Since dogs are among the most cherished animals in the world, it is not surprising that there are many myths about them. These myths can influence how we treat our pets and even on their physical and mental health. To help you better understand your canine companion, we’ll dispel ten popular dog myths in this article.
1 Dogs are colourblind.
It’s a common misconception that dogs only perceive things in black and white. Although they do not have as many colours as humans, dogs can see some hues, and they can see some green and grey, as well as blue and yellow hues.
2 Dogs age seven years for every human year
This is a long-standing, widely believed myth, but it’s not totally accurate. The size and breed of a dog determine its age. In contrast to larger dogs, smaller dogs often live longer, and certain breeds age more quickly than others. 
3 A wagging tail means a happy dog.
Although a dog’s tail may wag in happiness, this isn’t always true. There are many different reasons why dogs wag their tails, including fear, anxiety, and even aggression. To understand your dog’s mood, it’s crucial to observe other body language indicators.
4 Dogs can only eat dog food.
Although it’s designed to give dogs the nourishment they require, commercial dog food isn’t the only thing they can consume. Lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and other human foods may all be eaten by dogs. Before giving your dog anything new, it’s essential to do your research because some human foods can be toxic to dogs. 
5 Dogs age out of training.
This is untrue. Dogs may pick up new skills and get training all their lives. Regardless of your dog’s age, training is a fantastic way to keep its mind active and engaged.
6 Dogs only need to go for a walk once a day.
Your dog needs other types of exercise and frequent walks for physical and emotional wellness. Dogs require a lot of space to run, play, and explore, and lack of exercise can cause your dog to become bored, anxious, or destructive.
6 A dog’s nose should be wet all the time.
Many people mistakenly think that a dog with a dry nose must be ill, but this is not always the case. A dog may have a dry nose for a number of reasons, such as weather changes or simply waking up from a nap. A consistently dry or cracked nose, however, may indicate a medical problem. 
7 Dogs that growl are always aggressive.
Although growling occasionally indicates aggression, this is not always the case. When a dog is scared, anxious, or in pain, it may growl. To understand why your dog is growling, it’s crucial to consider additional body language signals.
8 Dogs should never be left alone.
Dogs can manage brief periods of solitude even though they are social creatures and enjoy being with their owners. Before leaving your dog alone, though, make sure they have enough of mental and physical stimulation. Working with a qualified trainer or behaviourist is essential if your dog struggles with separation anxiety so they can learn to feel more at ease being alone. Many dog-related myths may influence how we handle dogs. By busting these myths, we can better understand our furry friends and provide them with the care and attention they require. Always do your research before making any decisions regarding the well-being or behaviour of your dog. To help with debunking more dog-related myths, consult with your vet. Find a vet near you in our veterinary services directory.
