The 5 Most Controversial Pet Topics

If you have been on the pet blogosphere, you learn that there are controversial pet topics that stir up intense emotions for debate. Listed below are some of the most controversial pet topics. This list is based on discussions I have seen most on the internet and responses to articles written about these topics in the past.

The food debate

This is probably the most controversial pet topic  based on reactions I have seen with online discussion.  Raw food advocates claim pets should eat like their ancestors did in the wild. This group tends to be anti-kibble. Grain free advocates claim gluten found in pet food causes major inflammation throughout the body and is a trigger for allergies. Many veterinarians don’t like the idea of feeding pets a raw diet because of the risk of shedding salmonella. Also, many believe grain free diets are fads for marketing. Is there any possibility for a common ground of this debate? Most likely not. Most are firm on their opinions on what they should feed their pet.
Animal Doctor Blog perspective: I believe people will continue to feed their pets whatever they want. I don’t believe feeding or not feeding kibble is the major issue with diet in pets. The biggest issue is that pet owners often feed their pets what is on their plate. Often this food is unsuitable, often high in fat and sugar. This often leads to major digestive issues that can be extensive and expensive to treat.

Cosmetic or elective surgeries

Tail docks and ear cropping are very controversial surgeries that are performed on specific breeds of dogs. Declawing in cats are just as controversial. Those who are against these surgical procedures consider them cruel and unnecessary procedures because of their nature. Those who support these procedures either believe they have health benefits for pets, or in some circumstances are acceptable.

Animal Doctor blog perspective: Over the years increasingly veterinarians are findings these procedures unacceptable.  The trend seems to be that many veterinary clinics who have done these surgical procedures in the past have decided to discontinue.  I am sure if this trend continues, these procedures will be less prevalent.

Vaccine debate

The vaccine debate in pets is reaching almost the same fervor as the vaccine debate in humans. It is definitely one of the newer controversial pet topics. Those who are against vaccines have several concerns. One is that they feel that their pets are given way more vaccines than needed. It concerns them that some vaccines are causing reactions in some pets. They also feel that there are long term side effects such as cancer and immune diseases that are caused by vaccines. Those that are for vaccines believe they are essential to help thwart disease in the pet population. Though there is a possibility for side effects, risks are small and the benefits outweigh the risks.

Animal Doctor Blog perspective: Vaccines are important in the control of disease in our pets. But vaccines should be tailored to a pet’s lifestyle. If a pet will be in an environment that increases the risk of exposure to a certain disease it is best they are protected. If a pet is in an environment with minimal exposure to diseases, then they will need fewer vaccines in comparison. Not all pets need the same amount of vaccines. Also there are instances where pets will need to be exempt from vaccines due to previous reactions or illnesses.

Spay neuter debate

This debate was sparked by research studies involving Rottweilers and Golden retrievers. The results showed that altering pets prior to 1 year of age increased the incidences of certain diseases including cancer.   Because of these studies, there are many who are opposed to having any pets altered earlier than 1 year of age. There are some who go as far as being against any pets being spayed or neutered at all. On the other side there are those who advocate for spaying and neutering pets as early as 6 months of age. They believe the health benefits such as a decrease in unexpected pregnancies, reduction in reproductive related tumors and other reproductive medical conditions (pyometra, prostate disease) outweigh any possible complications. There are also those who support early spay neuter in pets as young as 8 weeks old to deal with pet overpopulation.

Animal Doctor Blog perspective:  Altering pets has more benefits than costs. From a clinical standpoint there are fewer issues with reproductive disease such as pyometra or mammary tumors in altered pets. Those who are concerned about the study results can have their pets altered at a later age. There is a concern that there are those who will misconstrue the results of the studies resulting in them not altering their pets. This can increase the chances of their pets getting medical conditions I have mentioned.

Parasite preventative debates. (Fleas Ticks and Heartworms)

Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms are prevalent among our pets. As a result there are many products to help protect against them. There are those who feel that these products are toxic to their pets and look for more natural alternatives. Some of those beliefs result from their pets having an adverse reaction when these medications were given in the past. This is the main reason why it is one of the controversial pet topics.

Animal Doctor Blog Perspective: Protecting your pets against harmful parasites are very important. Unfortunately, all medication can have side effects.  In the majority of the cases the chance of side effects are small. Since there are many available choices for parasite preventatives if your pet does has a reaction there is likely a suitable alternative to make sure your pet will stay protected.

Conclusion

These and other controversial pet topics will continue to be debated as long as pets exist. Though there may never be any opportunity for agreement on these issues, it is important that pet owners endeavor to provide the best care for their pets.