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The Truth About Cats And Dogs

Posted: 12/8/2011

It’s a myth that you can’t teach an adult dog new tricks. An adult dog can learn to shake hands, speak and roll over if you keep training sessions short and fun and use positive reinforcement, including praise and treats. Photo credit: Diane Lewis for the AKC.

(NAPSI)—When it comes to dogs and cats, myths abound, but you can be wise to their ways if you follow a few facts.

“The problem with myths is that pet owners who act on misinformation may not best meet the needs of their dog or cat,” said American Kennel Club® (AKC) Meet the Breeds® Spokesperson Gina DiNardo.

To separate fact from fiction, the AKC and The International Cat Association set the record straight on some of the most well-known myths:

Cats need milk—False. While cats like the taste, their bodies don’t have much lactase and milk can give adult cats diarrhea.

Dogs are sick when their noses are warm—False. It’s an old wives tale that cold, wet noses indicate health. The only way to tell your dog’s temperature is to take it with a thermometer.

Cats smell with their mouths—True. Cats have a small scent gland called the vomeronasal organ on the roof of their mouth. To get a really good whiff of something, they’ll open their mouths very wide so the odor hits the gland.

A dog’s wagging tail means he’s happy—False. While a natural, mid-level wagging tail indicates happiness, most other wags mean the opposite. A high, stiff wagging tail means the dog is agitated and ready to protect something and a low, quick wag means the dog is scared and submissive.

A cat purrs when he’s happy—False. A cat does purr when content but will also purr when in pain.

It’s true you can learn more about dog and cat myths and training directly from pet experts at the world’s largest showcase of dogs and cats, AKC Meet the Breeds. It features hundreds of breeds in booths decorated to depict each one’s origin, historical function and attributes as a pet. This family-friendly event, held in New York in November, lets potential pet owners interact with responsible breeders and play with dogs and cats while learning about pet ownership and the right pet for their lifestyle.

For more information, visit www.MeetTheBreeds.com.

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