Having a dog may be fun, and we would do everything to keep them happy. We often go to the internet to learn about dog language and the dos and don’ts of pet care. However, not everything you see is true, as some may harm your dog more than do good. Today, we will debunk 10 dog myths that most owners think are true.
10. Dogs Eating Grass = Upset Stomach
You may wonder why your dogs chomp on grass or eat your home plants. While some random social media post may point to a possibility that your dog has an upset stomach, it’s untrue. The reason why your dog likes eating grass is that they want the taste of it. Another reason is that they’re hungry, so they’ll keep eating grass if their lunch doesn’t satisfy them.
9. A Dog’s Sight is Black and White
One popular dog myth is that they see the world in black and white. This is not true as they also see color, but their spectrum is limited. Like other primates, humans are trichromatic with three cones in our eyes. Meanwhile, dogs are bichromatic, leaving them a tendency to mix up the colors green and red.
8. You Can’t Train Old Dogs
The myth you always hear about being unable to teach old dogs tricks is untrue. This hinders your dog from learning the proper behavior or developing something in them. While it is true that teaching a puppy is easier, old dogs can learn new tricks, too. Keep in mind that some geriatric (old) dogs have sight and hearing issues, but as long as their brains are in good shape, you can easily train them.
7. Dry Nose Means Your Dog is Sick
Another popular dog myth is that if you notice your dog’s nose is dry, it means they’re sick. You don’t need to worry about that as it’s completely untrue. Warm and dry noses are normal as they usually happen from dry air, allergies, or even from sleeping. But if your dog’s nose is always dry, cracked, or runny, you must bring them to your vet.
6. Show Your Dominance
While a dog is a man’s best friend, there’s a myth about showing dominance to your dog so they know who’s the master. As time passes, we humans have learned that dominance isn’t always the answer. Instead of dominance or punishment, modern dog trainers focus on understanding why a dog behaves in such a way. With this, they create an environment where good behavior is encouraged. They teach dogs what to do and, at the same time, do it in a manner that meets their needs.
5. Wagging Tail = Happy Dog
It’s true that a wagging tail means that your dog is communicating with you. While it can mean an excited and happy dog, it’s not always the case. When you notice a vigorous tail wag, you can see a happy dog seeing their owner, but if you see slow wags halfway down, it shows fear and insecurity. However, if you see a tail wagging very high and fast, it can show aggressiveness.
4. One Dog Year is Equivalent to Seven Human Years
Dogs age quickly than humans; however, the seven-to-one ratio isn’t exactly correct. Their age depends on their breed, size, and genetic makeup. The bigger your dog is, the faster they age. According to Jess Trimble, chief veterinary officer at Fuzzy Pet Health, a 10-pound terrier who is 16 years old may be 75 to 80 years old in human years. Meanwhile, a Great Dane who’s also 16 years old (an extremely rare age) is equivalent to being more than 130 years of age.
3. Short-Haired Dogs Don’t Need Grooming
Dog grooming isn’t just about haircuts. Every dog needs to maintain cleanliness and good health. Take your dog to a pet grooming salon to trim their hair, bathe, brush their teeth, clean their ears, and cut their nails. Also, your dog’s groomer will inform you when you need to visit your vet for a check-up.
2. Yawning Means Your Dog Is Tired
Like humans, we confuse a dog’s yawn with tiredness or sleepiness. While a yawning dog can truly mean that your dog is tired, it can also be due to boredom, or even stress and anxiety. It may mean that your dog wants to get away from something. You may also notice your dog yawning when visiting your vet, which could mean they’re stressed and want to leave.
1. Dogs Are Getting Enough Exercise in Your Fenced Yard
Many owners put their dogs in fenced-in yards, thinking they’re getting enough exercise. This is wrong, as your dog would rather lie down than exercise. Don’t rely on them to exercise on their own when you put them in your yards; spend time with them to play fetch so that they can exercise. Also, take them for walks outside your house or in the park with a leash so they can also see the outside world.