Folks Assured But Misled by Frequent Pet Myths, Survey Finds
Regardless of a wealth of pet care sources, many individuals stay influenced by a stunning array of pet myths.
A brand new survey involving over 2,000 adults throughout the UK by Petplan has uncovered a major hole between the arrogance pet homeowners really feel about their information and the fact of frequent misconceptions. Alarmingly, 1 / 4 of pet homeowners admit they’ve been misled by at the very least one fable, and 62% say they might change their present care routines if they found they have been primarily based on incorrect beliefs.
“A wagging tail means a contented canine”
One of the vital persistent myths uncovered by the survey is the idea {that a} wagging tail at all times indicators happiness, with practically half of respondents (49%) holding this false impression.
“Whereas many individuals assume a wagging tail is an indication of happiness, it’s truly extra nuanced than this,” explains Nick Jones, Canine Skilled Witness and Behaviourist. “Canines use their tails, alongside different physique language cues, to convey a spread of feelings—from pleasure and happiness to nervousness or anxiousness. The velocity, place, and accompanying indicators like posture or ear place are key to understanding how a canine actually feels. Slightly than viewing a wag as a easy signal of friendliness, it’s higher seen as a sign that the canine is open to interplay.”
Licking wounds: a danger, not a treatment
One other frequent false impression is that pets licking their wounds helps with therapeutic, a perception held by 31% of pet homeowners. Nevertheless, this may do extra hurt than good.
“Licking causes bodily trauma to the pores and skin’s pure barrier, which permits micro organism to enter the wound and even the physique,” says Dr Brian Faulkner, FRCVS. “Micro organism thrive in canine’ and cats’ mouths on account of leftover meals particles, dental plaque, and fewer hygienic habits like consuming from soiled puddles or licking their very own bottoms.”
Pet loyalty and generational divides
The survey additionally reveals fascinating insights into how folks view loyalty in pets. Whereas 21% of respondents contemplate Labradors essentially the most loyal canine breed and eight% identify Persian cats as significantly loyal, practically half (47%) imagine no cat breed is inherently extra loyal. Notably, youthful persons are extra prone to affiliate particular breeds with loyalty than older generations.
Cats and canine: not at all times enemies
One in three folks nonetheless mistakenly believes that “cats and canine are pure enemies,” with this fable extra frequent amongst canine homeowners (35%) than cat homeowners (28%).
“Whereas some cats and canine don’t get alongside, many canine can dwell harmoniously with cats relying on their temperament and the way they’ve been launched,” says Dr Brian Faulkner. “It’s important to think about the personalities of each pets earlier than deciding to deliver them into the identical family.”
The significance of correct data
Whereas 58% of respondents really feel assured in distinguishing pet details from fiction, this survey reveals a transparent want for higher understanding of pet care practices. Encouragingly, most pet homeowners (62%) are prepared to adapt their routines when offered with correct data.
“There are such a lot of myths about pets that it’s simple to see why folks may be confused,” says Dr Brian. “From deciphering a wagging tail to understanding their dietary wants, these misconceptions can affect how we look after our animals. It’s important to look past the myths and actually get to know our pets as people. Whereas some myths could appear innocent, others can result in pricey errors, which is why having the suitable help, like pet insurance coverage, provides peace of thoughts. The extra knowledgeable we’re, the higher we are able to reply to their wants and guarantee their happiness and well-being.”
Frequent myths uncovered by the survey embody:
• Over 20% imagine canine solely see in black and white, although canine can understand some colors.
• 46% of canine homeowners assume their pets “look responsible” after misbehaving, when analysis reveals this expression is extra seemingly a response to their proprietor’s behaviour.
• 12% nonetheless imagine cats ought to drink milk, regardless of its potential to trigger digestive points.
By debunking these myths, pet homeowners can higher care for his or her furry companions and enhance their well-being.
Regardless of a wealth of pet care sources, many individuals stay influenced by a stunning array of pet myths.
A brand new survey involving over 2,000 adults throughout the UK by Petplan has uncovered a major hole between the arrogance pet homeowners really feel about their information and the fact of frequent misconceptions. Alarmingly, 1 / 4 of pet homeowners admit they’ve been misled by at the very least one fable, and 62% say they might change their present care routines if they found they have been primarily based on incorrect beliefs.
“A wagging tail means a contented canine”
One of the vital persistent myths uncovered by the survey is the idea {that a} wagging tail at all times indicators happiness, with practically half of respondents (49%) holding this false impression.
“Whereas many individuals assume a wagging tail is an indication of happiness, it’s truly extra nuanced than this,” explains Nick Jones, Canine Skilled Witness and Behaviourist. “Canines use their tails, alongside different physique language cues, to convey a spread of feelings—from pleasure and happiness to nervousness or anxiousness. The velocity, place, and accompanying indicators like posture or ear place are key to understanding how a canine actually feels. Slightly than viewing a wag as a easy signal of friendliness, it’s higher seen as a sign that the canine is open to interplay.”
Licking wounds: a danger, not a treatment
One other frequent false impression is that pets licking their wounds helps with therapeutic, a perception held by 31% of pet homeowners. Nevertheless, this may do extra hurt than good.
“Licking causes bodily trauma to the pores and skin’s pure barrier, which permits micro organism to enter the wound and even the physique,” says Dr Brian Faulkner, FRCVS. “Micro organism thrive in canine’ and cats’ mouths on account of leftover meals particles, dental plaque, and fewer hygienic habits like consuming from soiled puddles or licking their very own bottoms.”
Pet loyalty and generational divides
The survey additionally reveals fascinating insights into how folks view loyalty in pets. Whereas 21% of respondents contemplate Labradors essentially the most loyal canine breed and eight% identify Persian cats as significantly loyal, practically half (47%) imagine no cat breed is inherently extra loyal. Notably, youthful persons are extra prone to affiliate particular breeds with loyalty than older generations.
Cats and canine: not at all times enemies
One in three folks nonetheless mistakenly believes that “cats and canine are pure enemies,” with this fable extra frequent amongst canine homeowners (35%) than cat homeowners (28%).
“Whereas some cats and canine don’t get alongside, many canine can dwell harmoniously with cats relying on their temperament and the way they’ve been launched,” says Dr Brian Faulkner. “It’s important to think about the personalities of each pets earlier than deciding to deliver them into the identical family.”
The significance of correct data
Whereas 58% of respondents really feel assured in distinguishing pet details from fiction, this survey reveals a transparent want for higher understanding of pet care practices. Encouragingly, most pet homeowners (62%) are prepared to adapt their routines when offered with correct data.
“There are such a lot of myths about pets that it’s simple to see why folks may be confused,” says Dr Brian. “From deciphering a wagging tail to understanding their dietary wants, these misconceptions can affect how we look after our animals. It’s important to look past the myths and actually get to know our pets as people. Whereas some myths could appear innocent, others can result in pricey errors, which is why having the suitable help, like pet insurance coverage, provides peace of thoughts. The extra knowledgeable we’re, the higher we are able to reply to their wants and guarantee their happiness and well-being.”
Frequent myths uncovered by the survey embody:
• Over 20% imagine canine solely see in black and white, although canine can understand some colors.
• 46% of canine homeowners assume their pets “look responsible” after misbehaving, when analysis reveals this expression is extra seemingly a response to their proprietor’s behaviour.
• 12% nonetheless imagine cats ought to drink milk, regardless of its potential to trigger digestive points.
By debunking these myths, pet homeowners can higher care for his or her furry companions and enhance their well-being.
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