Let’s Talk About It!
My sister sent me a video of her dog Mini (a 17-year-old Chihuahua/Papillion mix) learning a new trick. That’s right, friends, she just learned how to roll over as a senior pup. This gave me the idea to bust some myths about our fur kids. Dogs are surrounded by myths and misunderstandings, from behavior to dietary needs. Some myths are harmless, and others can impact how we care for our dogs.
Myth 1: “You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks”
Busted: How many of us still believe this?! That older dogs are too set in their ways to learn new things, but this isn’t true. Dogs, regardless of their age, have the potential to learn new tricks, behaviors, and commands. Older dogs may require more patience and time than puppies; they can fully adapt and learn. All it takes is positive reinforcement and consistency. This is fun for dog owners and their dogs. It brings a sense of achievement for the dog (dogs like to work for things) and a sense of optimism for dog parents, knowing that they can always engage their dogs’ minds and improve their quality of life!
Myth 2: “A Wagging Tail Means a Happy Dog”
Busted: I’m today years old learning this, and maybe you too! Yep, it’s a common misconception that a wagging tail always means a happy dog. In reality, dogs wag their tails for a variety of reasons. The speed and position of the wag can provide important clues. A slow, low wag might indicate nervousness, while a stiff, fast wag could signal alertness or agitation. Tune in, dog parents! Look at your dog’s overall body language; it will provide more of a story.
Myth 3: “Dogs Eat Grass When They’re Sick”
Busted: Some dogs eat grass with an upset stomach, but this is not the only reason dogs munch on the green stuff. Dogs may eat grass out of boredom, for fun, or because they like the texture of it. When your dog eats grass occasionally, don’t freak out with concern; HOWEVER, if it becomes excessive or is accompanied by vomiting, a visit to the vet is paramount.
Myth 4: “Dogs Only See in Black and White”
Busted: Contrary to the belief that dogs see the world in black and white, they can see colors—just not like you do. Dogs have dichromatic vision, meaning they see two primary colors: blue and yellow. This YouTube channel has color-graded videos for your doggo’s eyes. I let my dog watch it when I leave the house (Velcro dog parents unite!)
Myth 5: “A Dry Nose Means a Dog is Sick”
Busted: Many people assume that a dog’s health can be gauged by the state of their nose, with a wet nose being a sign that all is well. Or a dry nose is a sign of OMG, Is my dog sick?! Nobody panic, a dog’s nose can fluctuate between wet and dry throughout the day, which doesn’t necessarily reflect their health status in the moment. Other signs like lethargy, appetite loss, or behavioral changes are much better indicators of a potential health issue. Always call the vet if you have a concern.
Myth 6: “Dogs Shouldn’t Be Fed ‘People’ Food”
Busted: You already know that chocolate, onions, and grapes are super toxic to dogs. Not all human food is off-limits. In fact, many fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, carrots, and pumpkins, are safe and beneficial for dogs. When in doubt, leave it out! You can always call your vet and consult with them about a particular food.
Myth 7: “Dog Growling and Barking”
Busted: Growling is a form of communication for dogs and doesn’t always indicate aggression. It’s their way of expressing discomfort, fear, or stress. A dog that growls is giving a warning, not necessarily trying to attack. Like growling, barking is another way of communication. Always check on an excessively barking dog. Your pup is telling you something, and addressing the issue is critical for you and your doggo.
Myth 8: “Purebreds Are Healthier Than Mixed Breeds”
Busted: Many people think purebred dogs are healthier because of their pedigree, but mixed breeds may have fewer genetic health problems. It’s true that purebred dogs can be prone to breed-specific conditions due to limited gene pools. Mixed-breed dogs can have more genetic diversity, which may reduce the likelihood of inherited health issues.
Myth 9: “Dogs Feel Guilty After Chewing Your Socks”
Busted: That “guilty” look your dog gives you is not guilt. Dogs don’t experience guilt the same way you do. What you’re seeing is a reaction to your body language and tone of voice. Dogs can sense your emotional state, responding with submissive behaviors that might look guilty to us.
Lastly, A Gentle Note to Encourage Adoption
The Holidays are upon us. Many of you are considering a dog as gift for a loved one. Understanding the truth about dog behavior and health can make us better dog parents, which is especially important when considering adoption. Many shelter pups—especially older ones—are surrounded by myths, making potential adopters hesitate. By debunking myths and focusing on facts, we can make more informed decisions, provide better care for dogs. So next time you hear a common myth about dogs, remember to think twice and continually seek out reliable information. The dogs say, “thank you!”