Although experts have debunked many misconceptions about dogs over time, there is still much to be done. Even today, we still hear completely erroneous theories about them. anatomy, its with a dash of rebelliousness , its education., its eating and healthMany of these ideas are passed down from generation to generation and shape how we live with them. The following are some examples. false myths more popularized, accompanied by a clear explanation of what behavioral science and veterinary medicine actually say.
False myths about dogs that you should know
If you are considering the adoption of a dog Whether you already live with one or not, it's important to know how to distinguish between reliable information and popular beliefs. Below, we debunk, step by step, the classic myths from our original article, expanding on them with nuances and current data to help you make informed decisions. good decisions about the care of your canine companion.
1. Females must have at least one litter. It's one of the most widespread myths. Some people believe that this way they will avoid certain health problems, which is completely false. Having puppies doesn't improve their emotional balance or make them feel more "fulfilled." Although it is true that the early sterilization It helps prevent certain diseases, such as uterine infections, mammary tumors, and false pregnancies, so it's often a highly recommended option for females that won't be bred responsibly. Furthermore, avoiding unnecessary litters helps prevent an increase in the number of abandoned dogs.
2. The dog's saliva heals. While it is true that their saliva contains certain substances with antioxidant and antibacterial properties, licking can slow down healing of wounds. In addition, a dog's mouth harbors a large number of bacteria and other microorganisms, so licking open wounds, whether its own or those of humans, can lead to an infection. infection and complicate the healing process. For any wound, the appropriate course of action is to clean it with suitable products and, if necessary, consult a veterinarian.
3. When a dog wags its tail, it is happy. Tail wags can have various meanings, from joy to anxiety. The truth is, each type of wag can reflect a different emotion. different moodFor example, slowly wagging the tail from side to side and downwards is a sign of insecurity and distrust, while a stiff, raised tail can indicate tension or potential aggression. To correctly interpret how a dog feels, you have to observe. all of his body language: posture, ears, eyes, mouth and degree of general relaxation.
4. Crossbreed dogs have better health than purebreds. There is no scientific evidence to show that, as a general rule, mixed-breed dogs get sick less often. It is true that exploitation and genetic manipulation in the breeding of certain breeds cause them to be more prone to illness. prone to some hereditary diseasesHowever, all dogs, mixed breed or purebred, can get sick. The difference lies in factors such as... specific genetics of the individualthe quality of their food, exercise, the environment in which they live, and the veterinary care they receive.
5. Come in black and white. Many questions remain unanswered about the eyesight of these animals, but this belief has been debunked. A widespread idea is that they only see in black and white, but scientists indicate that they can distinguish some colorsAlthough in a different way than humans. Their eyes are dichromatic, meaning they primarily distinguish shades of light. blues and yellows and a wide range of grays, but they have difficulty correctly perceiving colors like red or pink, which they may confuse with muted tones.
6. A dry nose is a sign of illness. It's very common to believe that a dry nose in a dog means a fever, when in reality the only reliable way to determine this is to use a... rectal thermometerIt is true that a dry nose can reflect poor health if accompanied by other symptoms (apathy, lethargy, vomiting…), but it can also simply indicate relaxationIt could be due to having been sleeping or being in a very dry environment. Similarly, a wet nose does not guarantee that the dog is healthy.
Other very common myths about dogs
In addition to the classic misconceptions mentioned above, there are many other beliefs that still influence the daily lives of thousands of dogs. Understanding them will help you provide your pet with a better experience. more responsible care and tailored to their actual needs.
Dogs don't sweat. It's often thought that dogs only pant, but they do actually sweat, although not like humans. They have sweat glands in the pads from their legs, which allows them to release some heat through them. Even so, the main way they regulate their temperature is by pantingthrough which they evaporate water and release heat. Therefore, on hot days it is essential to always offer fresh water, shade, and to avoid strenuous exercise.
One dog year is equivalent to seven human years. This rule of thumb is very popular, but it's not exact. Dogs do age faster than we do, but the rate of aging depends on their age and breed. size, breed, genetics, diet and lifestyleA small dog can live many more years than a giant one, and their maturation processes are also different. Therefore, it doesn't always make sense to multiply by seven; it's more useful to talk about life stages (puppy, adult, senior) and adapt the care to each stage.
Dogs can eat the same things as people. Sharing some specific foods can be safe, but many common products in our diet are not. toxic to dogsChocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and certain drinks and sweets can cause anything from digestive problems to serious damage to vital organs. Your diet should be based on a balanced diet. balanced feed or homemade diet formulated by a veterinarianand any extras should be offered with great caution.
Some dogs are dangerous by nature. Labels like "potentially dangerous dogs" are based on physical traits such as musculature or head size, but do not in themselves determine the with a dash of rebelliousness No dog is born aggressive: genetics plays a role, but its behavior depends largely on the early socializationIt depends on the type of training and the environment. A well-trained, stimulated dog, treated with respect, regardless of breed, is much more likely to exhibit balanced behavior.
Dogs' mouths are cleaner than ours. This is another frequently repeated myth. The dog's mouth contains a large number of bacteriaTheir saliva is different from human saliva because they explore their environment with their tongue and mouth, licking surfaces, objects, and other animals. This doesn't mean that contact with their saliva will necessarily cause illness, but it is advisable to maintain good hygiene. oral hygiene with brushing, specific toys and regular veterinary check-ups to prevent tartar, bad breath and dental problems.
Understanding the truth behind these beliefs allows us to improve our relationship with our dogs and their well-being. With reliable information and the support of veterinary professionals and dog trainers, it's easier to make responsible decisions and enjoy a healthy and balanced relationship with them for many years to come.