We will be sharing some helpful hints, tips, tricks, and in this case; busting common myths. Curious about whether or not something you heard about pet care is fact or fiction? Contact our team for an answer.
There is a myth in the pet world that one kind of food is better than another for all pets across the board with no exception and it just isn’t true. Coming from the people who are absolutely obsessed with pet nutrition, you know we have our own preferences of brands, processes, and considerations. But saying one food is better for all animals does not look at the whole picture.
That is not to say that there is no difference between pet foods because there absolutely is. Some do have a more “ideal” ingredient panel and process than others. Just like human food, some of it is better for us than other choices we could make. The things to take into account are the individual needs of the animal, the financial ability of the owner, and what is accessible, reasonable, and maintainable for the owner and pet.
The most important thing is that the pet is safe, cared for, and being fed on a regular basis. It is also important the owner is able to feel safe, cared for, and is in a position to feed themselves and their pet(s) regularly. As humans and pet owners we can only do the best that we can with the tools we have. So whatever food you choose to feed, just make sure it is the best choice that you are able to make for your pet. We are here and happy to help. Join the Conversation
Dog humping is a common occurrence of unneutered male dogs caused by their natural instinct to procreate. However, once neutered, male (and female) dogs can still perform this behavior and it isn’t always about dominance. Sometimes dog humping, whether same-sex or mixed-gender, is used purely as a comforting practice to an overwhelmed or socially inept dog. A pup who has a hard time regulating their excitement may resort to humping of other dogs, people, or objects as a way to calm themselves when they feel out of control. Since dogs don’t experience shame about sexual behavior, they are likely to perform their comfort activity in front of anyone and everyone.
If you find your dog’s humping to be embarrassing or problematic, they can be trained to stop the behavior by gently and consistently redirecting their attention to something more appealing. Toys, treats, and other activities are all helpful. Don’t get mad or yell at them. Keep your cool and redirect as many times as needed in order to break the pattern.
It is commonly believed that cats only purr when they are happy, but that isn’t actually true. It is true that they do purr when happy, but that isn’t the only time. Cats also purr when they are in pain, stressed, scared, and to comfort their young. It’s a soothing sound and sensation that can relax anyone in earshot of the precious purr.
“A cat’s purr begins in its brain. It then sends a message to the muscles in its voice box, which twitch and cause the vocal cords to separate when the cat inhales and exhales – producing the purring sound.” – bluecross.org
Dogs are not pretending to be cats when they “cover up” their business after they go potty. While it may look like your pup is imitating a cat and their bathroom behavior, when a dog wipes their feet or kicks dirt around after relieving themselves it is just another method of marking their territory.
Dogs (and lots of other animals) have a lot of ways of communicating with each other without words, and in this case, without having to even be in the same place at the same time.
Dogs have scent glands in between their toes, so when they kick up dirt they are adding their scent to the ground as a way of claiming that territory. So not only is the smell of their urine/feces left behind, so is their calling card scent. Kind of like a graffiti artist tagging a building.
Prescription food is intended to reduce the symptoms of specific medical conditions and has been effective for a lot of pets. However, there are no medications in prescribed food, therefore it is not treating any disease or deficiency. Since it has the label of “prescription”, veterinarians and vet pharmacy suppliers get to sell the foods exclusively and charge whatever they want while creating the demand for the supply.
For example, one of the prescription diets for dogs with food allergies and/or “GI problems” uses a novel protein (not chicken, beef, or turkey) and carbohydrates that usually don’t cause an allergic response. Basically, the prescription is a duck and potato food. It’s a great option for dogs with allergies, but there are several “over the counter” foods with exotic proteins and potatoes that will do the same thing for less money, and sometimes higher quality ingredients.
If your pet is on prescription food and you are both happy with it, stick with what works. But if you’ve ever wondered if there were alternatives with the same quality, or better, we would be thrilled to help.
No, grain-free diets do NOT cause dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. The USFDA released a statement in 2019 that they were investigating the relationship between DCM and a grain-free diet. The studies have since lead to more questions than answers, but there is no evidence that feeding a grain-free diet causes dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.
In addition, feeding a diet that includes grain will not prevent DCM. Diet related DCM is still a widely misunderstood disease that is being studied for better understanding. Whether you chose a grain in or grain-free food should be based on what works best for your dog.
We all want what is best for our beloved pets, and it’s natural to worry that we aren’t making the right choice sometimes. We are here to help and learn what works best for your pet right alongside you and your vet. The most important thing to consider when choosing pet food is that it is a complete and balanced diet.
Not true. Well, a little bit of it is. The saggy flap toward the hind legs of every feline is called a “primordial pouch”. It is bigger on some cats than other, but all kitties have it. The primordial pouch is made up of skin, fur, and fat. The exact purpose for this is not known, though there are quite a few thoughts as to what it is for. One is for an added layer of protection of the vital organs. Another thought is that it could aid in flexibility. The primordial pouch is not connected to the abdominal wall, which is why it will sway when the cat walks. The extra skin is free to stretch and lengthen, and therefore could be a vital part of feline flexibility.
Genetics, age, and weight can all play a role in determining the size and appearance of the pouch. As cats get older, everything gets a little more loose and saggy (just like humans). If you are worried about whether or not your cat is a healthy weight consult your veterinarian at your next appointment.
When you pick out a goldfish at a pet store, they are often sent home in a plastic bag that is quickly running out of air. You get home and think that it came from a really small container, so any old dish will do, right? Unfortunately, it doesn’t really work that way. It turns out that 25-cent fish is going to cost you a pretty penny to maintain in a healthy manner.
Goldfish produce a ton of ammonia. So much so that they really need a proper fish tank with a filter on it. They also get so much bigger. Goldfish can grow over 12”
Come in and let us help you get the right set up for your new pet. One more thing… Do NOT dump your goldfish in a local pond. They are considered an invasive species and can upset the ecosystem of that body of water.
False. Just suppose you are looking for a pet food that has cranberries in it to support the urinary tract of your cat. Strategic marketing will have you believe that a big photo of a cranberry on the bag means that there are tons of berries inside. But we all know that it’s the ingredient listing that tells the whole truth, right? If you see the ingredient you want on the list, you’re home-free! Or Are you?
This is where The Salt Divide comes in. Salt is a necessary and beneficial ingredient and typically only makes up 1% of the ingredient panel. Therefore, any ingredient listed after salt makes up LESS THAN 1% of the ingredients. The order things are listed in matters, and when you find that beneficial ingredient listed toward the end, it means there is a very small amount in there. Still good, but probably not as much as you were hoping for.
A lot of people (and the internet) will tell you to pour cold water on a dog that is overheating. But this can actually cause more harm than good. Super cold water can shock the dog’s system, and the extreme temperature difference can cause heart and circulation issues that can be fatal.
Instead, immediately get into the shade, find some lukewarm water for them to drink then cool the soles of the feet, chest, and lower abdomen with a damp towel.
Prevent heatstroke by taking walks either first thing in the morning, or later at night once the temperature drop. Make sure fresh water is always available, and try mental stimulation to get out some energy, rather than just physical on the really hot days.
While dogs only have 2 types of cones (the color receptors) and humans have three, dogs have a unique color spectrum they see the world through. Yellow and blue are dominant in dog color vision.
Even though you probably shouldn’t rely on the opinion of your dog to pick out your next paint color or any other interior decorating choices, you can count on their heightened observation of movement (even when it’s just a squirrel taunting them from outside). Dogs are superior to humans in motion detection and sight in dim light.
A common thing we hear is that feeding dry cat and dog food (kibble) is good for your pet’s teeth and therefore, a dental care routine is not necessary. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While there are plenty of high-quality brands of dry dog and cat food, otherwise called “kibble”, it is no substitute for a dental routine. That’s like saying eating crackers will brush your teeth, and we know that isn’t true.
There are lots of options for dental care at Benson’s Pet Center. From treats to bones, toothbrushes, and water additives, we have what you need to keep your pet’s teeth healthy.