by old rumoured myths.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a warm, dry nose always a sign my dog is sick?
   No, nose temperature and moisture vary naturally and don’t always indicate illness.
2. Do cats always land on their feet without injury?
   No, cats can get seriously hurt from falls despite their agility.
3. Do pets eat grass only when they’re sick?
   No, many pets eat grass out of habit, boredom, or taste, not always due to illness.
4. Is grain-free food always healthier for pets?
   No, grain-free diets aren’t automatically healthier and may even pose risks if not balanced.