Humans and dogs have lived together for thousands of years, and our knowledge about dogs has come a long way since then. Now with the Internet, it’s easier than ever to find accurate information about our furry friends.
However, popular myths and misconceptions are still floating around. Whether you’ve seen them in TV shows or heard about them from a well-intentioned family member, rest assured that the following dog myths are fiction, not fact!
A Dry Nose Means a Dog is Sick
This myth likely came from a condition called “canine distemper.” Canine distemper is a viral infection that causes dogs’ noses and feet to become hard and dry. Although vaccines for canine distemper are now widely available, some pet owners still worry that a warm, dry nose is a sign of illness. So if your dog is properly vaccinated, then the temperature and moistness of your dog’s nose should have nothing to do with their health.
Dogs Eat Grass to Make Themselves Vomit
It’s true that grass, when treated with chemicals, can irritate a dog’s digestive system. Indeed, if your dog continues to vomit for multiple days, then it’s time to take them to the vet. However, dogs often eat grass out of sheer boredom. As crazy as it sounds, some dogs like eating grass because they find it fun (and tasty!) So as long as your dog is eating small amounts of untreated grass, and the grass is not making them sick, then there is no need to punish this behavior.
Dogs Age Seven Years for Every Human Year
Because each dog has its own unique physiology, calculating the “human age” of your dog isn’t as simple as it sounds. Your dog’s lifespan likely depends on its breed, size, and genetic history. Smaller breeds, for example, tend to live longer than larger breeds. And for dog breeds who mature quickly, the first year of their life can be equivalent to the first 12-14 years of a human’s!
A Wagging Tail Means a Happy Dog
Canine body language can be difficult to interpret. Tail wagging, when accompanied by gentle panting and a relaxed mouth, can signal happiness and excitement. On the other hand, if a dog is rigid while wagging its tail rapidly, this could represent fear and aggression. To be safe, always ask for the owner’s permission before approaching their dog.
Dogs Can Only See in Black and White
While we can’t ask dogs to read an eye chart, behavioral tests indicate that dogs see in shades of yellow and blue. Anatomically speaking, dogs only have around 20% of the cone photoreceptor cells–the part of the eye that controls the perception of color–that humans have. So the next time you’re purchasing dog toys, consider buying them a yellow or blue one. We humans have the luxury of seeing all the colors of the rainbow. But when your pooch sees the world in shades of blue and yellow, they might struggle to find a red ball in a field of green grass.
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