The Truth Behind Common Pet Health Myths Vets Hear Most Often

This myth likely grew from the observation that dogs lick their own wounds and appear to recover. Saliva does contain some antimicrobial enzymes, but veterinary and medical consensus is clear: these compounds are vastly outnumbered by bacteria such as Pasteurella, Capnocytophaga, and Staphylococcus species. Allowing a dog to lick an open wound — human or animal — introduces those organisms directly into broken skin. For people with compromised immune systems, this carries meaningful infection risk. Keep wounds covered and clean, and contact a healthcare provider if a wound becomes red, swollen, or warm after animal contact.

The feline righting reflex — the ability to rotate the body mid-air — is real and impressive. But it does not eliminate injury on impact. Veterinary emergency data show that cats falling from significant heights frequently arrive with fractured jaws, broken limbs, chest trauma, and ruptured organs. Counterintuitively, mid-range falls (around two to seven stories) can sometimes cause more injury than very high falls, because cats may not have enough time to fully orient and relax before impact at lower heights. Any cat that has fallen should be evaluated by a veterinarian, even if it appears to be walking normally.

Dental disease is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in dogs and cats, with many pets showing signs by age three. While some veterinary-formulated dental diets are designed with specific kibble geometry or added enzymes to reduce plaque, standard dry food provides very little meaningful cleaning — especially along the gumline, where periodontal disease begins. Tooth brushing with pet-safe toothpaste, veterinary dental cleanings under anesthesia, and approved dental chews are the evidence-supported approaches. See our article on why skipping dental care is costly for more detail.

Viruses like feline panleukopenia and feline herpesvirus can be carried in on clothing or via shared equipment. Parasites such as fleas and mosquitoes (which transmit heartworm) enter homes regularly. Beyond infectious disease, annual exams allow vets to catch metabolic changes, dental deterioration, weight shifts, and early organ disease — conditions that progress silently and are far more manageable when identified early. Vaccination schedules for indoor pets may differ from those of outdoor animals, but the decision to skip them entirely should be made in consultation with a vet, not based on the assumption that indoors equals safe. Our guide to pet vaccinations explains how schedules are typically determined.

Tail position and movement carry nuanced meaning. A low, loose wag often does indicate relaxed friendliness. But a stiff, high, rapid wag — especially combined with a tense body, fixed gaze, or raised hackles — can signal agitation or a dog on the verge of reacting defensively. Teaching children and adults to read the whole dog, not just the tail, is an important bite-prevention strategy. Always ask an owner's permission before approaching an unfamiliar dog, and allow the dog to approach you rather than reaching toward it.

Both garlic and onions belong to the Allium family and contain compounds — including thiosulfates and organosulfoxides — that are harmful to pets even in quantities that seem small by human standards. Cats are particularly sensitive, but dogs are also at risk. Toxicity can result from a single large exposure or from repeated small amounts over time. Symptoms of Allium toxicity include lethargy, pale gums, reduced appetite, and reddish urine. If you suspect your pet has consumed garlic or onion in any form — including powdered or cooked — contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service promptly. For broader guidance on food safety, visit our pet nutrition hub.