Top Dog Myths

Jan 26, 2012
Amie Cunningham

: Top Dog Myths - Irreverent

Learn the truth about five of the most common misconceptions concerning dogs.

Dog myths have been around for centuries, but no one quite knows where they came from or has any evidence to back them up. Many of these myths are still believed today and are passed down through families of dog owners. It's time to shed some light onto some of the most common dog myths.

A Dry Nose Means a Sick Dog

This is probably the most common myth of all. Almost everyone has heard the saying that a dry nose on a dog means the dog is sick or not feeling well. This isn't always the case. Often times a dogs nose is dry just after waking up from a nap or first thing in the morning. However, a very dry or crusty nose that remains this way for several days may indicate a problem, and you should take your dog to the vet to get checked out. An overly wet or runny nose could also be a sign of a problem. The important thing to take from this is that a dog's nose is not the sole indicator of his or her overall health. A little dry nose from time to time is perfectly normal.

You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

We've heard time and time again that you can't teach an old dog new tricks. We've even applied this to humans that are stubborn or set in their ways. This phrase probably started because as dogs get older, they may seem less interested and motivated in learning new tricks than when they were puppies. Other factors may come into play that may hinder learning, such as loss in hearing or eyesight. But this doesn't mean that they can't be taught! Old dogs are capable of learning new tricks. It just may take more practice and patience than when they were younger. For training older dogs, it's important to get their attention using treats or their favorite toys and make the process exciting and engaging. Also be sure that any new tricks are not physically demanding or exhausting.

Dogs Mouths Are Cleaner Than Human Mouths

It's been said that dogs' mouths are cleaner than human mouths but this simply isn't the case. Especially when you consider where they often like to lick! Dogs' mouths can carry a lot of germs because their mouths don't get brushed as often as human mouths, if at all, so tarter and bacteria can build up on the teeth. The important thing to remember though is that most of the germs in a dog's mouth are specific to dogs, and usually won't cause any harm or affect the health of humans. It is possible for dogs to pass along parasites to humans, but if dogs are on the proper parasite prevention program you shouldn't have to worry about this. So don't fret over a little kiss from your beloved pal!

Dogs Can't See in Color

Some people still believe the myth that dogs don't see in color, but this isn't true. Dogs do see in color, just not the same way as humans. The retina in the eyes of dogs sees colors best on the blue side of the spectrum, and not as well on the red-green side. The colors that dogs see the most are blues, greenish-yellows, yellow and grays. Therefore dogs aren't capable of seeing the large range of colors that the human eye does, but they certainly aren't trapped in a colorless world!

Dogs Age Seven Years for Every Human Year

This is another popular myth about the aging of dogs which states that for every one human year, a dog ages by seven years. While it is true that dogs age must faster than humans, it's not just a 7:1 difference. Actually, dogs age faster in their earlier years of life than they do in their later years. Aging in dogs also depends on the size and breed of the dog. Smaller dogs tend to have longer life spans of 15-20 years while larger dogs tend to have a life span of 7-10 years. It's been also seen for dogs to live past 20 years in good health. According to the myth, a 20 year old dog would be 140 in human years and we simply don't live that long!