9 Dog Myths Vets Wish Would Disappear
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Some dog myths are harmless. Others delay treatment, excuse poor training or cost dogs their lives. These are the nine I correct most often in clinic.
Key Takeaways
- A warm, dry nose says nothing about a dog's health.
- Tail wagging signals arousal, not necessarily friendliness.
- One dog year is not seven human years; the conversion depends on size.
1. A dry nose means a sick dog
Nose moisture varies with sleep, weather and humidity. Judge illness by appetite, energy and behaviour.
2. Dogs see in black and white
Dogs see blues and yellows well and struggle with reds and greens, similar to red-green colour blindness in people.
3. A wagging tail means a happy dog
A loose, wide, low wag usually does. A high, stiff, fast wag can precede a bite. Read the whole body.
4. One dog year equals seven human years
A one-year-old dog is roughly a fifteen-year-old human. After that, small dogs age about four years per year and giant breeds closer to eight.
5. You cannot train an old dog
Older dogs learn well. They are often easier than adolescents, because they can concentrate.
6. Dogs eat grass to make themselves vomit
Most do not vomit afterwards. See our dedicated article.
7. A dog that licks a wound heals faster
Licking introduces bacteria and delays healing. Use a cone or a wrap.
8. Garlic prevents fleas
It does not, and in quantity it damages red blood cells.
9. Dogs feel guilt
The 'guilty look' is appeasement in response to your tone and posture. Studies show dogs show it whether or not they did anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
?Is it true that dogs should not eat before exercise?
Partly. In large deep-chested breeds, a big meal right before vigorous exercise raises the risk of bloat. Feed at least an hour either side.
?Can dogs eat chocolate in small amounts?
No safe amount is reliably defined. Dark chocolate in particular can be dangerous to a small dog in surprisingly small quantities. Keep it away entirely.
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About Dr. Tomas Ellery
Dr. Tomas Ellery is an emergency and general-practice veterinarian who has spent fifteen years treating dogs in busy city clinics. He writes the health and symptom guides on VetsExplained and is a firm believer that owners who know what normal looks like catch disease earlier.
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