As dog owners, we always want to provide the best care for our four-legged friends. With the vast amount of information available on the internet and social media, it can be hard to know what’s true and what isn’t. Today, we’re going to talk about common misconceptions about dogs, specifically regarding dog health.
One of the most common misconceptions is about the rate at which dogs age. You’ve probably heard that for every one human year, dogs age at a rate of seven more years. This idea probably came from the fact that dogs live about 1/7 of the human lifespan. However, the rate at which dogs age varies depending on a variety of factors, including breed and size. Generally, smaller breed dogs tend to live longer than larger breed dogs, so it’s essential to understand your dog’s individual needs and consult with your veterinarian to provide appropriate care for their specific life stage. For example, small breed dogs like Chihuahuas can live up to 20 years, whereas larger breed dogs, like German Shepherds, have an average lifespan of about 10 years.
2. Dogs Can Eat Anything
Another common misconception is that dogs can eat basically anything that humans can eat. Although dogs can eat some of the same things that we can, a lot of human foods like chocolate, grapes, and onions are very toxic and even deadly to dogs. For example, just one grape can be enough to cause kidney failure in a small dog. Before you offer your dog any human food, make sure to check that it’s not toxic.
3. A Dry Nose Indicates Illness
Another myth that you may have heard is that if your dog’s nose is dry, it means that they’re sick. But the moisture on your dog’s nose can vary throughout the day due to a variety of factors, including environmental conditions and how hydrated they are. But a better way to tell if your dog’s not feeling well is to pay attention to other signs, such as a change in appetite, energy levels, or behavior.
4. Dog’s Mouths Are Cleaner Than Humans
So we just talked about your dog’s nose. What about their mouth? Many people think that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s, but this is actually untrue. In addition to the bacteria in their mouth, you have to remember that dogs are exploring the world with their nose, but also their mouth. So they’re picking things up off the ground, and they’re eating things that you probably don’t want on your hands. So it’s super important to practice good hygiene, like regular hand washing when you’re interacting with dogs.
5. Dogs Always Wag Their Tails When They’re Happy
When it comes to dog behavior, one of the most common misconceptions is that dogs always wag their tail when they’re happy. But dogs can use their tails to express a variety of feelings, including anxiety and fear. So it’s more important to look at the whole body language that your dog is expressing in addition to a wagging tail. For example, ear position, facial expressions, and overall posture. If you observe a dog with pinned-back ears, and hair standing up, but they’re still wagging their tail, this is likely more of an indication of stress or discomfort with the situation. Your dog’s emotional state is more than just what their tail is doing.
6. Only Senior Dogs Get Arthritis
Another age-old myth is that only senior dogs can suffer from arthritis. Arthritis is not a problem exclusive to older dogs. It can affect dogs of all ages, especially those with certain genetic problems or previous injuries. If you notice signs of discomfort, difficulty in movement, or reluctance to engage in physical activity, consult with your veterinarian to get an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. Overweight dogs or dogs participating in high-impact activities are more likely to suffer from arthritis at a younger age. It’s easy to be proactive by giving them something like Relief Chews. These chews have green-lipped mussel and turmeric, which provide anti-inflammatory properties to support your dog’s joint health.
7. Grain Free Diets Are Always Healthier
This next one has been a hot topic in recent years. The AVMA posted a study that showed the possible association of grain-free diets causing heart disease in certain dogs. While we still need to learn more and research is ongoing when it comes to grain-free diets, it’s best to feed your dog a grain-full diet to ensure they’re getting all the appropriate nutrients they need for organ health. The popularity of dog grain-free diets has really been driven by this trend in human health. There can be some dogs that are intolerant to certain grains, but it’s best to look at your individual dog’s health and consult with your veterinarian when choosing the right diet for them.
8. Dogs Need a Bath Every Week
It’s not uncommon for dog owners to think that they need to give their dogs a bath every week, but how often you should bathe your dog depends on the breed, their coat health, and how often they’re having outdoor activities that may make them dirty. When your dog is bathed too often, they are at risk of stripping their coat of its natural oils, which can lead to dry, itchy skin. If your dog is just starting to smell a little dog-like, you can just give him a bath with conditioner or a leave-in conditioner and skip the shampoo altogether.
9. Dogs Can’t Get Sunburned
One thing that dog owners often don’t think about is UV protection for their dogs. Dogs can indeed get sunburned, especially those with light-colored or thin hair coats. Excessive exposure to the sun can cause painful burns and also increase the risk of certain skin cancers. So make sure to protect your dog from the sun by providing shade, dog-safe sunscreen, and limiting their time outdoors during peak sun hours.
10. Dogs Need To Be Altered By 6 Months Old
The final misconception is around when to spay or neuter your dog. You’ll commonly see it recommended that dogs must be spayed or neutered by six months old. However recent research has shown that waiting to spay or neuter your dog may have some health benefits. Your dog’s size, breed, and genetics all factor into when you should be spaying or neutering your dog. So talk to your veterinarian to get a good individualized plan for your specific pet.
Dogs have been human companions for many generations, so many of these myths have probably evolved from times where we didn’t have accurate research. So it’s important to stay up to date with new research and information as we continue to learn more about dog health.
