Copyright © 2025 Nexus Emergency Vet. Website by Specialist Vet Marketing
We provide extensive veterinary services to keep pets healthy and comfortable and offer unwavering support when difficult decisions and urgent care are needed.
311 Unley Rd
Malvern, Adelaide SA 5061
VSBSA Hospital Accreditation Pending
Pet care myths busted!
What your dog wishes you knew: Myths debunked!
Let’s face it – being a pet parent comes with a lot of advice. Some helpful. Some… not so much. From well-meaning friends to midnight rabbit-hole Googling, knowing what’s safe, healthy, or best for your dog is hard.
At Nexus Emergency Vet, we see the real-life fallout of myths every day, from dogs rushed in with pancreatitis after a barbecue binge, to pets in the ICU after “just one bone.” So, let’s clear the air with some straight-talking vet advice for dogs, grounded in years of experience.
"I can feed my dog human food. It’s natural, right?"
Reality: Some human food is more dangerous than it looks. Grapes, chocolate, macadamias, onions, and anything sugar-free (hello xylitol) can be toxic.
Even if you dodge the toxins, overly fatty or rich foods can lead to pancreatitis, stomach upset, or worse. And those expensive raw or boutique diets? Often not formulated by veterinary nutritionists, and can cause long-term harm.
Vet advice for dogs: Stick to complete, vet-approved diets. Not every expensive bag of kibble is gold-standard nutrition. Some mid-range brands actually offer better nutritional balance and scientific backing, because they invest in testing, not trends.
"Vomiting & diarrhoea is just gastro. It'll pass."
Reality: Maybe. But maybe not. While some puppies can get simple viral gastro (most often caused by parasites… yuck!), sudden vomiting or diarrhoea in adult dogs is often a sign of something more serious: pancreatitis, foreign body obstruction, toxicity, or organ dysfunction. These can escalate quickly and become life-threatening if not treated.
Best vet advice: If your dog is unwell, don’t wait it out. Let us assess them early. Fast intervention often means less invasive treatment, lower costs, and better outcomes.
"Licking wounds helps them heal."
Reality: Nope. Despite the folklore, licking a wound is more likely to introduce infection than reduce it. Think of your dog’s mouth like a playground for bacteria, not a sterile wound-cleaning tool. When did you lick your graze last and it got better? Exactly.
We recommend Elizabethan collars (a.k.a. the cone of shame) for a reason. It’s not punishment, it’s protection.
"Bones & table scraps are fine. Dogs are animals!"
Reality: We’re not saying your dog can’t handle a bite of meat, but we are saying the risks outweigh the moment of indulgence. Bones can splinter, causing blockages, tears or inflammation, and fatty scraps can trigger GI distress or lead to pancreatitis, diabetes or long-term obesity.
We’ve admitted dogs for days after “just one bone.” Think of it like kids and candy – they’ll eat it, but that doesn’t mean they should.
"I paid $150 for this bag of dog food.
It must be the best."
Reality: Price doesn’t equal nutritional quality. Some cheaper brands offer better balance and testing, because they invest in science, not shiny packaging. Many boutique and raw food brands spend more on marketing than formulation. Some don’t employ qualified nutritionists at all. And that grain-free label? It’s been linked to a serious heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy.
Straight from the vet: When in doubt, ask your vet. We’d much rather have that chat than see your pet down the track with preventable illness.
"Emergency vet care is slow, scary, & I won’t know what’s happening."
Reality: Not here. At Nexus, we triage as soon as you walk in. Our open-plan facility is designed to support the human–animal bond, which means you’re with your pet whenever possible – watching scans as they happen, hearing first-hand updates, and offering calm reassurance right when it’s needed.
You’re often just a few feet away, with your pet resting in a clear-fronted cage or recovering in a fully open ICU ward, while our team reviews diagnostics right at your side. You’re close enough to ask questions, hear answers, and be part of every step. Transparency isn’t an afterthought. It’s how we operate.
Still got questions?
If your pet shows clear signs of an emergency, come to see our experienced veterinary team. For guidance on less urgent concerns or to check if a visit is needed, our 24/7 nurse chat is here to help.
FAQs
Does a dry or warm nose mean my dog is sick?
No. A dog’s nose can naturally vary between wet and dry, warm or cool, throughout the day. Nose temperature or moisture is not a reliable indicator of health. Instead, watch for clear signs of illness such as lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual behaviour. If you’re concerned about your dog’s health, it’s always best to speak with a vet.
Is it safe to give my dog bones to chew?
We strongly advise against feeding bones to dogs. Bones can cause serious and painful health issues including broken teeth, choking, digestive blockages, or internal injuries. At Nexus Emergency Vet, we frequently treat dogs who have become very sick after chewing bones. Safe alternatives like vet-approved dental chews or toys are a much better choice.
Should I let my dog lick its wounds?
No. Licking can introduce bacteria, cause infections, and delay healing. Despite the common myth, a dog’s saliva isn’t a natural healing agent. We recommend protecting wounds with dressings or e-collars and following your vet’s wound care advice. If your dog’s wound looks red, swollen, or isn’t healing, bring them in for a check.
Are grain-free diets better for dogs?
Not necessarily. Unless your dog has a diagnosed grain allergy, there’s no proven benefit to grain-free diets. In fact, unbalanced grain-free diets can contribute to health issues over time. The best diet for your dog is one that is complete, balanced, and approved by veterinary nutrition guidelines. If you’re unsure, our team is happy to help guide you.
Does expensive dog food mean better quality?
Not always. Price doesn’t guarantee nutritional quality. Some mid-range dog foods offer excellent nutrition because they prioritise science and testing, not marketing. Look for diets that are complete, balanced, and recommended by veterinary professionals. If you’re unsure what’s best, speak to our team, we’d rather help you make the right choice upfront than see your pet later due to preventable health issues.
Is a raw diet (BARF diet) healthier for dogs?
Feeding raw food can carry significant risks, including exposure to harmful bacteria and nutritional imbalances. We regularly treat Adelaide pets who’ve become ill from raw diets. Unless recommended and supervised by a qualified veterinary nutritionist, a properly formulated commercial diet is typically safer and more reliable for your dog’s health.
My dog vomited, should I be worried or just monitor?
A one-off vomit can be harmless, but repeated vomiting, vomiting water, blood, or signs of pain require immediate veterinary attention. If you’re unsure, don’t take risks. Bring your dog to Nexus Emergency Vet. Early assessment can prevent more serious complications and lead to faster recovery.
Do dogs eat grass because they’re sick or need to vomit?
Not always. Many dogs eat grass simply because they enjoy it. While this behaviour isn’t usually harmful, obsessive grass-eating or vomiting afterwards can indicate a health issue. If you’re concerned, or if your dog is showing any other unusual symptoms, it’s best to have them checked by a vet.
Should I wait to see if my dog improves before calling the vet?
If you’re worried, don’t wait. Acting early can prevent a small issue from becoming a serious problem. At Nexus, we often see cases where prompt treatment would have meant a faster, less invasive recovery. When in doubt, contact us. We offer 24/7 advice and emergency care for peace of mind.
Is emergency vet care only for life-threatening situations?
No. Emergency vets treat any urgent issue that can’t safely wait for a routine vet appointment, from injuries and vomiting to allergic reactions and suspected toxin ingestion. If your dog is uncomfortable or you’re concerned, it’s always better to seek help sooner rather than later.
Is emergency vet care expensive because vets want to make money?
Emergency vet care reflects the cost of having highly trained teams and advanced medical facilities available 24/7. At Nexus, we prioritise transparency and compassion in everything we do, including discussing treatment options and costs with you upfront. Our focus is your pet’s health and your peace of mind.
Can I give my dog human medications like ibuprofen or Panadol if they’re in pain?
Absolutely not. Human medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol are toxic to dogs and can cause serious harm or death. If your dog is in pain, please contact us. We have safe, veterinary-approved medications designed specifically for dogs.