True or false: Pet myths and facts
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
Gail Wieder
Board Member
There are lots of myths and superstitions that people live with their whole lives. My Dad — loved him dearly, but was he ever superstitious. I guess he left me with that way of thinking, because I am superstitious too.
I remember once I had lost a tooth and needed to put it under my pillow so I could get a dime — yup, a dime, that’s all the tooth fairy carried back then. Well, he told me to hide it good because if the dog got it I would have a canine tooth. Not sure if he believed that or not but I sure did, so I hid the tooth well.
I want to share some myths with all of you from “Welcome to Reach Out Rescue & Resources” Westminster, Md., rorrcanine@gmail.com.
There are a lot of myths out there about dogs, so I thought I would clarify a few of these. One I remember well that Dad always lived by was if a dog’s nose is warm he is sick. This is false: A warm nose is no indication if a dog is sick or not. But lethargy, runny nose, lack of appetite, light or white gums, not drinking are signs you should get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Old dogs can’t learn new tricks is false: Old dogs actually will respond faster and with greater dedication to training and trying to please their new owners. There is no such thing as an old dog that cannot be trained or re-trained. You will always find the greatest satisfaction and bond with a senior dog.
Table scraps are bad for dogs is another falsehood: If it’s good for humans, it’s good for dogs — with the exception of grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions and chocolate. Other things might not settle well with a dog like milk or gassy vegetables like brussel sprouts or lettuce, but none of it is harmful. The premium diet for dogs today is “raw” and it literally includes all types of vegetables and fruits. So you can add some leftover potatoes or green beans to your dog food and it is actually healthy for them. Never give dogs cooked bones of any kind.
Dogs like tasty food is false: Dogs have very poor taste buds so they “taste” through their sense of smell.
Dogs eat grass when they are sick is false: As descendants from wolves, a daily part of diet included berries and grasses. So it is quite normal for a dog to eat some grass. Excessive amounts might need to be examined by a vet. There is chlorophyll in grass and that in itself is a naturally-occurring healing agent so there is some truth in grass possibly helping with an upset stomach.
It’s false that a wagging tail means a dog is friendly: A wagging tail is one of the many signs of body language all persons should learn. A tail wagging back and forth like a pendulum on a clock is a sure sign to go the other way. The dog is not sure what the situation is and what he will do but it is not in your best interest to push this.
It’s true when a dog scoots it means a problem: Most often it means worms or an impacted anal gland; but no matter what it is, when you see your dog “scoot,” get it to the vet.
Shelter dogs have too much baggage, it’s better to adopt a puppy to start with a clean slate — that’s false: Many shelter dogs are well-behaved pooches that, for an endless list of possible reasons, could not be kept by their original owners. Older shelter dogs make ideal candidates for people wanting to skip the puppy stages of chewing and potty training. The interview process at most shelters also pairs canine candidates with the family setting that will best suit the dog’s temperament.
This is my favorite because I have had several shelter pets and the older ones are the best. They give so much love and are just so happy to find that forever home.
If you are looking for that fur baby to call your own, check out our little shelter, we have so many sweet cat and dogs that would make an ideal pet. Stop by and see for yourself, take a dog for a walk, play with the cats, they love the attention. Remember to be responsible pet owners — spay and neuter your pets!
