Ten Myths About Dogs

1. One Dog year is Equal to Seven Human Years According to the American Animal Hospital association the first eight months of a dog’s life is equal to 13 years in human terms At two years of age your dog is about 21 in human years Aging differs among breeds of dogs a Lab may be considered old at 8 yr. while a Pomeranian is healthy well into the teens Nutrition and exercise help your dog live a longer and healthier life

2. A Hot, Dry Nose Means a Fever A dog has a fever when a rectal temperature reading exceeds degrees Thermometers are available at pet supply stores, using lubricating jelly makes the temperature taking easier on you and your pet

3. A dog should go through one season before being spayed Puppies should be spayed at six months of age Spaying before the first season reduces risk of mammary tumors and other forms of cancer

4. Spaying and Neutering Makes Dogs Fat Too much food and too little exercise makes dogs fat Activity level of male dogs decreases after neutering so adjust food portions accordingly Obesity in animals is human driven, do not give your dog too much or the wrong types of food

5. If a dog scoots his rear, he has worms Worms could be one problem, but this could also indicate infected anal sacs, fecal matter caught in hair, or foreign object that has not been digested and is not completely expelled from stools Keep dog well groomed Watch fecal matter for signs of intestinal worms (squirming segments of live worm or rice-like appearance of dried segments) Be alert for swollen areas on either side of tail Inspect fecal matter for foreign objects such as rubber bands

6. A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s. Have you seen the type of things a dog will eat or chew on!?! People with compromised immune systems and small children should avoid doggy kisses because some forms of illness, although rare, can be passed from dog to human

7. Dogs eat grass when their stomachs are upset Some dogs constantly eat grass This activity on occasion may indicate a nutrient deficiency Dogs are not pure carnivores, they can live on a vegetarian diet and in the wild consumed vegetable matter when eating the stomach contents of prey animals

8. Adding oil to a dog’s diet solves skin problems This can help some skin problems, but the problem needs to be diagnosed first Problems caused by fleas and allergies will not be cured in this way Check with your vet before adding anything to your dogs diet so you do not cause unintended problems

9. Brewer’s yeast and garlic control fleas. This won’t hurt your dog but may not help either Other strategies for flea control such as shampoos, powders, collars, and other treatments are more effective

10. A barking dog won’t bite Watch for the dog’s body language such as standing tall on his toes, leaning forward, fur over hackles is on end, eyes are steely glazed, growling or a guttural bark Always ask an owner before approaching a dog The safest place to pet a dog is under his chin