Two veterinarians, Ann Hohenhaus and Carly Fox, debunk common myths about dogs. They discuss and disprove myths such as:
1. One human year equals seven dog years (no scientific basis for this claim).
2. Certain dog breeds are hypoallergenic due to their fur (all dogs produce allergens, but some may produce less).
3. Dogs are colorblind (dogs have limited color vision, but not completely colorblind).
4. Dogs don't like to be hugged (physical touch is natural for dogs, but some may not enjoy it).
5. You should shave fluffy dogs in the summer (shaving can be unnecessary and potentially uncomfortable for dogs).
6. Dog saliva can heal wounds (no scientific basis for this claim; dog bites can be serious and potentially infected).
7. Dogs are always happy when they wag their tails (tail wagging can mean different things, not just happiness).
8. Human food is bad for dogs (while some human foods are toxic to dogs, others can be given in moderation).
9. Dogs can't learn new tricks when they're old (older dogs can learn, but may need more time and patience).
10. Dogs feel guilt (dogs may display guilt-like behavior, but it's often a reaction to human cues).
11. Dog mouths are cleaner than human mouths (both humans and dogs have bacteria in their mouths, but dog saliva is less likely to transmit diseases to humans).
12. Dogs are afraid of their reflection (no basis for this claim; dogs often interact with their reflections).
13. Dogs can't digest grains (dogs can digest grains, and recent research suggests they need grain in their diet to prevent heart disease).
14. Putting a dog's nose in their mess will break a bad habit (negative reinforcement is ineffective and can lead to bad behavior).
The veterinarians emphasize the importance of consulting experts and not relying on online information or anecdotal advice when it comes to dog care.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Dogs are partially colorblind, but they can see colors in shades of blue, yellow, and gray.
2. The myth that one human year equals seven dog years originated from a rough estimate that when people lived to be around 70 and dogs lived to be around 10, the ratio was 7:1.
3. Researchers at Purdue University developed a formula to calculate a dog's age based on the dog's size and chronological age.
4. Dogs that don't shed or shed less produce fewer allergens, but all dogs produce some allergens.
5. Some dog breeds are less likely to produce allergens due to their low-shedding coats.
6. Dogs can learn new tricks regardless of age, but older dogs may take longer to learn.
7. A dog's tail wagging can mean different things, and it's not always a sign of happiness.
8. Certain human foods, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions, are toxic to dogs.
9. Human food is not inherently bad for dogs, but it should be given in moderation (less than 10% of their diet).
10. Cooking for dogs can be a bad idea unless done under the guidance of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, as home-cooked diets can be deficient in essential nutrients.
11. Dog mouths and human mouths have similar bacteria, but disease transmission between dogs and humans is low.
12. Dogs can digest grains and need them in their diet; grain-free diets have been linked to a higher risk of heart disease in dogs.
13. Putting a dog's nose in their mess does not break bad habits and can lead to negative reinforcement, fear, and aggression.
14. Rewarding good behavior with positive reinforcement (e.g., treats, playtime) is a more effective training method than punishment.