Debunking common dog myths: What every pet parent should know

As a pet parent, you’ve likely come across plenty of advice about dogs — some of it helpful, but much of it rooted in outdated ideas or misconceptions. Let’s break down some of the most common dog myths and reveal the truths every dog lover should know!

Myth No. 1: Dogs only wag their tails when they’re happy
Truth: A wagging tail doesn’t always mean joy, it’s a versatile form of communication.

• A high, stiff wag can indicate alertness or aggression,
• A low, slow wag often signals submission or uncertainty.

The tail's position compared to the back line provides additional clues on what a dog is communicating:

• Tail above the back line: the dog may be signaling an antagonistic situation or a safety concern.
• Tail positioned below the back line typically indicates friendship, relaxation, or uncertainty.
• Tail between legs: the more it is tucked between the legs, the more it conveys fear.

Pay attention to the whole picture: Is the dog’s body relaxed or stiff? Is he avoiding eye contact? Learning to understand your dog’s body language will help deepen your bond and prevent misunderstandings.

Myth No. 2: Dogs see only in black and white
Truth: While dogs don’t see the vibrant rainbow of colors that humans do, their world isn’t entirely grayscale. They see shades of blue and yellow, which is why that neon-yellow ball might be their favorite. Their incredible sense of smell and motion detection more than compensates for their limited color vision, making them true masters of sensory perception.

Myth No. 3: A warm, dry nose means a dog is sick
Truth: Imagine if someone judged your health based on whether your hands were cold or warm. The same goes for a dog’s nose! It can vary depending on the time of day, the weather, or even their recent activities. Focus on more reliable indicators like energy levels, appetite, and mood. A warm nose after a sunny nap? Completely normal!

Myth No. 4: Grass-eating means your dog is sick
Truth: Dogs may eat grass for several reasons, including boredom, curiosity, or as a natural way to aid digestion. They may also do this to cope with a stressful situation, such as interacting with another dog in a way that makes them uncomfortable. This behavior, known as a substitute activity, signals to the other party that the dog is “busy” and helps to diffuse tension. While occasional grass consumption is normal, frequent vomiting afterward or a sudden increase in this behavior may warrant a visit to the vet.

Do you want to know more on why you dog may be eating grass?

Read the dedicated Genius Tip Article

Myth No. 5: One human year equals seven dog years
Truth: Dogs age much faster in their early years than this simple formula suggests. For example, a one-year-old pup is closer to a 15-year-old human in terms of physical development and a 4-year-old in mental development. By their second year, they slow down to about a 9-year equivalence. Size and breed also play a big role—giant breeds age faster than smaller ones, so that Saint Bernard might hit their senior years before your Poodle does.

Myth No. 6: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
Truth: Older dogs are often more focused and eager to please than rambunctious puppies, making them excellent students. Want to teach your senior pup a cool new trick? Use positive reinforcement and patience, you might be surprised by how quickly they pick it up. Training isn’t just for behavior; it’s also great mental exercise to keep their minds sharp as they age.

Myth No. 7: A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s
Truth: While dogs do have unique enzymes in their saliva that help with wound healing, their mouths are far from germ-free. After all, they explore the world with their tongues, licking everything from shoes to garbage. Their mouths aren’t “cleaner”—just different. And yes, those kisses might come with a microbial bonus!

Is your pup experiencing bad breath?

Find out why in this Genius Tip article

Myth No. 8: Spaying or neutering makes dogs overweight
Truth: While spaying or neutering doesn’t automatically lead to weight gain, the procedure does cause significant changes to a dog’s metabolism and behavior. After being spayed or neutered, dogs experience both a substantial drop in their metabolism and a marked decrease in voluntary physical activity due to the lack of hormones.

Weight gain can become a real concern if these changes are not managed appropriately. Ensuring proper weight management involves careful attention to diet and regular exercise to counteract these effects. Ultimately, maintaining a balanced lifestyle is essential to keeping your dog healthy and active after the procedure.

Myth No. 9: All dogs are natural swimmers
Truth: While some breeds, like Retrievers, thrive in water, others struggle due to body structure. Breeds with short legs or heavy bodies, such as Bulldogs and Dachshunds, may need extra supervision and support around water. Never assume your dog can swim—introduce them to water carefully and consider a canine life jacket for added safety.

Myth No. 10: Dogs feel guilt when they look “ashamed”
Truth: That “guilty” look is really a response to your emotions, not an admission of wrongdoing. Dogs are experts at reading human cues, and they know when you’re upset. Instead of guilt, what you’re seeing is their way of diffusing tension. It’s their version of saying, “Let’s make up!”

Myth No. 11: Small dogs don’t need much exercise
Truth: Exercise needs should not be determined solely by size but also by breed. While in general tiny dogs may not require marathon runs, some breeds—like terriers—are packed with energy and thrive on intense physical activity.
Regardless of size, all dogs benefit from regular physical and mental stimulation, whether it’s a brisk walk, a game of fetch, or a challenging puzzle toy session.

Myth No. 12: You should shave your dog in the summer to keep them cool
Truth: Your dog’s coat is their built-in climate control system. It keeps them warm in the winter and cool in the summer by insulating them. Shaving their coat can disrupt this natural process and even make them more vulnerable to sunburn. Regular grooming and access to shade and water are much better ways to help your dog beat the heat.

Myth No. 13: Dogs can’t recognize themselves in mirrors
Truth: While dogs don’t seem to “recognize” their reflection as humans do, they rely more on smell and sound to understand the world. A mirror might confuse them, but it’s not because they’re clueless, it’s because they experience self-awareness differently.

Myth No. 14: If a dog’s ears are back, they’re always scared
Truth: Ears back can mean many things—fear, submission, friendliness, or even relaxation. Combine this with other body language cues like tail wagging, posture, and eye contact to get a full picture of how your dog is feeling.

Why busting these myths matters
Dogs are unique, intelligent, and deeply emotional creatures, but misconceptions can lead to misunderstandings and even harm. By debunking these myths, we can better understand our furry friends and provide them with the care and love they deserve.

Remember, a long, healthy life starts with what’s in their bowl—and with the knowledge we bring to their care. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian or your Farmina Consultant for advice that’s tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

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