True or false: More pet myths and facts
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
By Gail Wieder
Board Member
We would like to say how much we appreciate all the pets and families that came out to have pictures taken with Santa Paws! This is an annual fundraiser for us and your support helps us to continue doing the important work that we do. The monetary donations, along with the donations of supplies during the holidays, helps to ease the leaner months when donations may be down. It was great to see everyone.
A few weeks ago I did an article on dog myths and facts. There were so many to choose from I thought I would do another article on a few more. These all came from the “Welcome to Reach Out Rescue & Resources” from rorrcaine@gmail.com.
Dogs with black tongues have Chow Chow in them is a false statement. There are over 27 breeds of dogs that have the birth mark of black on their tongues, including but not limited to: purebred Golden Retrievers, purebred Labrador Retrievers, purebred German Shepherds and more. Actually, Chow Chows have black/purple tongues, so the likelihood of maybe some chow in a dog is possible when there are purple tongues, however, it could also be SharPei. Black on the tongue of a mix is not uncommon and you should consider the temperament of the dog rather than the color of the tongue.
All Pit Bulls will attack other dogs is false. Like any breed, if a dog is raised with good socialization during its formative time, it will be good with other dogs. However, even dogs who have come from abuse oftentimes still maintain a friendliness towards other dogs.
Dogs are color blind is a falsehood. While they cannot distinguish the myriad of colors our eyes can, they can distinguish some colors and have better peripheral vision than humans. They are red-green color blind only and see a brighter, less detailed world than humans.
If you can’t see fleas, they’re gone — another false statement. Actually, adult fleas living on your pet account for only about 5 percent of the total flea population in your home. The other 95 percent are in various stages of the life cycle and can be hiding in upholstery, bedding, landscaping and more.
Fleas and ticks are only a problem during warm weather is false. If weather alone were enough to keep insects from thriving, we wouldn’t have fleas and ticks at all. When the weather gets bad, these pests find places to hide and survive until it’s nice out again.
Fleas and ticks are only problems for pets is a falsehood. There are actually plenty of diseases your family can catch from fleas or ticks in your environment, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Dogs lick to heal wounds is false. While licking can in fact help with some minimal healing, it can also lead to infecting an existing wound. If it becomes habitual, it may be the result of a behavioral or stress issue. Licking is often stress related.
These are just a few of the many myths and facts at www.reachoutrescue.org. Watch for a possible Part 3 in future articles; it is quite interesting reading!
If you are considering a friend for life, come see us at the Central Aroostook Humane Society or check us out on petfinders.com and Facebook. We have some wonderful animals looking for forever homes. Our hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closing at lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m. Remember, please be responsible pet owners, spay and neuter your pets.
Winter is here, keep pets safe and warm inside!
