It's National Pet Week (yes, believe it or not, your furry friends get recognition, too).

This is as good a time as any to remind readers of some of the common mistakes and myths about pets, the proper way to take care of them and tips on training.

Petlane, a home pet party company, has put together this information.

Here are the 13 most common mistakes that dog owners make:

• Driving in a car with a dog that is not in a seat belt.

• Leaving a dog alone without something safe to occupy itself.

• Not giving small dogs in particular enough exercise, but believing a back yard is ample space for them to run around in.

• Punishing a dog more than a few seconds after it has done something wrong. Example: You come home and the garbage has been strewn around the house. The dog has no idea why he is being punished. All he knows is that when you come home it is not a good thing.

• Making a big deal over leaving the house.

• Not understanding how to read a pet food label. Foods that list "real" chicken first include the water weight in this ingredient. Chicken in this form consists of 70 percent water. Look for Chicken Meal instead. It is a much more nutritious source of protein.

• Thinking that tug-of-war games are not OK for dogs. In fact, played appropriately, they are an important part of bonding with your companion animal.

• In terms of discipline, forgetting that it is easier to teach a dog what NOT to do than what TO do.

• Failing to "puppy proof" your home. This is actually very important for your puppy's safety and your sanity.

• Leaving a dog in a car during hot weather. This is dangerous even if a window is cracked open.

• Using a collar rather than a harness to walk small dogs.

• Failure to do your homework about specific breeds when choosing a new dog. The breeds very much determine their inherent personality type.

• Not knowing that certain plants can be poisonous in and outside of the home.

Here are the top 10 myths about cats:

1. Fat cats are not more prone to getting diabetes.

Truth: Although any cat may develop diabetes, fat cats are more susceptible to contracting this disease.

2. Cats cannot be trained to scratch on appropriate scratching surfaces.

Truth: There are some great products and methods to help keep a cat away from particular surfaces. With patience, a cat can be trained away from scratching an unwanted surface.

3. Physical punishment is a good way to teach a cat to behave.

Truth: Cats do not respond to physical punishment at all. They will not associate a behavior with punishment. They will, however, associate you with something bad. Some cats will respond to treats as positive reinforcement.

4. Senior cats do not like to play.

Truth: Older cats appreciate play time just as much as younger cats. They may not react as energetically, but they do enjoy it and need it.

5. The belief that indoor cats do not get bored.

Truth: Indoor cats do not receive the stimulation their indoor/outdoor counterparts do. They are much more reliant on their human companions for stimulation through play. Playing with your cat for short bursts about 10 minutes at a time several times a day will make your companion a happier, healthier and more social being.

6. Declawing is just like trimming a cat's nails.

Truth: Declawing is nothing like trimming a cat's nails. Declawing is not a "simple," single surgery, but rather 10 separate amputations of the third phalanx up to the last joint of each toe. A graphic comparison in human terms would be the cutting off of a person's finger at the last joint of each finger. Although most cats do survive this procedure unharmed, there are some very serious side effects that can occur and be permanent.

7. A house does not need to be "cat proofed."

Truth: Cats will explore every nook and cranny of their home. If you have fragile items a cat might break keep them out of reach. Also be aware of any plants you may have that could be poisonous. Cats do like to munch on plants from time to time.

8. All cats are alike, so it doesn't matter what type of cat we get.

Truth: No two cats are alike. It is important you understand the basic traits of any particular breed before acquiring a cat. Some cats are cuddly, some independent, some actually a bit more like a dog. Within a breed, each cat has his or her own special behavior. Be sure to spend some quality time with your cat or kitten before you decide to adopt it.

9. It is safe for cats to walk on surfaces that have been cleaned with chemical-based cleaners and then lick their paws.

Truth: Cat owners should be using all-natural home cleaners for the safety and health of their cat. Chemical cleaners can make an animal very sick. Petlane offers several great alternatives, including pet-friendly floor cleaner and toilet bowl cleaner.

10. Cats don't use their litter boxes because they are angry.

Truth: 99 percent of the time when a cat doesn't use his or her litter box, it is because the litter is dirty, it is the wrong kind of litter or the cat is ill. Checking with the veterinarian right away is the safest action.