30 Common Dog Myths That Just Aren’t True

Ever heard that all dogs can swim? Or that they see only in black and white? We’ve all come across these stories from friends or in everyday chats. But guess what? Many of these common beliefs about our four-legged buddies aren’t true! Given how much dogs are a part of our lives, it’s all the more crucial to separate fact from fiction, to make sure we’re relating to our canine companions correctly and meeting their real needs.

Myth 1: Wet food is always healthier than dry food

Contrary to prevailing thought, wet food isn’t necessarily healthier than dry food for your canine friend. The key determinant for choosing between wet and dry food should be your dog’s individual health requirements, age, and, of course, their personal preference. Just be sure to keep an eye on the nutritional content! 

Myth 2: Dogs are inherent swimmers

One common misconception is that all dogs are born swimmers. Well, surely some breeds love the water, but not all dogs know how to paddle their way out. For pet safety during beach or pool outings, it’s a good idea to invest in a specialized dog life vest. 

Myth 3: Short-haired breeds don’t require grooming

Short-haired dogs aren’t “maintenance-free” as people often assume! Even if your dog’s coat doesn’t require professional grooming, they’ll still benefit from regular brushing to remove unwanted fur and distribute skin oil evenly for a healthy, shiny coat. Not to mention nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing! 

Myth 4: All dogs of a certain breed share the same personality

While it’s true that some breeds have distinctive traits, there’s still a vast range of personalities within each breed, and no two dogs are alike. It’s far more than just breed that determines your furry friend’s character – environment, training, and socialization all play significant roles too. 

Myth 5: Dogs should avoid grains

Not all dogs need to avoid grains. While it’s true that some dogs may have grain allergies, many can consume grains without issue. In fact, grain-free diets aren’t inherently healthier and have even been linked to certain heart conditions. Always consult with a vet before making significant changes to your dog’s diet.

Myth 6: Varied diet isn’t important for dogs

We often keep our dogs on a diet with the same specific range of foods. However, it’s essential to introduce healthy variations into your dog’s diet. Variety helps ensure your pooch gets all the necessary nutrients they need to stay healthy and energetic. But remember, you should always monitor them for any potential food allergies. 

Myth 7: Foods safe for humans are safe for dogs

This one is a common misconception many pet owners may have. However, there are some foods that we, humans, love that are downright toxic for our furry friends. These include but are not limited to onions, garlic, chocolate, avocado, and artificial sweeteners. Always double-check before sharing your snacks! 

Myth 8: Dogs’ nutrition only comes from their food

While quality pet food is crucial for your dog’s health, their dietary needs might not be fully met purely through their meals. Depending on their breed, age, and lifestyle, dogs might need additional supplements to ensure they’re getting all the necessary vitamins and nutrients. 

Myth 9: Pork is unhealthy for dogs

Many believe that pork isn’t good for dogs but that’s not generally true. Pork contains less fat than beef and is a good source of amino acids – easy on a dog’s digestive system. However, as with any other protein, it’s advised to cook pork fully before feeding it to your dog.

Myth 10: Dogs only bark to express anger

Oh boy, wrong. Barking isn’t always about anger. Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, including to alert you to something, express excitement, or even out of boredom. It’s the canine version of our speech. Imagine if people only spoke when they were angry, what a grumpy world that would be! 

Myth 11: Old dogs can’t learn new tricks

So you’ve heard that age affects a dog’s ability to learn, right? False! Quite the contrary, dogs of all ages are very capable of learning new tricks and tasks. Yes, it might take a bit more patience with an older dog, but never dismiss their ability to continue learning because of their age. Just take it slow and make the process enjoyable for them. 

Myth 12: Dogs always wag their tails when they’re happy

Seeing a dog wag its tail surely means it’s happy and wants to play, uh? No, not really. Dogs use their tails to communicate a wide range of emotions, including stress, fear, and even aggression. So, always keep an eye on body language and context when interpreting those wagging tails! 

Myth 13: Dogs have cleaner mouths than humans

Ever heard the claim that a canine’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s? Well, let’s bust this myth right away. Dogs and humans have different types of bacteria in their mouths. While our fur friends might not have the same dental issues we do, their mouths are by no means ‘cleaner’ in a hygienic sense. Therefore, regular dental care is important for them too! 

Myth 14: Dogs see in black and white

Assuming that dogs see the world only in black and white is another misconception. They do see colors, just not as vividly as humans do. Canine color vision is quite similar to a human with red-green color blindness. So your pooch sees the world in shades of blue and yellow! 

Myth 15: Dogs eat grass when they’re sick

Many people believe that dogs eat grass only when they are unwell. While it’s true that eating grass can induce vomiting, it doesn’t necessarily suggest illness. Many dogs enjoy chomping on grass simply for the flavor, so don’t fret if you see your pet munching on your lawn from time to time. 

Myth 16: Dogs do perfectly well on a vegetarian diet

As the myth goes, it’s completely fine to switch your dog to a vegetarian or even vegan diet. However, this can be quite challenging as pooches are naturally carnivorous. While dogs are omnivores (unlike cats, which are obligate carnivores), they still require certain essential nutrients that plants alone can’t provide. While technically, you can feed a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, you’ll have to monitor their nutrition closely and perhaps provide supplements to ensure they’re not lacking any vital nutrition.

Myth 17: A dog’s age can be calculated by simple multiplication

Look, if only it were this easy! This myth states that one dog year equals seven human years, but it’s not as simple as this. The aging of dogs depends on their size, breed, and overall health. Larger breeds tend to age faster than smaller ones, and this ratio can also change as your dog ages. So, as much as we love simplifying things, this is one formula we can’t apply universally.

Myth 18: Dogs can’t see the television

Believe it or not, your furry buddy can indeed enjoy their TV time. They just perceive it a little differently than we do. While it was true that older televisions displayed fewer frames per second and appeared to flicker to canine eyes, modern HDTVs display more frames per second, compatible with how dogs view the world. So next time if your pup seems interested in that nature documentary with squirrels, know it’s not pure curiosity – they’re actually following along!

Myth 19: Dogs only pee to relieve themselves

Contrary to this common belief, dogs often use their pee to communicate with one another. Through urine, they can mark their territories and convey a lot of useful information such as their health status, age, and sex. It’s like their very own version of social media. Only a lot smellier.

Myth 20: Dogs can’t understand gestures

Pooches are a lot more observant than you think! Dogs have been known to understand a variety of human gestures and body language, ranging from pointing to head tilting. They’ve been our best friends for thousands of years, it’s only natural they ‘get’ us.

Myth 21: Dogs have seven senses

Dogs indeed have amazingly keen senses, but the number isn’t seven. Like humans, dogs have five primary senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. However, dog’s senses are far more acute than ours. Their hearing and smell, in particular, are incredibly sharp. But there isn’t any scientific evidence to confirm the existence of two additional discrete senses.

Myth 22: Bigger dogs are smarter than smaller ones

Not true. Size has absolutely nothing to do with intelligence in dogs, just like in humans. Intelligence varies more from breed to breed rather than size. Each breed and individual dog has its own unique cognitive and problem-solving abilities. Moreover, a dog’s intelligence and ability to learn often significantly depends upon how attentive, supportive, and engaging their owners are with them.

Myth 23: Dogs can smell fear

Can dogs really smell fear? While it’s true dogs have a heightened sense of smell, it doesn’t seem they can literally sniff out emotions like fear. Rather, they might pick up on body language signs or changes that happen when we’re scared, like sweating or rapid breathing.

Myth 24: Dogs feel guilt

Sorry to burst your bubble, but scientists are yet to find hard evidence that dogs feel guilt. Sure, they may look guilty after being caught doing something naughty, but this could more likely be them reacting to your anger. Not suggesting they don’t have feelings, they do, but guilt may not be one of them. 

Myth 25: All dogs love to fetch

Contrary to common belief, fetching is not an innate behavior for all dogs. It mostly comes from breeds that were traditionally used for retrieving game, like Labradors. Fetch is a taught behavior, and while some dogs may pick it up quickly, don’t fret if your fur baby doesn’t run after that ball – they’re still perfectly normal.

Myth26: Small dogs live longer than large dogs

Although popularly believed, this isn’t necessarily true. The lifespan of your four-legged friend highly depends on its health, diet, and lifestyle. Ensuring your pup gets a balanced diet and regular exercise, regardless of size, is key to a longer lifespan.

Myth 27: Dog barks are unintelligible

No, you’re not crazy for thinking you understand some of your companion’s barks. Dogs have a wide range of barks, each indicating different needs or emotions such as fear, excitement, or hunger. So you probably do understand a little ‘dog speak’.

Myth 28: Dogs understand everything you say

It’s a common myth that pet pooches comprehend every word you utter. We must break this bubble and tell you, that’s not entirely accurate. True, dogs are tremendously sharp and can learn to recognize a staggering amount of words, but their understanding primarily exists in the tone, context, and body language domain. It’s less about the syntax and more about bonding and active training.

Myth 29: Dogs hate cats

This is more of a stereotype than a reality. A dog’s reaction to cats largely depends on its individual temperament, experiences and training. With a proper introduction and positive interactions, dogs and cats can become best friends.

Myth 30: Crossbred dogs are always healthier than purebred dogs

We’ve all heard the tale that crossbred dogs (or ‘mutts’ as they’re affectionately known) are healthier due to their wider gene pool. But the reality? It’s simply not that black and white! All dogs can have genetic health problems, whether they’re crossbred or pure. It’s all about responsible breeding, folks! So next time you’re eyeing that shiny pedigree or cute mutt, remember: health isn’t about the breed, it’s about good genes and proper care.

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