We’ve all heard a lot of the same “facts” about dogs that aren’t really facts at all.
But so many of them have been repeated for so long, we believe them as facts (kind of like when we used to believe that Mikey, the kid from the Life cereal commercials, died from eating Pop Rocks before drinking a Coke. Or that Mister Rogers was really a military sniper). Well, Rollin’ Vets is here to put some of those canine myths to bed!
dogs age 7 years for every human year
This is a super common misconception, but it's not accurate. Dogs age at different rates depending on their breed and size. For example, a Great Dane reaches maturity at around two years old, while a Chihuahua may not reach maturity until around eight years old.
dogs are colorblind
While it's true that dogs don't see the same range of colors that humans do, they can still see some colors. Dogs are able to distinguish between blue and yellow, and they have a limited ability to distinguish between other colors as well. Dogs are also more near-sighted than we are. When looking at an object from the same distance, it may appear crisp to humans, but blurry to our dogs.
eating grass indicates sickness
It’s a very common belief that dogs eat grass to make themselves sick and get rid of something nasty they’ve swallowed. Others think grass eating is a sign of a lack of some nutrients, but studies have shown this is not the case. In fact, it’s much more likely to be because it tastes nice, particularly in the spring and summer months when it’s green and fresh. Think of it as a healthy salad for your dog!
a warm, dry nose means a dog is sick
You’ve heard this one, right? A healthy dog’s nose is always cold and wet? Well, warm and dry noses are completely normal, too. Things like dry air and allergies can affect the wetness of your dog’s nose, and it’s all quite common. However, if your dog’s nose is consistently dry, cracking or running, it’s time to talk to your vet because that could be a sign of something else.
all dogs can naturally swim
Sorry, water-lovers, this one is false. Some breeds (hi, Portuguese Water Dogs!) may really love swimming. But it’s a myth that all dogs are as equally at home in the water. Some doggos need a little help and encouragement to feel comfortable in the water, and others, such as dogs with barrel-shaped chests, flat faces, or short legs, have a harder time swimming. If your dog is unsure in the water, a life jacket can boost their confidence and keep them safe. And a dog in a life jacket is adorable!
dog mouths are cleaner that human mouths
This one has been around for a long time, but it's not true. Dogs' mouths are actually full of bacteria, just like humans' mouths. Want to hear something a bit gross? Both dog and human mouths contain billions of bacteria from roughly 700 different species. So it's important to keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy with regular dental care!
a wagging tail means a happy dog
While tail wagging can be a sign of happiness, it can also indicate other emotions, such as anxiety or aggression. It's important to pay attention to your dog's body language as a whole, rather than relying on tail wagging as the only indicator of their mood.
Now you’re ready to take this new knowledge and impress your friends at the next party. And if you feel like your dog needs some in-person myth busting, schedule your appointment by calling our Houston office at 713-987-3237 or Austin at 512-729-9600.