Pet professionals explain common pet myths

By Kimi Timmers
Edited by Cheryl Matheson
April 22, 2009

Whether you've been a lifelong pet owner or you're just starting out, the decisions you make don't end once you've picked one from the litter. Many prospective owners find themselves faced with controversy and misinformation when it comes to important issues about their animal's welfare. The Carolina Reporter sat down with some professionals to cut through the confusion.

Declawing cats

Many cat owners arrange declawing to prevent destruction of property and injury to people. But Monica McCartha, store manager and adoption counselor at Pets Inc., said declawing is inhumane and actually illegal in other parts of the world.

"It's like walking on the balls of your feet all day," she said.

Declawing can cause behavioral problems, since declawed cats are unable to defend themselves or use the litter box properly, McCartha said.

Pam ZeRut, assistant manager at Elam Animal Hospital, said declawing is a matter of personal preference, but the staff does not encourage it.

Crate-training dogs

New dog owners often use a crate to housebreak their puppy or keep it contained while they're away.  Dr. Nancy Harbach of Five Points Animal Clinic said there's nothing wrong with crate training, if done properly.

"The crate should never be so small that the dog can't get out of a mess they make, and they should have access to water," she said.

ZeRut said many dogs find their crate to be a "safe haven," but emphasized that they need room to stand up and turn around.

"The ideal situation is that you crate the animal before you leave for work, you come back to let them out at lunch and you let them out as soon as you get back from work," she said.

Keeping outdoor dogs

ZeRut said she dislikes the concept of a "yard dog," but that responsible owners will make sure to provide their pet with a fenced-in area and a covered shelter.

Dogs chained outside cannot be protected from threats like other animals, the elements and even boredom, McCartha said.

"If they back away from the chain and get their collar stuck in their jaw, they will break their jaw," she said.

Harbach said a dog could also get the chain wrapped around its neck and legs.   
 
"I've seen too many dogs hurt from that," she said.

Keeping outdoor cats

In rural or agricultural areas, outdoor cats can help control rodents. But even feline grace won't always save cats from city traffic.

"The safest environment is far away from cars," Harbach said. "The average life expectancy of an outdoor cat is two years."
 
ZeRut said that, ideally, owners should let their cats out into a screened-in porch, or be with the cats when they are outside. The risk, she said, is comparable to having a dog off its leash or not in a fenced-in area. But cats are harder to control and not always agreeable to staying indoors.

"I would love all cats to be inside-only," Harbach said. "But that's not realistic."