Special to the Star-Herald
Happy April Fools Day. I went in search of some myths about pets — thought they would be a good way to celebrate this day.
Myth Number 1: People food should never be fed to your pet! April Fools: Although there are some foods that you should NEVER give to your pet, there are some that are good for them such as cantaloupe, crunchy raw or lightly-steamed vegetables, and meat. Baby carrots, apples or popcorn are all examples of low-fat treats that your pet can enjoy. The biggest reason for concern when feeding people food is not feeding your dog a well-balanced diet.
“The biggest concern with feeding (pets) ‘people food’ is that most people feed too much and create an unbalanced or incomplete diet,” said veterinary nutritionist Sally Perea, who is a co-owner of Davis Veterinary Medical Consulting in Davis, Calif., and senior nutritionist for Natura Pet Products. “As a rule, treats or human foods fed to a pet on a commercial diet should be limited to no more than 10 percent of their daily calories.”
Here is a list of toxic foods that you should never feed your pet: chocolate; onions; grapes; raisins; yeast dough; alcohol; tobacco; marijuana; moldy or spoiled food; wild mushrooms; large amounts of raw fish; potato, rhubarb or tomato leaves; large amounts of raw liver; large numbers of macadamia nuts; fruit pits; and corn cobs.
It is always best to speak to your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet’s diet.
Myth Number 2: Families with infants should get rid of their cats because the animals will harm the baby by sucking its breath or lying on it and smothering it.
“I tell my clients that millions of women for thousands of years have had healthy babies and lived with cats,” said feline veterinary specialist Elaine Wexler-Mitchell of Orange, Calif. “I think the only danger of a cat around a baby is that cats like to snuggle next to warm things in small areas, and a cat will not know if this position is dangerous for the baby.”
She advises keeping cats out of the room where the baby sleeps. If the cat is used to spending time in that room, start restricting its access at least a month before delivery. And don’t allow it to nap in the bassinette.
Myth Number 3: Bad breath is normal.
Sorry, bad breath is an indicator that something is going on in your pet’s mouth, possibly periodontal disease. By having a healthy mouth, it can actually extend the life of your pet. So if your pet has bad breath, it is time for a trip to your vet.
Myth Number 4: Tail wagging means a dog is friendly.
No it does not; that isn’t the end that will bite you!!
“You have to look at the body posture of the animal and everything else it’s doing,” said veterinary behaviorist Melissa Bain, chief of the clinical animal behavior service at the University of California at Davis. “How is the tail wagging? Stiffly, tucked and wagging, nice and flowing, is the whole body wagging? That all has to be taken into consideration.”
Some signals to consider:
• Relaxed, comfortable dogs generally have a gently-wagging tail held horizontally or slightly lowered;
• Confident dogs carry their tails up;
• Dogs with their tails down may be stalking prey, feeling cautious or indicating friendliness and respect to the one they’re greeting;
• Together with a lowered head, direct stare, closed mouth, ears held back and eyes wide open, a lowered tail is a clear warning to back off; or
• A tucked tail indicates anxiety, avoidance or caution.
Well here you have it, food for thought. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian or animal-care professional. There are many myths out there regarding animals and their behavior. Do your own investigation and see what you can find.
If you are looking for a friend for life, the Central Aroostook Humane Society has many wonderful animals available for adoption. Our business hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or visit us online at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
See you at the Spring Craft Fair at the Forum.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
