Rumors abound when it comes to our furry friends and sometimes it’s hard to separate fact from fiction. Let’s discuss some of the most common myths that are circulating about your pets so we can set things straight once and for all.
Myth #1: A Dog’s Mouth is Cleaner Than a Human’s Mouth
We’re here to inform you that your dog’s mouth has just about the same amount of bacteria as the average human’s mouth. It’s hard to compare the two since they contain different types of bacteria, but on the upside, a dog can’t transmit most of his germs, since they’re species-specific.
Myth #2: Dogs Can Only See Black and White
Dogs have two types of cones in their eyes, while most humans have three. Your pup can see shades of blue and yellow, but red and green probably look like brown tones through his eyes, and his vision may become blurry in bright light. Don’t worry though, dogs more than make up for their vision deficiencies with their tremendous sense of smell.
Myth #3: Cats Have Nine Lives
The old English proverb states that “Cats have nine lives. For three he plans, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays,” but nobody really knows where this myth originated. Although it’s true that cats are very agile, there is no truth to this myth. Your feline friend has one life, just like her human companion.
Myth #4: Dogs Only Wag Their Tails When They’re Happy
A wagging tail can indicate a happy pup, but it can also be a sign that he’s nervous. Researchers have found that different wagging patterns can give you insight on what your dog is feeling, and you can learn to understand your dog better by watching his tail.
Myth #5: Cats Always Land On Their Feet
Cats do have an amazing ability to land on their feet, thanks to their “air-righting reflex,” but they don’t always land without injury. Depending on the height from which they fall, cats can land on their sides, causing internal injuries. Even if your acrobatic kitty lands on her feet from a fall, she could still suffer from broken bones.
Myth #6 Only Male Dogs Hump
Although humping can be sexual for pups who are young and have not been spayed or neutered, it’s not always for this purpose. Male and female dogs both hump pillows, toys and each other for many reasons like expressing dominance and their excitement about new guests in the home. Dogs also hump one another when they’re playing, especially if they haven’t been trained to know that this behavior isn’t appropriate.
Myth #7: Black Cats Are Unlucky
Superstitions lead people to believe that black cats bring bad luck or if one crosses your path, bad fortune is headed your way. In some areas of the world, black cats are viewed very differently, and they are considered lucky. Regardless of the fun folklore and magical stories surrounding black cats, they’re still very beautiful animals that make very loving pets – and their sleek, black fur makes them look elegant and mysterious.
Myth #8: Dogs Only Eat Grass When They’re Sick
When your dog eats grass, it can be a sign that he’s sick, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes dogs eat grass to aid in digestion or to fill a nutritional need, and other times, they’re just trying something new to see if they like it. There are many reasons your dog may eat grass and sickness is just one of them.
If you’ve got a furry friend, it’s important to do your research so you know how to properly take care of them. Here at Pine Creek Vet, we can answer all the questions you’ve got about your pet.