Furry Facts – Busting animal myths

THERE are many myths pertaining to animals that have been passed on down through the generations that some people still believe today.
Some of these myths are harmless, but others can cause actual harm to the animals in question or ensure the animal is feared by people who believe the myth is factual.
This fear can result in the animal being killed.

MYTH: Worm under a dog’s tongue
FACT: Unfortunately this myth is still believed today and causes untold pain and suffering to dogs. It is thought that dogs have a worm under their tongue and the removal of which is called ‘worming’ (umnqathulo). It is supposed to prevent the dog from biting, should he ever go crazy. It results in the cutting out of the lingual fraenulum ligament, which unfortunately contracts and curls up like a worm, strengthening the belief that it is indeed a worm. With this ligament cut out, the dog has no control over its tongue which can result in the dog dying due to severe swelling of the mouth and its inability to drink or eat.

MYTH: Neutering makes cats and dogs lazy and overweight
FACT: This is untrue. It is not the neutering, but eating too much and not getting sufficient exercise that makes animals overweight. Neutering cats and dogs stops them from wandering, reduces their fighting and also protects them from medical problems such as testicular and mammary cancer.

MYTH: A bitch should go through one season before being sterilised
FACT: This is untrue. The problem with this particular myth is that many bitches invariably fall pregnant during their first heat cycle, resulting in unplanned and unwanted puppies. Puppies should be spayed at eight weeks of age and sterilising them before the first season reduces risk of mammary tumours and other forms of cancer.

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