et Mythbusting: Separating Fact From Fiction in Animal Care

By Scott Wolf AP

From the belief that cats always land on their feet to the claim that dogs see only in black and white, popular myths about pets persist in homes and on social media. While many of these ideas have been passed down for generations, veterinarians say misinformation can lead to poor care or even harm.

“Pet myths spread because they often contain a grain of truth,” said Dr. Helen Ortiz, a small animal veterinarian in Chicago. “But they can create dangerous misunderstandings if owners take them at face value.”

Dogs Don’t See in Black and White

One of the most common misconceptions is that dogs see the world as a grayscale film. In reality, dogs have dichromatic vision, meaning they see two primary colors instead of the three humans perceive. While they cannot distinguish reds and greens, they can see blues and yellows.

“Dogs see fewer colors, but their vision is adapted for movement and low-light conditions,” Ortiz said. “That’s why they may spot a squirrel at dusk before you even notice it.”

Researchers have found that dogs’ color perception can influence training and play. A red ball in green grass may appear brownish to a dog, making it less visually exciting than a bright blue or yellow toy.

Cats Don’t Always Land on Their Feet

The graceful leap and sure-footed landing of a cat is so iconic that many believe it’s an unbreakable rule. But while cats have a righting reflex that allows them to twist midair and land on their feet, the ability has limits.

Falls from very short distances may not give a cat enough time to adjust its body, while extreme heights can still cause serious injuries. Studies from veterinary hospitals in urban areas show cats can survive long falls, but “high-rise syndrome” cases often result in broken bones, internal injuries and dental trauma.

“Cats are agile, but they’re not invincible,” Ortiz said. “Window screens, enclosed balconies and supervision go a long way in preventing dangerous falls.”

A Wagging Tail Doesn’t Always Mean a Happy Dog

Another widely accepted belief is that a wagging tail signals friendliness. In truth, tail wagging can express a range of emotions, including excitement, nervousness, or aggression. The position, speed and stiffness of the wag can indicate different moods.

A slow, stiff wag with the tail held high can be a sign of alertness or even a warning, while a low, loose wag often reflects relaxation. Reading tail wagging in combination with other body language — ears, eyes, posture — is key to understanding a dog’s emotional state.

“Just because a tail is moving doesn’t mean it’s safe to approach,” Ortiz said. “Always give dogs a chance to come to you, especially if you don’t know them.”

Milk Isn’t Good for Most Cats

Images of cats lapping from a saucer of milk are a cultural staple, but most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Their bodies produce less lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose in milk, leading to stomach upset, diarrhea or vomiting after consumption.

“Kittens can digest their mother’s milk, but once they’re weaned, cow’s milk is not appropriate,” Ortiz said. “Fresh water is always the best choice.”

Some specialty pet stores offer lactose-free milk treats for cats, but veterinarians caution that these should be given sparingly as a treat rather than a dietary staple.

A Warm, Dry Nose Doesn’t Mean a Healthy Dog

Many owners still check a dog’s nose as an informal health gauge, believing a cool, moist nose equals wellness and a warm, dry nose means illness. In reality, nose temperature and moisture vary throughout the day due to activity, environment and even sleep.

A dog may have a warm, dry nose after napping or lying in the sun, while a moist nose doesn’t guarantee good health. Veterinarians recommend looking at a dog’s overall behavior — appetite, energy level, breathing and bathroom habits — as better indicators of well-being.

Year-Round Care and Critical Thinking

Ortiz and other experts say the best defense against misinformation is seeking credible sources, such as licensed veterinarians, veterinary school websites, and peer-reviewed research. Social media and word-of-mouth advice can be valuable for sharing experiences, but should not replace professional guidance.

“Pet care isn’t one-size-fits-all,” Ortiz said. “A tip that works for one dog or cat might not be safe for another.”

By questioning long-held beliefs and replacing them with evidence-based care, pet owners can improve the health, safety and happiness of their animals. Whether it’s choosing the right toy color, keeping windows secured, or interpreting a tail wag, accurate knowledge strengthens the human-animal bond.

In the end, Ortiz said, caring for pets is as much about learning as it is about loving. “The more we understand what’s real and what’s myth,” she said, “the better we can protect them.”

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This article was created, in part, utilizing AI tools.