27/01/2024
You might think you know a lot about dogs, but how much of your knowledge is based on myths and old ledies’ tales?
It’s time to separate fact from fiction and debunk some of the most common myths about our dogs.
1. Dogs Are Colorblind
First of all, no human can see what a dog sees — so it’s a little tricky to work out where this myth came from.
But it’s not true that dogs only see in black and white.
Dogs Are Colorblind — Debunked
“Dogs just don’t see as vivid colors as we do,” explains Veterinarian Sara Ochoa, DVM, a consultant for doglab.com. “The main colors dogs see are yellow and blue.”
This is because the canine retina contains two of the three photo receptor types required to see color.
2. Dogs Eat Grass When They Are Sick
Yes, it’s true that some dogs eat grass when they’re nauseous.
That’s because grass causes them to vomit, Ochoa says, but other dogs chomp on the green stuff for a variety of different reasons.
Dogs Eat Grass When They Are Sick — Debunked
“Often dogs just like to eat anything!” say the experts at The Puppy Academy. “It's fun for them to graze, sniff and taste what's out there, especially in new areas!”
So, don’t panic right away and assume something’s wrong if you see your dog is eating grass — they could just be feeling curious!
3. A Wagging Tail Means a Friendly Dog
Often, a wagging tail is the clearest sign of a happy dog.
It can show a dog is friendly, over-excited and wanting to play, but that’s not always the case, according to The Puppy Academy team.
A Wagging Tail Means a Friendly Dog — Debunked
A wagging tail can also be a sign of anxiety or aggression.
The Puppy Academy suggests looking for other behavioral signs, like relaxed eyes and ears, to ensure you're reading the situation correctly before assuming a dog is friendly.
4. One Dog Year Equals 7 Human Years
This oft-cited “fact” isn’t actually a fact.
“Dogs do age faster than humans, but it is not necessarily true that every year is equal to seven for dogs,” says Karen Reese, animal behavior manager at Operation Kindness.
One Dog Year Equals 7 Human Years — Debunked
Dogs age faster in their younger years, so a six-month-old dog is close to a teenage human in maturity and development. “At 12 months old, the dog is akin to a 20-year-old human,” Reese explains. “After about 2 years old, they seem to age a little slower.”
Also, larger dogs sometimes seem to age faster than smaller dogs, but that is due to their typical lifespan. “For example, a dog with a seven-year lifespan will age much faster than one that is expected to live 12-15 years,” Reese says.
For more dog myths, check out Always Pets.
