Dear Dr. Forsythe: I was in a pet shop the other day and overheard a customer chatting about her two puggles that she had—a brother and a sister. She actually said that she wasn’t going to get them fixed because they wouldn’t mate—they were siblings!! And even if they did, the female wouldn’t be able to get pregnant because they were brothers and sisters. I started laughing out loud until she turned and asked me what was so funny. Then I realized she was SERIOUS. Do people actually believe such wives’ tales? Have you heard other such nonsense?
Still in disbelief
Dear Disbelief: Here are some of the best “doozies” I’ve heard over the years. Oh, and keep in mind, this is just a partial list of the misconceptions about dogs and cats I’ve been exposed to since I entered the profession:
• “The breeder said he has all his shots and doesn’t need any more” (8-week old puppy).
• “My dog doesn’t need heartworm preventative – mosquitoes don’t come in our yard!”
• “Akitas have different blood than any other breed of dog because they’re such an ancient breed, and they don’t get food poisoning because they’re so closely related to wolves.”
• “My cat can’t have fleas because she’s indoors all the time (despite two dogs in the house that are in and out all day).
• “We live in a gated community, we CAN’T have fleas!”
• Owner just doused her cat with neem oil (tropiclean dip from a feed store) “but it’s natural so it must be safe, right?” (Cat is comatose …)
• Client pondering if dogs and cats can get worms from drinking milk says “no, they get worms from eating chocolate. Maybe it’s from the milk chocolate … so perhaps dark chocolate is OK …”
• “Dogs can eat whatever raw meat you choose to feed them, even it if smells, as long as you treat it with grapefruit seed oil first. That kills the germs.”
•(Dog is trying to kill and eat everyone in the exam room) “He never did that at the other vet. You must be threatening him in some way!!”
These are but a few of the priceless gems that have left me befuddled and flabbergasted and nearly speechless over the last 15 years!!
Dr. F
Dear Dr. Forsythe: Do you think I’m selfish to get another pet at my advanced age? Last year I had to say goodbye to my sweet companion after 14 years and I’ve been very lonely since then. My daughter thinks I should get another little dog, but I’m feeling like I won’t live long enough to care for her through her entire life. What are your thoughts?
Wavering about a new friend
Dear Wavering: I think getting a new pet is a great idea, especially if you are feeling a void and think you are ready to share your heart with another special little furry friend. Being advanced in age is not an illness nor is it a crime! You should not deny yourself the happiness and fulfillment that comes with having a little friend to give you unconditional love. And what’s more, every study done shows that a little dog or cat tends to lower blood pressure and increase happiness and will probably help you live longer and better. As long as you make arrangements for care should your pet outlive you, I think you should continue to live life to the fullest and make every moment count. Good luck and God Bless!!
Dr. F
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