Our dogs and cats are family! But with the number of tips and ‘facts’ out there, caring for them can be overwhelming.

Here are the top 5 misconceptions of pet parenting.

Dont All Dogs Have Smelly Breath?

No! Foul breath is not normal and always has a cause. That cause is usually bacteria (plaque) living in the mouth. When the plaque ages, bacteria changes from irritating strains to bone destroying strains that produce hydrogen sulfide. And you guessed it – hydrogen sulfide smells bad!

So if you get a whiff of bad breath, don’t ignore it. Speak to your vet about how to take care of your pet’s mouth, starting with daily toothbrushing or a dental cleaning. If the teeth are not the problem, then there might be another medical issue going on.

Showing Love With Food

As humans, one way we share our love with family and friends is by sharing a meal. For pets though, food isn’t the healthiest way to show we care. The reality is that animals view food as a key to survival. So naturally, they are over-the-moon when we sneak them a table scrap. But remember – your pet does not have the ability to self-regulate their caloric intake. They do not have self-control over their eating impulses.

Owners who express their love with food commonly have overweight or obese pets. These animals then suffer the consequences of the ‘love’ shown to them, like diabetes, difficulty breathing, and joint pain.

Why not reward with play instead? Instead of reaching for the treat bag, take 5 minutes to play with them using their favourite toy. This will strengthen your bond with them and give them essential mental stimulation.

Treating Fleas With Homeopathic Recipes

Simply put, ‘natural’ resolution for fleas do not tend to work. Fleas are extremely resilient, even to bathing. Their eggs can survive for months in your home. The best natural treatment for flea eggs and larvae is your vacuum!

For the fleas on the body, natural treatments will only work when used in combination with a medication. The treatment should be used for at least 3 months (the length of a flea life cycle).

Little Dog, Little Excercise

Wrong! Many small dog breeds were bred for a specific purpose, like hunting rats (Yorkshire Terrier and Jack Russel Terrier) or tracking animals in a forest (Dachshund).

They were bred to have an intense amount of energy and endurance. This means that with a small dog breed, you might have to get more creative to tire them out mentally. Often, they need a combination of physical and mental stimulation. If your dog can handle longer walks or more vigorous exercise, this will also help them to be calmer at home.

Tailor a fitness routine to your pup’s specific needs.

Ignoring Pet Insurance Until Its Too Late.

Having an uninsured pet is a gamble, but pet insurance gives you peace of mind. The cost of veterinary care has grown, and a small accident can easily lead to hospitalization or surgery. Sickness is inevitable, and accidents are likely.

For example, a dog can injure their knee (ACL tear) while doing a normal activity like running or jumping. This leaves the hind leg unusable. Common treatment includes orthopedic surgery and hospitalization. In a matter of seconds, you have a dog in pain and a vet bill that is into the thousands. With full pet insurance coverage most of the bill is paid for, usually from 70% to 90%. You can walk into an emergency clinic worrying about your fur-baby rather than your wallet. See the link below for insurance recommendations and comparisons.

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