Pet Talk
A New Quiz for
Savvy Pet Lovers
by Frances Goodman
Here’s a brand new pet lovers’ quiz! If you already know all 10 answers, you are a savvy pet lover.
Meanwhile, if you have pet questions, be sure to send them to me for the PetTalk column at fhpettalk@hotmail.com. Or, let me know if there’s a special topic you’d like more information on.
Here’s the new quiz:
Questions
1. How can you tell the difference between harmless, beneficial frogs and the non-native toxic toads that are dangerous to pets?
2. If you went to the pet store and came home with a fancy carp, what would you have and where would you keep it?
3. True or false: Birds have a poor sense of smell.
4. What does it mean when a male puppy begins lifting his leg to urinate instead of squatting?
5. What does it mean when a young male cat begins backing up to vertical surfaces and “spraying?”
6. True or False: Papers from the AKC are proof that a puppy comes from healthy, well-bred parents.
7. What type of cat litter should never be used for kittens?
8. Where is the recommended place to check a dog’s pulse?
9. What human medications are the most frequent cause of pet poisonings?
10: What kind of dog is a “spitz”?
Answers
1. Nice frog or toxic toad? Just think of “leapfrog” and “hoppy-toad.” Frogs can “leap” up, over, sideways, and onto the wall, which they may climb. Toads can only hop, hop, hop close to the ground. However, they are fast!
2. If you brought home a fancy carp, it would be a Koi. Hopefully, you would keep it in a roomy pond. Koi are from Japan and are called “living jewels.” They can live more than 80 years if properly cared for and can grow to three feet.
3. Except for scavengers, such as ravens and buzzards, birds have a poor sense of smell. That’s okay, since they locate their food by color, shape and sometimes movement.
4. When young Buddy starts lifting his leg to urinate, that’s the sign his testosterone has arrived. It’s time to run, not walk, to the vet for neutering. This varies with breed, but it’s generally around six months.
5. If young Charlie cat begins spraying to scent-mark, ditto as with Buddy.
6. “Papers” from the AKC can be easily faked. Even legitimate papers don’t mean a healthy pup, since the club does not inspect breeders. Just remember: A responsible breeder will want to meet you and get references from you, before letting a puppy go home with you.
7. Clumping litter is dangerous to kittens. They tend to play with it and swallow it. This can cause a serious blockage by clumping in their intestinal tract.
8. A good place to check a dog’s pulse is high on the inside of its thigh.
9. Common painkillers like ibuprofen and naproxen are the most frequent cause of pet poisonings. Close behind are acetaminophen, as in Tylenol, and pseudoephedrin, as in Sudafed. Drugs that relieve our pain should never be given to pets and should be kept safely stored.
10. “Spitz” refers to a category of dogs from cold regions that have dense coats, pointed ears, pointed muzzles and tails that curl over their backs. They come in all sizes from Malamute to American Eskimo to Pomeranians.
Frances Goodman is a professional dog trainer and pet care writer who lives in Royal Palm Beach. Got a question? Email her at fhpettalk@hotmail.com. She can be reached at 561-422-8878.