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5 Common Myths About Pets, Northridge Animal Medical Center
(818) 886-1216 Menu

5 Common Myths About Pets

5 Common Myths About Pets

Can you imagine a life without pets? Our pets bring us so much joy and enrichment. Life wouldn't be quite the same without them. Although pets quickly become cherished members of the family, they aren't people and don't always behave or the react the same way your human family members do. Examining these common pet myths can help you better understand your furry friends.

Myth #1 - People and Pets Can't Share Diseases

Zoonotic diseases are transmitted between people and animals. Rabies is the most well-known zoonotic disease, but it's not the only one. Others include cat scratch disease, salmonellosis, roundworm, hookworm, ringworm and toxoplasmosis.

You can reduce your risk of contracting a disease from your pet by washing your hands after you pet him or her or handle urine or feces. Do you kiss your pet? Although the habit may help you feel closer to your furry friend, it may sicken you. Your dog or cat's mouth contains bacteria that can make you ill. Although you're much more likely to become ill if you have a weak immune system, it's a good idea to save your kisses for your human family members.

Myth #2 - Pets Know Why You're Yelling at Them

Pets don't place the same value on your possessions as you do. When they're bored, they may tear apart the couch cushion, knock over plants or get into other types of trouble. Behaviors we consider "bad" also tend to occur if pets feel anxious or have separation anxiety. Although your pet may cower if you begin yelling, that doesn't mean that he or she understands why you're upset or realizes that it has anything to do with the cushion he or she destroyed hours ago.

Yelling at your pet serves no purpose if you don't catch your dog or cat in the act. If you do spot your pet about to tip over your favorite plant or dig into the garbage, a sharp "no" is all that's needed. Although a long, loud lecture may make you feel better, it won't have any effect on your pet's future behavior.

If your dog tends to get into trouble while you're away, confine him or her to one room or to a crate. Keep in mind that crates shouldn't be used all day long. Keep anything your pet finds too hard to resist out of reach to prevent mishaps.

Myth #3 - Cats Have 9 Lives

While it would be nice if cats really did have nine lives, they can become sick or injured just as easily as any other pet. The belief that cats always land on their feet after falls isn't true either. Cats have a natural righting reflex that allows them to re-position their bodies in mid-air. Unfortunately, if they fall from fairly low heights they don't have enough time to right themselves and can experience serious injuries. In 1984, veterinarians at The Animal Medical Center in New York City studied the phenomenon. They discovered that cats that fell from higher distances had the best chances for survival.

Myth #4- There's No Need to Brush Your Pet's Teeth

Pet's aren't immune from tooth decay. Tooth loss can affect your pet's ability to chew and may even lead to nutritional deficiencies. If your pet develops a bacterial infection due to severe tooth decay, the infection may even spread to the heart or brain.

Brushing your pets' teeth with gauze or special brushes that fit over your finger can help reduce tooth decay. It's usually easier to start brushing when your pet is young, although older pets can adjust to teeth cleaning with plenty of patience. If your pet absolutely won't cooperate, don't force the issue. Although teeth cleaning is beneficial, it's not worth the risk of an injury to yourself or your pet.

Myth #5 - You Only Need to Take Your Pet to the Vet in the Case of Illness

Just like people, pets need regular medical care to stay healthy. In addition to detecting health problems, such as diabetes and kidney failure, regular veterinary visits help ensure that your pet receives vaccinations that prevent common diseases, such as rabies, distemper, bordetella, parvovirus, adenovirus, feline leukemia and canine influenza. Veterinarians can also offer helpful advice on behavioral issues and provide suggestions that will help your overweight pet lose weight.

Protect your pet's health by scheduling a veterinary examination at least once per year. Call us today to make your pet's appointment.

    Hours:

  • Monday 9:00am 6:00pm
  • Tuesday 9:00am 6:00pm
  • Wednesday 9:00am 6:00pm
  • Thursday 9:00am 6:00pm
  • Friday 9:00am 6:00pm
  • Saturday & Sunday Closed

Dear NAMC Family:

With COVID-19 in the forefront of everyone's minds, we would like to update you on measures that we are taking to help keep us all (two-legged and four-legged) healthy and cared for.

As safety is our top priority, Northridge Animal Medical Center is strongly recommending that clients not attend their pets' appointments and adhere to our new Drop-Off Policy.

For drop-off, please call us as you are arriving in our rear parking lot and an attendant will take your pet in for you. For pick-up, please arrive five minutes prior to the end of your pet's appointment or at the time specified by our team, pick up at our rear entrance and an attendant will bring your pet to your car. Of course you may also wait for us to finish our evaluation and call you with our findings and treatment plans.

Our phone number is (818) 886-1216.

Please specify your concerns and share updates about your pet on the Drop-Off Form provided. You can also email us with your pet’s concerns. Updates following treatment will be emailed to you or shared over the phone. We also may email you images or videos as a visual aid when needed or required.

In addition to the above logistical changes, we have already implemented enhanced sanitation measures within the building, including:

  • Additional hand sanitizing stations throughout facility
  • Disinfection of facility several times daily
  • Educating employees on best practices to avoid spread of pathogens

COVID-19 IS NOT TRANSMITTED THROUGH PETS, SO LET'S KEEP GIVING THEM LOVE AND KEEPING THEM HEALTHY.

We appreciate you so much. Thank you for bearing with us as we move forward.

Lots of well wishes,

Dr. Frank Marco and the Northridge Animal Medical Center Team