Did
You Know: To set the record straight, Bayer Animal Health/Bayer Corp. and
Dr Jeffrey Werber, pet expert of CBS' "The Early Show," dispel some common myths about cats and dogs:
* One pet year equals seven human years. Dogs routinely live past age 15, which would be into the hundreds
according to this equation. A more accurate formula: the first
year of a pet's life equals 15 years; and every year after is
equal to four or eight "human years," depending on the
breed.
*
A purring cat is a happy cat.
Though cats purr when content, they also purr when in pain or
stressed.
* Shaving
a pet's coat in the summer keeps it cool. Dogs and cats,
unlike humans, do not cool off by sweating. They cool off by panting.
A pet's coat serves as insulation that helps keep it cool. Clipping
a pet's fur too short could make it susceptible to sunburn.
*
Spayed or neutered pets are prone to laziness and weight gain.
While spaying or neutering might change a pet's metabolism, owners
are most often to blame for weight gain and laziness because pets
rely on owners for exercise and stimulation. Pets that are spayed
or neutered do not require as much food, and should be fed according
to a veterinarian's recommendation.
*
Pets do not have allergies. Cats and dogs are prone to allergies.
Flea bite allergies, which can lead to flea allergy dermatitis,
are most common, followed by allergies to airborne particles,
such as pollen, and food allergies.
*
If a dog wags its tail, it is friendly.
Although dogs often express happiness and affection by wagging
their tails, they also wag their tails when excited, ready to
fight, tense, anxious and annoyed. Owners should learn to read
their dog's entire posture, including the ears. If the ears are
leaning forward and the tail is high, chances are the pet is expressing
happiness.
