Is a dog’s mouth cleaner than a human’s mouth? Do cats always land on their feet? There are plenty of pet myths surrounding our furry friends. Sometimes these
misconceptions can impact their health and lives. Let’s take a look at some common
myths about pets.
Myth 1: Dogs eat grass only when they are sick
Truth: Eating grass doesn’t always mean your dog is sick, although sometimes it does. Some dogs eat grass because they like the taste or are trying to fulfill a nutritional need. It could also mean that they are bored or they are using it to help with digestion.
Myth 2: Cats always land on their feet
Truth: Cats do possess a “righting reflex” that helps them correct their bodies when they fall, however the height of the fall will affect how they land. A low height could result in a cat landing on their side and a higher height can cause serious injury.
Myth 3: A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s mouth
Truth: A dog’s mouth contains almost as much bacteria as a human’s mouth. Aside from bacteria, there are parasites that can live in a dog’s saliva. We would not recommend allowing your dog to lick you on the face, give mouth kisses, or share food. Always wash your hands after your dog has licked them.
Myth 4: Dogs are colorblind
Truth: Dogs can perceive color, but not every color, and as a result, they do not see color as vibrantly as we do. Dogs can only see shades of blue, yellow, and green and their vision is blurrier in brighter light. However, they make up for their sight disadvantages with their incredibly strong sense of smell.
Myth 5: It’s ok to skip flea and tick preventatives during the winter
Truth: Fleas can survive in temperatures as low as 33 degrees and ticks can survive in temperatures as low as 40 degrees. With our unpredictable New England weather, temperatures can fluctuate, which bring these critters out of hibernation. It’s not worth the risk of disease transmission or flea infestation when you skip doses.
We hope we were able to clarify some of these common myths regarding your pets. If you ever have a question about your pet’s health or behavior, please contact us.