Dogs try their best to be loyal, loving, and understanding when it comes to us humans. Unfortunately, throughout history, some myths about our wonderful canine companions have been perpetuated. Today we aim to debunk some of the myths that have been hardwired into many of us.
Raw Diets Are Best
A common misconception is that the healthiest option for a dog when it comes to their diet is raw meat. This may be true for the wolf, but for domesticated dogs, their diet has changed as they evolved. Research found that there was no huge benefit to switching to a meat only diet and only put the dog at risk of bacterial infections from the raw meat. Stick to a good quality dog food with a nice balance of ingredients.
Dogs Eat Grass to Vomit
Ever seen your dog eat grass? Well, your family might have told you that it’s because they want to vomit. While some dogs do vomit after eating grass, others don’t. There’s no evidence to support gastrointestinal problems is linked to eating grass. Dogs may enjoy eating it very well.
A Dry Nose Means an Illness
A dry nose may indicate illness, but it isn’t always a guarantee. A dog’s nose can be dry for a host of reasons, including the weather or just because they haven’t licked it recently. Other symptoms should be looked at, not just a dry nose, when trying to diagnose your dog.
Dogs Are Color Blind
Old cartoons and media always showed dogs seeing the world in black and white, but this isn’t true. While dogs don’t see the world as we do, they can see some colors in good detail, like blue and yellow. Their weakness is red and green, which do look like grey to them.
Indoor Dogs Don’t Need Parasite Control
Some people believe that indoor dogs are inherently cleaner than outdoor dogs, and this may be true when it comes to mud and dirt. Parasites can come into the home to seek your dog out. Things like ticks and fleas can still infest your animal without them ever setting foot outside.
Shaving Dogs Keeps Them Cool
Dogs’ fur is extremely important to their well-being. It is a part of their bodies that regulates their heat. Shaving a dog to keep them cool can actually have the opposite effect when they can’t insulate against the sun.
Dogs Feel Guilt
The way dogs behave after doing something naughty is often associated with guilt. Dogs generally express this emotion because of the way their owners react, and if they’ve been punished in the past, they will try to appease them through submission.
All Dogs Are Natural Swimmers
While it’s easy to think that most breeds can swim with no problem due to the variety of breeds we have today, some may struggle due to their body weight and proportions. Dogs like dachshunds will struggle in the water compared to a border collie. Still, there should always be supervision around a dog and water.
A Wagging Tail Means Happiness
Dogs can express a lot of emotion through the wagging of their tail. There’s a lot more to it than just happiness. If a dog is wagging their tail in a low manner, it could be a submissive gesture. A high wag can show both excitement as well as aggression.
Dogs Can Eat Human Food Safely
Many owners mistakenly believe that sharing human food with dogs is harmless. However, many human foods can be toxic or unhealthy for dogs, such as chocolate, onions, and certain spices. It’s crucial to stick to dog-specific diets approved by veterinarians.
Hypoallergenic Dogs Don’t Cause Allergies
The notion that hypoallergenic dogs do not trigger allergies is misleading; no dog is completely hypoallergenic. Allergies can stem from a dog’s skin cells, saliva, or urine, regardless of shedding levels. People sensitive to allergens should consider this before choosing a breed.
Older Dogs Don’t Need Exercise
Lastly, some believe older dogs don’t require exercise as much as younger ones do. In reality, regular exercise is vital for senior dogs to maintain health and mobility. Tailoring activities to their abilities helps keep them fit and engaged throughout their lives.
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