Sniffing Out the Facts
Top 10 Dog Myths Debunked
This week we’re sniffing out the answers to some of the most popular myths surrounding dogs!
- Dog mouths are cleaner than human mouths. Sure, the dog-specific germs that dogs have in their mouths are harmless, but not everything they put in it is – including rainwater, grass, and poop. A dog’s breath can even provide clues to their overall health.
- Dry or warm noses mean a dog is sick. Dry noses can be common in dogs for a variety of reasons, but shouldn’t be cause for alarm. If you’re concerned that your dog is sick or their noses are crusty, runny, or have discolored discharge, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- If a dog has a backyard, they don’t need a walk. Providing a variety of activities that keep your dog exercised and stimulated is good for their physical and mental health. It’s also beneficial for their socialization and can help prevent territorial and aggressive behavior.
- Old dogs can’t learn new tricks. Older dogs can suffer from hearing or vision loss, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn new tricks! We have classes for every skill and age level that make obedience fun for everyone.
- Dogs are colorblind. Contrary to popular belief, dogs are only partially colorblind. In addition to black, white, and gray, dogs can actually see blues, yellows, and greens. In contrast, their night vision is far better than a human’s.
- Wagging tails mean a dog is happy. Wagging tails are often associated with happiness or friendliness in dogs, but can sometimes indicate fear, anxiety, or aggression. Before approaching a dog, assess the entire dog for clues on how they may be feeling to ensure a positive encounter.
- Indoor dogs don’t need heartworm prevention. Heartworm is a potentially deadly disease spread by mosquitoes, and dogs are at risk both indoors and out. While it can be treated in dogs, it often causes long-term damage, and prevention gives them the best chance of staying healthy.
- A dog’s age is seven times a human’s. Because the aging process in dogs varies between breeds and life stages, the method of measuring one year of a dog’s age as the equivalent of a human’s seven is now considered outdated. Veterinarians now agree that a one-year-old dog is equal to a 12-year-old human. When a dog reaches two years of age, that is comparable to a 24-year-old human. From that point on, a dog ages four human years for each of their dog years. So, a three-year-old dog is 28, a four-year-old dog is 32, etc. Visit this handy chart to learn your dog’s age.
- Some dog breeds are more aggressive than others. All dogs have the potential of being aggressive if they don’t receive proper training and socialization; no breeds are more prone to aggression than others.
- All dogs hate cats. When dogs and cats are introduced to each other with patience and care, they can actually become the best of friends!
Did we miss a myth on your list? Share it in the comments below!