Statistics show that more than half of the households around the globe own some kind of a pet, and rightfully so.
Pets bring joy, provide companionship when we need it the most, they love unconditionally and aren’t as demanding (or disappointing as humans).
Studies have also shown that having pets can help with depression and loneliness which is why it is our duty to give them our utmost love and attention.
However, there are some common misbeliefs when it comes to pet care which we all need to unlearn.
Old Dogs Don’t Learn New Tricks
The best part about dogs, besides them enthusiastically greeting you at the door every day after work, is teaching them clever tricks.
It’s a widely popular myth that old dogs can’t be trained like young ones but the truth is that with practice and the right motivation, all dogs are capable of learning new tricks, regardless of their age.
Even the world’s smartest dog, Chaser, who is now in his late years, is continuously learning new tricks thanks to his master’s patience and dedication.
You Can Feed Human Foods to Your Pets
It’s quite common for your dog or cat to wag their tail and run after you during dinner time in hopes of getting some of the Shepard’s pie or mashed potatoes from your plate.
While you might feel tempted to give in to their pleading looks, you can’t give just about any human food to your pets.
Sure, an occasional cookie here and there or a lick of ice cream isn’t that harmful but if you’re feeding your four-legged friends junk food on the regular, it might end up causing more harm than good.
Licking Their Wounds is Good for Healing
You might have heard the saying that when pets lick their wounds, it’s actually good for them. This myth couldn’t be any farther from the truth because there is no healing magic in your pet’s saliva.
On the contrary, licking wounds can irritate them even further, or worse, cause an infection.
It’s Completely Normal to Keep Fish in a Glass Bowl
We’re so used to seeing goldfish swimming in a small glass bowl that we actually think that it’s normal to keep them in such confined spaces. In reality, fish don’t feel comfortable in a small water body, and don’t even get enough oxygen for their survival.