Dogs, those delightful furry companions of ours, have been our loyal friends for centuries. Yet, despite our long history with them, there are still some myths that continue to circulate among dog owners and enthusiasts. In this interesting journey through the world of doggy misconceptions, we'll unravel these myths, shedding more light behind each one. So grab a cup of tea, snuggle up with your four-legged friend, and let's start myth-busting !
Myth #1: Dogs Only See in Black and White
It's commonly said that dogs can only see in black and white, which makes you wonder.. does he appreciate the colorful toys I get for him at all ?? Well, the answer is, it depends on the colors of the toy! Dogs mainly see the world in shades of blue and yellow. Their vision is more akin to a colorblind person, which still allows them to distinguish between different shades and shapes. So it's ok if you've bought them a squeaky rainbow toy ! And next time, you can specifically go for a blue and yellow toy to make their world pop !
Myth #2: One Dog Year Equals Seven Human Years
This age-old equation is fun to toss around, but it's far from accurate. A dog's aging process isn't a simple multiplication game. Smaller breeds tend to live longer due to less strain on their physical body, whilst bigger dogs or particular breeds tend to live less. In general, the first year of a dog's life is closer to 15 human years, then it gradually slows down. This explains why the first year is so tough :D But hey, who cares about the numbers when you're both having a blast chasing your tails?
Myth #3: Dogs Need a Bath Every Week
Unless your dog enjoys rolling in the muddiest puddles daily, or just like mine, in dead animals, there's no need for a weekly bath. Over-bathing can strip their skin of essential oils and leave them itchy and dry. Every day, you can wipe your dog down with dedicated dog wipes, or wash your dog's paw after a muddy walk, but you don't have to give them a deep wash every time they get a little dirty. This is both more convenient for you as well as better for their skin. However, this does not mean they do not need a daily brush to keep their coat silky smooth ! (Unless they have dreadlocks like our Rodrigo.. in which case, it looks more like removing everything attached to his fur by hand)
Myth #4: A Warm, Wet Nose Means a Healthy Dog
I remember this myth being said by my grandfather years ago, which was followed by my dad repeating it to me everytime he feels Rodrigo's wet nose. Although their nose is a good indication of their overall health and alertness, it is not the sole indicator of your dog's health. It is a good sign of normal body temperature and hydration, but sometimes, your dog can have a warm and dry nose and still be perfectly healthy, the same way that you can have dry skin and a bad hair day and still feel perfectly fine, they also have not-so-moisturized nose days.
Myth #5: You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
This one is for those adorable seniors out there who have already had a fair share of this strange world. Most people refrain from adopting older dogs or teaching them new tricks just because they've given up on them before even trying. Although pups might be a little easier to teach, dogs of all ages can continue to learn and adapt, even later on in life, it might just require a little bit more patience, but it's a great way to keep their mind sharp and stimulated.
Myth #6: All Dogs Love Belly Rubs
When a stranger gives 2+ seconds of attention to our Rodrigo, he promptly turns on his back for belly rubs, and you can hear the "awwweee" from miles away. But this does not mean that every dog is the same. Some dogs feel vulnerable when their bellies are exposed, and touching them might come across as an invasion of personal space. This is why if you see a dog sleeping on their side or on their back, you shouldn't just go ahead and start rubbing their belly, not knowing how they would react.
Myth #7: Dogs Eat Grass When They're Sick
Almost every time we go for a walk, Rodrigo stops me at least 5 times to munch on some fresh grass. It's a common misconception that dogs munch on grass when they're feeling under the weather or when they have tummy troubles. While it's true that some dogs may eat grass to induce vomiting, many simply enjoy the taste or have an instinctual urge. I personally think I gave Rodrigo the habit myself when I started to give him Rucola when he begged for food at the restaurant.. or it's because he looks like a lamb.
Myth #8: Dogs Can Only Smell Scents Reality:
Dogs have noses that put Sherlock Holmes to shame! While they're known for their scent detection prowess, dogs also pick up on a world of information through their noses, like emotions and even changes in our health. So, if Fido suddenly starts acting strange, it might be time for a human health check too! It's not the first time that there have been stories of dogs sniffing diseases or being able to tell when a patient is about to have a panic attack, way before any human would ever be able to detect it. This is just another reason out of many, as to why dog's are human's best friends.
So there you have it, dear dog lovers! Eight myths about our furry friends debunked and demystified. Remember, it's all part of the delightful journey of being a dog owner. Embrace the quirks, respect their individuality, and always strive to learn more about your canine companion. After all, isn't the joy of unraveling these myths half the fun of having a dog by your side?
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