10 Outdated Pet Care Myths That Could Be Hurting Your Dog or Cat

Milk is a suitable treat for cats.

Reality: “Although we often see cats drinking bowls of milk on TV and in movies, cats are actually lactose intolerant,” says Samantha Bell, cat expert at Best Friends Animal Society. “Cow’s milk can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats that could lead to serious health problems.”

Bell adds that if you want to give your cat a milk-like treat, there are “cat milks” that are lactose-free.

Aversive training is effective for training dogs.

Reality: Allie Bender, CDBC, CPDT-KA, SBA, founder of Pet Harmony Animal Behavior & Training, explains that aversive training methods (aka fear-based training), such as choke chains, shock collars, or harsh verbal corrections, rely on unpleasant stimuli to reduce unwanted behaviors. While they may technically “work" in the moment, Bender notes they don’t teach the dog an alternative, and can damage trust, harm a dog’s mental health, and worsen behavioral problems.

Modern, evidence-based training centers around positive reinforcement, which entails rewarding the behaviors you want and withholding rewards for those you don’t. Rewards can be anything your dog values, such as treats, toys, or praise. This approach effectively changes behavior, creates a dog who is eager to learn, and strengthens the bond between you and your pet. 

Dry food is good for cleaning pets' teeth.

Reality: Rebecca Goode, DVM, veterinarian at Port Phillip Animal Hospital, explains that while kibble was once thought to help reduce plaque in cats, research from the last couple decades suggests it offers no dental advantage over wet food. Dr. Goode says that as carnivores, cats often swallow kibble whole. And if they do chew it, the kibble typically shatters on contact, touching only the tips of the teeth. This provides minimal, if any, abrasive cleaning action.

The exception, Dr. Goode notes, is specially formulated dental diets that have the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal. These kibbles are designed to be larger and more fibrous, so they don’t break apart as easily. Instead, they force the tooth to sink in before breaking, allowing for a scrubbing action that has been clinically proven to help reduce plaque and tartar.

Putting your dog in their crate is a good form of discipline.

Reality: “Usually people want the crate to be considered as a safe space by their dog,” Bender says. “It’s hard to achieve that if you also want to use the crate to be punishing.” 

Plus, Bender says that consequences need to occur within about three seconds of the unwanted behavior to be meaningful. By the time a dog is placed in the crate, too much has happened in between for the dog to make the connection. 

It’s best to keep the crate as a secure place to keep your dog out of trouble when you can’t supervise them—not as a form of discipline.

You only need to take your pets to the vet when they're sick.

Reality: Preventive care is just as important as treating illness. Annual or twice-yearly wellness exams help detect health issues early, keep vaccinations up to date, and give you a chance to discuss nutrition, behavior, and other concerns with your vet.

Feeding garlic to a cat or dog will help repel fleas.

Reality: The idea behind this remedy is that after a dog or cat eats garlic, they’ll “sweat” out the scent, making them less appealing to fleas. However, veterinarians strongly advise against this. Garlic contains compounds that are toxic to dogs and cats, and even small amounts can be dangerous. On top of that, dogs and cats don’t sweat like humans, so the method isn’t effective. 

Old dogs can't learn new tricks.

Reality: This popular saying is often taken at face value, leading people to think that older dogs can’t learn new things. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Dogs can learn at any age, and continued training is actually great for senior dogs. It helps keep their minds sharp, their bodies engaged, and their routines enriching. Just be sure to adjust activities for any physical or sensory limitations your older pup may have.

Indoor-only cats don't need flea treatment.

Reality: Bell says fleas and their eggs can easily find their way indoors—on your shoes, through small cracks in windows, or by hitching a ride on other pets like dogs. Once inside, they can survive in carpets and furniture for months. That’s why year-round flea prevention is so important, even for indoor cats.

Talk to your vet about the best flea treatment for your cat to help protect them from infestations and the health problems they can cause

Pets don't need their teeth brushed.

Reality: Many pet parents see tooth brushing as an optional extra, but it’s actually the most effective way to prevent dental disease (along with professional cleanings as needed). Dental issues are incredibly common in pets and can lead to pain, tooth loss, and serious infections that may impact vital organs like the heart and kidneys. Dental care isn’t something to put on the back burner.

You can't train cats.

Reality: “You absolutely can train your cat, and you should,” Bell says. “It’s fun for your cat (and hopefully for you) and it deepens your bond.” 

Start with a simple trick like “sit.” Bell recommends holding a treat just above your cat’s head and slowly moving it backward. As your cat follows the treat, they’ll naturally lower into a sitting position. The instant their bottom hits the floor, say “sit” and give them the treat.