15. Kittens Need Milk
Some of our favorite myths are so embedded in our thoughts that it’s difficult to accept that they are completely untrue. While the sight of a kitten chowing down on a cup of milk may appear innocent, kittens should avoid dairy altogether. In actuality, only mother’s milk or carefully prepared kitten milk replacements or formulas are safe for kittens to consume.
The digestive tract of a kitten lacks the enzymes required to break down the lactose present in cow milk. This may result in diarrhea, which in vulnerable kittens may cause fatal dehydration. Lactose, a sugar, can result in uncomfortable gas and bloating when it ferments in the digestive tract. While milk is safe for adult cats to consume, doctors caution that the high calorie liquid can lead to obesity.
16. A Blue/Black Tongue Means The Dog Is Part Chow Chow
The magnificent chow chow, which resembles a bear, has inspired numerous myths, including one that persists about pets: Because chows are one of the rare breeds to have a black tongue instead of a pink tongue, many people assume that any dog with a spotted or dark tongue is related to the chow chow.
The dark patches on your dog’s tongue are actually just the product of that animal’s pigmentation, contrary to popular belief. The color of a breed’s tongue or gums can be influenced by the same pigmented skin cells that give some breeds darker lips or noses. In addition to chows, several breeds of dogs, such as Dalmatians, Australian shepherds, Shar-Peis, and Cocker Spaniels, can have black tongues.
17. Cats Can’t Be Trained
Although there are several videos of pet cats being naughty or endearingly apathetic on YouTube, cats can really be trained. In addition to teaching them skills, training may also help owners and their dogs form closer bonds.
Many cat owners do not know how to properly teach their cats, which is one problem that keeps them from doing so. Favorable reinforcement, such as high-value goodies like tuna or chicken, or simply caressing, has a highly positive effect on cats. Training sessions have to be brief, and owners shouldn’t chastise or penalize their cats because doing so can make them anxious or afraid. The ASPCA’s pet behaviorists claim that the secret to educating your cat is persuasion rather than punishment.
18. Shaving Long-Haireds Dog Will Keep Them Cool During Summer
On a scorching summer day, many people who pass a fluffy dog presume that it must be in pain due to the extreme heat. While excessive temperatures shouldn’t be introduced to dogs, having too much hair isn’t necessarily a negative thing. Some dogs’ coats, which trap air and allow it to chill the dog’s skin, actually serve as a type of insulation.
Many dogs, like Siberian huskies and collies, have double coats of fur that are made up of a more noticeable outercoat of “guard hairs” and a soft, thick undercoat. The dog’s protective undercoat sheds much of it during the warmer months, enabling cold air to get through. Dogs that have had their fur shaved too closely to the skin run the risk of developing skin cancer or sunburn.
19. Female Dogs Should Have A Litter Of Puppies Before Being Spayed
A common misconception among pet owners is that a female dog should have a litter of pups before being spayed. In addition to endangering female dogs, this pet myth also exacerbates the extremely important problem of pet overpopulation.
Veterinarians assert that there are zero advantages to letting your pet give birth. In actuality, allowing your pet to experience heat cycles and pregnancy can be harmful. Female dogs that haven’t been spayed are more likely to develop ovarian, uterine, and mammary cancer. It is frequently advised to neuter your female dog before to her first heat cycle since early spaying has more positive health effects. According to studies, dogs who have been spayed often live longer.
