QUEENIE'S PETS MYTH BUSTING: DEBUNKING COMMON PET-RELATED MISCONCEPTIONS
At Queenie's PetsⓇ, we're committed to always being far more than just the other end of a leash or a person who just rings up your purchase; We are problem-solvers, listeners, educators and, in many cases, subject-matter experts. Every day, we encounter falsehoods that have been perpetuated for years about the loving care our pets need and receive. Every so often, we want to provide you with some myth-busting to help you unlearn some of the malarky that’s floating out there. Let's dive into these myths and uncover the truth behind them!
Myth 1: "My Dog is Allergic to Chicken"
It’s not that it’s NOT true… just more than likely a myth, since only about 15% of dogs with a food allergy (which is uncommon in and of itself) are actually allergic to chicken. According to the NIH, the most common food allergen for dogs is beef (34%) followed by dairy (17%)...and then chicken! What’s more likely is that your dog has a sensitivity rather than an allergy - and it’s quite possible that the sensitivity isn’t actually to chicken at all.
Before you jump to any conclusions about your pet, we recommend using our Food and Environmental Intolerance Test to determine if your pet does actually have a sensitivity. This simple hair sample test provides valuable insights into your companion’s health – especially since many pet sensitivities are actually caused by their environment and not their food. Sensitivity is much more likely to be the case, and we can help you with a curated elimination diet with one of our nutritional consultations.
In the meantime, we have many, many remedies that can help alleviate your pet’s skin and digestive issues in the long or short-term. Check out our supplement department!
Myth 2: "Dogs Shouldn't Destroy Toys"
You might cringe at the sight of your dog tearing into a brand-new toy you just spent good money on. Rest assured, they're not being destructive for no reason. Dogs have a natural instinct to mimic hunting and engage in prey-based play. It's entirely natural and healthy for them to destroy their toys. It's their way of staying active and mentally stimulated. I stress and repeat: TOY DESTRUCTION IS HEALTHY - AND FUN!
Ofcourse, it's crucial to ensure your pup does not ingest any small parts from their toys, as this can be dangerous. If your dog is an ingester, then you want to ensure you are only buying toys that contain no squeakers or little baubles. Some examples are Tall Tails Leather toys, the impenetrable Jolly Soccer Balls, or RuffDawg toys, many of which come with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee (they’ll replace it if your dog destroys it!).
While your dog's enthusiasm might result in a fluffy mess, it's nothing to worry about. Just as you have to clean up all the legos from your kids, cleaning up after your dog’s playtime is a small price to pay for keeping her instincts honed and having a happy and fulfilled dog! Once destroyed, a “dead” toy can remain in rotation - and chosen by your dogs out of the toy box - for a very long time. Check out some of the many long-since-dead toys that are treasured favorites in my household… – and we’ve always got more toys for Captain Destructo when you need them!
Myth 3: "Your Dog Has to Eat Grains"
The very-staunchly-espoused myth that has been happening for far too long now is that grain-free foods were the cause of DCM, or Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a very serious heart condition. While this theory has been disproved over and over, not enough pet professionals are doing their homework when it comes to pet nutrition. It's time to debunk it once and for all. The FDA even weighed in on this matter, and the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) has retracted their stance, affirming that there is not enough evidence to prove that grain-free diets have any correlation with DCM.
At Queenie's PetsⓇ, we understand that different pets have unique dietary needs and preferences. Our team promotes rotational feeding for most dogs, including both grain-inclusive and grain-free diets, in order to promote the most well-rounded nutritional profile possible. We're here to provide you with many different options to cater to your pet's specific requirements that also suit your budget.
Myth 4: "Cats Should Only Eat Wet Food as a Treat"
I cry on the inside whenever I hear this! In truth, the ideal diet for domestic cats is raw food. Cats are natural hunters, obligate carnivores, and they are much more connected to their evolutionary roots than other domesticated animals. But if raw feeding isn’t your thing, the next best you can do is a diet of wet food, due to its +/-85% moisture content. Cats naturally prefer to get their hydration from their food, so a wet food diet ensures they remain well-hydrated (pssst! Fun fact: Cats like to “find” water - having multiple bowls or differently-shaped vessels for them to find throughout your home makes them more likely to drink, too!).
The ridiculous myth that dry food cleans teeth ends right here, right now. Think about this: if your cat pukes up dry food…isn’t it always just full pieces of their kibble? They don’t really chew food that isn’t prey! The only way to clean your cat’s teeth is 1) feeding RAW bones, 2)brushing them (watch your fingers!) or 3) getting them professionally cleaned by your veterinarian.
All of this being said, cats are often texture-based eaters, and there certainly are cats who simply refuse to eat anything but kibble, and that’s ok! We are here to help you ensure your cats are getting fed the best for them, their preferences and your budget! Our goal is to provide you with a range of high-quality options and to just debunk the myth that wet food is only for special occasions.
Myth 5: "Small Animals Don't Need Enrichment"
It's a common misconception that small animals, like hamsters and rabbits, only need food and a place to run around. In reality, ALL mammals and birds require some form of play and enrichment to thrive. Enrichment activities, such as brain games and interactive toys, are essential to keep your small pets mentally stimulated and happy. Research has shown that boredom can lead to destructive behaviors and even physical maladies, such as self-harm, in pets.
At Queenie's Pets, we offer a wide variety of toys and accessories to keep your pets entertained and engaged, so you can ensure they live a fulfilling life, full of foraging, daily variation and excitement no matter their species.
Myth 6: "Your Cat Doesn't Need Supplements"
Wrong! Dietary supplements can play a significant role in maintaining (and improving) your cat’s health. Unfortunately, our sales reports show that far more dog parents are supplementing their pets’ diets than cat families. What isn’t a myth is that many cats, especially males, are susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and a large number of senior cats end up with thyroid and kidney concerns. Supplements that promote healthy kidney and bladder function are great for preventing UTIs and crystals, and hip and joint supplements can keep your kitty leaping throughout all her days!
Just like humans, as your cat ages, their nutritional needs evolve, too! More than half of a cat's life is spent as a senior (!), and it's vital to adjust their diet and provide the right supplements to support their changing needs. Hip and joint supplements, as well as probiotics, can help your senior cat stay active and healthy throughout their golden years.
Consider Those Pet Care Myths Busted!
With so many different opinions and ideas out there about how to best care for your pet, it’s easy to be confused or unsure. Team Queenie's is committed to providing you with accurate information and high-quality products that cater to your pet's unique needs. By debunking these myths, we hope you feel confident to make new, informed decisions for your pets and/or that you’ll come in to chat with us about the ways in which we can continue in our mission of Making The Lives of Pets and Their Humans BetterⓇ.
