10 Outdated Pet Care Myths That Could Be Hurting Your Dog or Cat

Still giving your cat milk or using garlic to fend off your pet’s fleas? Plenty of outdated pet advice is still floating around—some of it passed down from family and friends, some recycled online. But just because something’s been done for years doesn’t mean it’s safe or effective.

As our understanding of animal health and behavior has evolved, so has our approach to caring for pets. Evidence-based care is now the gold standard, helping pets live longer, healthier, happier lives.

In this article, we’re tackling ten outdated pet care tips and sharing what you should be doing instead.

10 Outdated Pet Tips To Put Out of Rotation

Milk is a suitable treat for cats.

Although we often see cats drinking bowls of milk on TV and in movies, cats are actually lactose intolerant. Cow’s milk can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats that could lead to serious health problems.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 flee 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.

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.

You absolutely can train your cat, and you should. It’s fun for your cat (and hopefully for you) and it deepens your bond.

Start with a simple trick like “sit.” Experts 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.

Why This Advice Lingers

Despite advancements in veterinary science and animal behavior, outdated pet advice continues to circulate. Why?

• Cultural habits: Pet care practices are often passed down from family and friends, making them feel familiar and trustworthy, even when they’re no longer accurate.
• Outdated training books: Many older resources still in circulation promote techniques or advice that modern experts have moved away from.
• Internet misinformation: Myths and outdated tips are easily shared online, often without proper context or expert input, giving them a false sense of credibility.

Letting go of these old ideas takes awareness and a willingness to trust updated, evidence-based guidance.

How to Spot Bad Pet Advice

So, how can you tell if pet advice and information is outdated or inaccurate? Here are some red flags that may indicate the information isn’t trustworthy:

• Lacks expertise or scientific support: Trustworthy pet advice should be backed by research or come from qualified professionals, such as veterinarians, certified trainers, animal behaviorists, or researchers. Be cautious of tips shared by unqualified individuals on social media, especially when there’s no evidence to support their claims.
• Overly simplistic solutions: Quick fixes that promise instant results often ignore the complexity of animal behavior and health. Fear-based or harsh methods: Recommendations that rely on intimidation, pain, or fear are outdated and potentially harmful.
• Anecdotal-only evidence: Just because something “worked” for one person doesn’t mean it’s safe or effective for all pets.
• Too good to be true: If it sounds like magic or a miracle cure, it probably isn’t backed by science.

Bringing Pet Care Into the Present

While outdated pet advice may be widespread, it’s important to recognize when it no longer serves your pet’s health or well-being. Modern, evidence-based practices offer safer, more effective ways to care for your furry bestie. 

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