Dogs have been man’s best friend for as long as we can remember, but there are quite a few facts that we still get wrong about our four-legged companions. Our loyal companions deserve the world and all the love they could receive. Over the years, many myths about dogs have been accepted as fact. Let’s debunk some common misconceptions.
1. Dogs See Only in Black and White
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about pups. The truth is that dogs can see in color, even though it might not be as vivid as humans. Dogs have dichromatic vision, which means they see the world in different shades of blue and yellow, opening up a whole world of colors for these pups.
2. A Dog’s Mouth is Cleaner Than a Human’s
While not as widely common a myth as some of the others on this list, many people still believe that dogs have cleaner mouths than humans. Sorry to burst your bubble, but a dog’s mouth is not cleaner than a human’s. Humans and dogs both have a lot of bacteria in their mouths, around 600 different types, in fact. They eat dodgy stuff that couldn’t possibly lead to a clean mouth.
3. One Dog Year Equals Seven Human Years
We’ve all heard this one, but it isn’t near the truth. Dogs age faster in the first year of life, which is equivalent to about 15-20 human years. After that, the aging rate slows and varies depending on the dog’s size and breed. There is no general age rate for all dogs; it’s unique to every dog.
4. You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
Sure you can! Every dog, regardless of age, can learn a new trick or skill if you take the time to teach them. Teaching an older dog can take a little longer and might need a patient approach, but it’s not impossible. It may be easier than you think!
5. Dogs Eat Grass When They’re Sick
Many people believe that dogs eat grass when they’re feeling sick. This isn’t the whole truth. Sure, some dogs tend to eat grass when feeling unwell, but this isn’t the case for every dog. Studies show that less than 25% of dogs vomit after eating grass, and only 10% show signs of illness before grazing.
6. A Wagging Tail Always Means a Happy Dog
Just because your dog is wagging its tail doesn’t mean it is happy. Dogs have many different body language cues that most people are absolutely oblivious to, and it’s important to take note of these signs. A broad, relaxed wag often indicates friendliness, while a stiff, rapid wag might signal agitation or alertness.
7. Dogs Are Colorblind
As we mentioned earlier in this article, dogs don’t see in black and white only! But, even though they can see blue and yellow, they have trouble differentiating between other colors, like red and green.
8. A Warm, Dry Nose Means a Dog is Sick
If your dog has a dry nose, don’t fear! This doesn’t mean that they are sick or that anything is wrong, for that matter. A dog’s nose can fluctuate between wet and dry, warm and cool, throughout the day due to environmental conditions, hydration levels, and sleep patterns. If you are worried that your dog might be sick, look for other symptoms and don’t rely on one symptom.
9. Dogs Only Yawn When Tired
Dogs don’t only yawn when tired; the same goes for humans. There are so many different reasons why a dog might yawn. It can be a stress-relief mechanism, helping dogs self-soothe in anxious situations.
10. All Dogs Are Natural Swimmers
Not all dogs are good swimmers, and some don’t like water at all; it’s purely a difference in personalities. While Labrador Retrievers and Portuguese Water Dogs are bred for water-related activities, dogs like Bulldogs or Pugs may struggle to swim due to their body shape or respiratory issues.
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