no propaganda please Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun

Think you know everything about your pooch? Well, lets see...

Here are some things people think they know about dogs, but they aren't true.

Dog Myth #1: A Dog's Mouth is Cleaner Than a Human's

As much as I'd like to believe that Ellie's kisses are full of nothing but love, that just isn't the case.

You see, dogs carry different bacteria than we do. And, some of that bacteria can create health problems for humans, particularly if you have a weakened i****e s****m or the dog licks your open wounds.

If you have a dog, it's important to keep any wounds covered until they heal. And if your dog does land a wet one on your face, be sure to wash both your face and hands after the kiss to get rid of any bacteria that may have left Fido's mouth.

T***hfully, though it may not be the cleanest, I still go in for a kiss. (You gotta live a little.)

Dog Myth #2: Dogs Can Only See in Black & White

This one even got me, as I always believed that Ellie could only see in shades of grey. After all, this was once widely known as t***h for as long as I can remember. But, new studies have shown that this isn't the case.

It seems that dogs can actually see certain colors, like yellows, blues and violets.

However, they can't tell the difference between reds, greens, and oranges.

Maybe that's why Ellie always had a hard time finding her orange ball laying in the grass out back. Or maybe she's just messing with me.

Dog Myth #3: A Wagging Tail = A Happy Dog

Your dog actually has many types of wags to show their mood. A broad, swishing wag when you come home is showing that she's happy to see you.

But, a high tail with very fast, short, back-and-forth movements can mean your dog is on guard.

And, when someone new comes to visit, she may give a slight wag, showing that she's a little tentative and nervous.

So, the next time you're out with your pooch, or having people over, keep an eye on that tail to see how she's really feeling.

Dog Myth #4: Dogs Age 7 "Human Years" Each Year

I hear this a lot. "Janie is 3 is dog years, but 21 in human years."

Nice shorthand, but it just isn't true. How fast a dog ages depends on its size and its breed. Larger dogs, like Great Danes, tend to age faster than smaller dogs, like Chihuahuas.

But as anyone who has lost a dog can tell you...

They don't live nearly long enough.

Dog Myth #5: Some Dogs are Hypoallergenic

While it's true some dogs naturally shed less, or have less fur, no dog is completely hypoallergenic.

Allergens are found in dog's dander, saliva and urine. And, I've never met a dog that didn't have these 3 things.

There's bound to be some people, particularly those who are more sensitive, that will still have a problems with your hypoallergenic dog.

But, let's be honest.

Despite the dander, and the shedding, and the sloppy kisses filled with bacteria, there's really few places you'd rather be than sitting beside your dog, giving her a scratch behind her ears.

I count Ellie as one of the true blessings in my life, and if you have a dog, I'm sure you feel the same way about yours.

God Bless,

Jeff Reagan
Editor, Patriot Health Alliance

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

Have never found a truer , more loyal friend than my pooch

olaydee

Thank you for this. I will forward it to my darling daughter, who has 7 rescue dogs at this point, one of which is a Border Collie named Ellie. No telling how many more to come. She cannot help herself!! I can’t remember the names of all the dogs and cats and horses she has adopted, but they have all been loved and have had a good home.