There have always been many myths surrounding pets, many of which are now known to be untrue. However, veterinary surgeons around the UK have revealed that there are still common myths which many pet owners still believe today. Below are the ten most common of these:
Dogs can only see in black and white: This is incorrect. Dogs can actually see in colour although they are colour blind when it comes to red and green. A dog's vision is about six times poorer than a human's but their night vision is much better.
A cat that is purring is happy and content: This is not necessarily true. Although cats do often purr when they are content and being shown affection, they may also purr when they are in pain, feel anxious or are in discomfort. There is actually no general rule on why and when cats purr.
A dog with a cold and wet nose is a healthy dog: Many dogs will usually have a cold, moist nose but this doesn't necessarily mean that a warm and dry nose indicates illness, it can be perfectly normal for some dogs. A healthy nose is smooth with no red, inflamed or ulcerated areas. Discharge from the nose may indicate that something is wrong, although dogs often lick this away, so owners must be vigilant.
Dogs will only eat until they are full: This is not so as dogs are descendants of wolves who hunt, scavenge and feed off dead carcasses. It s a natural instinct for dogs to eat as much as is available, as they do not know when their next meal may be. As they are naturally pack animals, it is also beneficial for them to eat as much as possible, in case another pack animal pushes them away.
Milk should be given to cats and is good for them: After cats have been weaned, milk is not required as part of their diet. It can actually be bad for them as their ability to digest the sugar included in milk is reduced. Cats may even become intolerant to milk which can cause diarrhoea. Cats should only ever be given small amounts of milk occasionally or none at all.
Bad breath in dogs is normal: Many dog owners learn to accept their dog's bad breath as part and parcel of being a dog. However, bad breath is not normal and may be a sign of dental disease which can cause the teeth to erode and gums to become inflamed which is called gingivitis. It may also be an indication of kidney failure or a foreign object stuck in the moth (e.g. part of a stick) that is rotting. Dog owners should use a special pet toothbrush and toothpaste to regularly clean their dog's teeth (everyday if possible).
Tail wagging means a happy dog: Most of the time this is correct, however, dogs will wag their tails (perhaps not in the same way) when they feel irritated, tense, anxious or as a sign of aggression when they are getting ready to fight.
Scooting along the floor on the bottom means that a dog has worms: This does not necessarily mean worms and more commonly indicates that a dog has a problem with the anal glands whereby they become full and feel very uncomfortable. It is often quite simple for vets to relieve the discomfort by emptying the anal glands.
Neutering or spaying causes weight gain in pets: Castration or spaying causes the metabolism to slow down, meaning that pets burn calories more slowly than before. However, less food and sufficient exercise will prevent weight gain.
Rabbits should be provided with carrots: Contrary to common belief, carrots are not good for rabbits on a regular basis. They contain high levels of sugar and can cause rabbits to gain weight if fed too much and too often. Carrots can be provided occasionally and in moderation, although the green leafy tops alone are much better for rabbits.
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