Time to dispel some commonly circulated myths that have been passed along via the World Wide Web…
Dogs are colorblind
Fortunately this is not totally true but the range of colors a dog can see is somewhat limited. It is believed that a dog’s retina is capable of seeing blues, greens, yellows and varying shades of gray.
A wagging tail is a sign that Fido is happy
This is absolutely not true and believing so could get you growled at or even worse, bitten. When approaching a dog take in their whole demeanor. Look to see if they are tense, their ears are flattened or their teeth are bared – this could indicate the dog is not in a friendly mood. Fido may be anxious or even hurt. Just because we can’t see a racing heart or a limp doesn’t mean something may not be going on. Always meet a new dog slowly and cautiously.
Indoor dogs don’t need a lot of exercise
This myth is a real whopper. In truth, an active dog, which is one that gets at least one daily walk, is a healthier dog. In truth, there really is no such thing as an indoor dog. Many dogs spend a good portion of their time inside because their family might work, go to school or for various other reasons. Playing outside, swimming and doing other fun, outdoor dog-friendly activities are all very important to the longevity and well-being of your canine friend.
A sick dog will have a warm or dry nose
The belief that dogs should have cool, wet noses is simply untrue. In fact, it is quite normal for a dog to have a dry nose. However, if you notice your dog’s nose has a strange discharge or the skin on it is scaly or peeling it could be a sign of another condition and probably a good time to contact your vet.
Unfortunately facts can sometimes get a little murky in the translation, which means that your pooch can end up being the victim of bad information, which could ultimately affect their health.
