In these days of instantaneous communication, dog facts often become mingled with fiction, and a new “truth” is easily formed. As pet owners, we’d like to think we’re pretty smart but there are five lies that savvy dog owners might believe. Do we know how the lies started? Not necessarily. However, check this list and see if you’ve heard–or even believe–in these dog myths.
1. Dogs have clean mouths. This is one of the biggest wives’ tales around. A dog uses his mouth the same way a toddler does–to check out the world around him. Everything goes into the mouth, regardless of how disgusting (feces, vomit, hair) or dangerous (poisonous substances, inedible objects) it is. And yet, watch the Westminster Kennel Club show, which typically happens in February each year, and notice the number of sane, intelligent dog owners and handlers who let their pooches kiss them on the lips. Dogs may not give us staph or strep, which is believed to be species specific … but worms? Ah, that’s another story.
2. Canines living outdoors don’t need shots. I once had a veterinarian tell me outdoor pets come into contact with virus/bacteria on a regular basis and therefore have an immunity against common diseases. No need for vaccinations beyond puppy shots. When I mention this to other vets, they turn pale, shake their heads and implore me not to believe it. Outdoor animals do build up an immunity to some germs, but certainly not to all. And there’s no way of knowing to which a dog has been exposed. Pets, like people, need to be vaccinated.
3. Dogs don’t need their teeth brushed. In addition to the bizarre items your canine might take into his mouth, there’s also dog food and people treats. Mother Nature has not supplied your pet with tooth enamel that is immune to tartar and decay. Some dogs have stronger teeth than others, but all dogs need their teeth brushed to remove food particles and prevent plaque build-up. Perhaps your previous dog, Killer, never had his teeth brushed and did fine … but that doesn’t mean little FiFi won’t lose teeth at an early age because you didn’t brush them.
4. Dog fur makes people sneeze, so keep the dog shaved or get one with hair instead of fur. It’s not usually the fur that makes you sneeze (well, not unless someone sticks a handful up your nose). According to the famed Mayo Clinic, “Pet allergy is an allergic reaction to proteins found in an animal’s skin cells, saliva or urine.” Pet dander–the dead skin cells that are shed–is the most common cause of allergies to dogs. So, unless you own a dog that has no saliva, no urine, and is skinless–in which case he probably should be named Ghost Dog–there’s always the potential for allergies. It’s just greater with some breeds than with others.
And speaking of the supernatural …
5. Canines can sense ghosts. That idea is a great way to freak out nervous friends, but it’s total superstition that links dogs to the supernatural. According to the Dictionary of Superstitions, a black dog is considered to be the harbinger of death. Some old wives also believe the devil can take the form of a dog. However, in Scotland it’s said that a dog will never bite an idiot, and I’m proud to say I’ve been bitten. In this instance, though, I’ll happily believe that particular superstition … but otherwise? Naw.
Sources
“Myth: Dogs Have Cleaner Mouths than Humans,” ABC 20/20.
Personal experience.
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