You may think you know a lot about Fido, but how much of what you know about your pup is true? Keep reading to debunk these 10 common dog myths.
1. One Dog Year Equals 7 Human Years
One of the most commonly held beliefs about how canines age is that one year of a dog’s life is the equivalent of seven years of a human’s life. Although this myth has the right idea, this one-to-seven ratio is often inaccurate. The main deciding factor in how quickly dogs age is their breed. The genetic makeup of your pup will determine their lifespan and how old they are in human years, with certain dog breeds being healthier than others. Size also plays a role; smaller dogs live longer, so they age more slowly than big dogs.
2. Dogs Can Only See Black and White
Despite the common misconception that dogs see in black and white, dogs can see certain colors. Dogs’ color vision is inferior to humans’ because canines have one less color receptor in their eyes than humans do. Although dogs can’t see all the colors of the rainbow, they can see muted shades of blue and yellow. The main colors dogs have trouble seeing are greens and reds, making them similar to people with red-green color blindness.
3. Yawning Means Your Pup is Tired
You may have noticed your dog yawning in situations when they don’t appear to be tired and wondered why. While a dog’s yawn might indicate sleepiness, it can also signal feelings of boredom, anxiety, or stress. For instance, a dog may yawn when feeling anxious at the vet to show their discomfort.
4. A Warm and Dry Nose Means Your Dog Is Sick
A common misconception about dog health is that a healthy dog has a wet and cold nose. However, experts say that a warm and dry nose is completely normal. The condition of your dog’s nose can be influenced by various factors, including allergies and dry air. If your dog’s dry nose is accompanied by other symptoms and seems to be causing your pup discomfort, keep an eye on them and call your vet if necessary.
5. Dogs Hate Cats
The misconception that all dogs hate cats is a common myth. Although cats and dogs have their differences, these are often due to their different instincts and forms of communicating. Many dogs enjoy playing with felines, and some pairs are best buds. If you’re wondering if your pup would enjoy being around a cat, consider their temperament and behavior around other animals.
6. Shaving Your Pup in the Summer Cools Them Down
Many dog owners shave their dog’s fur in the summertime in hopes of cooling them down, but unfortunately, this doesn’t help much. Unlike humans, most dogs don’t get much relief from a summer cut since they mainly cool down by panting and sweating through their paw pads. In fact, shaving your dog in the summer can be harmful. Dogs with double coats will be more overheated if shaved since this second coat keeps them cool. Shaving your dog’s fur too short can also expose their skin to the sun and pests, putting them at risk for sunburn and insect bites.
7. Dogs Enjoy Being Hugged
Although most dog owners love to give their furry friends lots of hugs, this isn’t something most dogs enjoy. Hugs can make your pup feel annoyed or trapped, which may lead to stress. Dogs may perceive hugging as being pinned down, similar to what canines do during fights. Every dog is different, but if your pup seems to only tolerate hugs, it’s best to limit them.
8. A Wagging Tail Indicates Happiness
A dog’s tail is a form of communication. While many dog owners believe that a wagging tail always means happiness, it can also indicate stress or aggression. In some cases, dogs may wag their tails before attacking something. It’s important to pay attention to Fido’s body language and consider the context to understand why your dog’s tail is wagging.
9. Dogs Feel Guilt
When dogs are caught doing something they shouldn’t, many dogs offer up a sheepish expression that looks a lot like a guilty kid. However, unlike human children, dogs can’t feel guilt. Dogs may understand that their owners don’t want them to do something, but canines don’t have the ability to discern right from wrong. If a dog appears to be acting guilty, they are most likely responding to their owner’s anger or anticipating it before it occurs.
10. You Should Let a New Dog Smell Your Hand
When meeting a new dog, you’ve probably been advised to offer your hand for them to sniff. This myth has good intentions, but in actuality, it can have the opposite effect. Sticking out your hand to a new dog may be interpreted as a sign of aggression, making the pup feel threatened. Experts recommend waiting for a new dog to approach you first so the pup feels safe and comfortable.
Now that you know the truth about these 10 common dog myths, you can interact with Fido armed with your newfound knowledge.