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If Our Pets Had Thumbs by Sherri S . Cokefair , VMD , Calico Creek Vet Clinic
Did you know that March 3rd is " National If Pets Had Thumbs Day ?" It sounds a little silly but it is an actual thing ! The idea of this holiday was started by Ruth and Tom Roy in 1995 , just for fun , and it became official in 2017 . This unusual national holiday gives us the chance to imagine what life would be like if our pets had opposable thumbs . Having thumbs allows us humans to do many things that most animals cannot . Polydactyl cats have an extra digit that looks like a thumb but it works the same as all their other toes . It is not an opposable thumb . If your pet had thumbs , do you think they would use them for good or bad ? Maybe both ? Our pets depend on us to feed them , but what other types of things might they do on their own if they had thumbs ? If our pets were more independent due to having thumbs , would it change the relationship dynamic between owner and pet ? These are all interesting things to think about .
Things our pets would probably do if they had thumbs :
- Raid the refrigerator and cupboards - Open food and treat containers - Open doors - Escape dog kennels and cat carriers - Thumb wrestle - Rummage through everything in the house - Use a back scratcher
Things we would actually like our pets to do with their thumbs :
- Clean the litter box - Poop scoop the yard - Brush themselves - Bring things to us - Give us massages - Brush their teeth - Help with household chores
For the sake of this holiday and just for fun , take a few minutes to think about what it would be like if your pets had thumbs . You might find it both comical and terrifying !
Pawsitively Pets -- March
Around The Hydrant :
News You Can Use
Recalls :
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company : Recalling a limited amount of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental ( PPVD EL ) prescription dry dog food due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D . This is a prescription-only product . Info : 800-345-5678 . ( 2 / 8 / 23 )
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company : Recalling a limited amount of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Low Fat prescription wet dog food due to a labeling error . The mislabeled food is safe to feed , but it is not the intended formula for dogs requiring a prescription low fat diet or who may have sensitivities to traditional diets or difficulty digesting fat . Info : 800-579- 7733 . ( 12 / 2 / 22 )
Spot and Tango : Recalling four batches of its UnKibble Chicken and Brown Rice Dog Food product line , due to samples testing positive for Salmonella bacteria . Info : 1-800-939-0936 . ( 9 / 6 / 22 )
Stromburg Foods : Recalling various sizes and batches of its dog treats , due to potential contamination with Salmonella . Affected dog treats include Beg & Barker Chicken Breast Strips , Billo ' s Best Friend Chicken Breast Strips , and Green Coast Pets Chicken Breast Crisps . For further info : 919-947-6011 , Monday - Saturday 3am - 9pm . ( 7 / 12 / 22 )
Source : dogfoodadvisor . com , amva . org
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