Two veterinarians, Dr. Anne Hoenig and Dr. Carly Fox, debunk common dog-related myths. They discuss several misconceptions, including:
1. One human year equals seven dog years (myth, as it's a rough estimate with no scientific basis).
2. Dogs are colorblind (partially true, but they can see colors, just not as vividly as humans).
3. Dogs don't like to be hugged (myth, but some dogs may not enjoy it due to individual personalities).
4. Shaving fluffy dogs in summer helps them stay cool (mostly a myth, as dogs adapt to weather and shed accordingly).
5. Dog saliva can heal wounds (total myth, as dog bites can lead to infections).
6. Certain dog breeds are hypoallergenic (myth, as all dogs produce allergens, but some produce less).
7. You can't teach an old dog new tricks (myth, as older dogs can learn, but may take longer).
8. Dogs feel guilt (myth, as they may display guilt-like behavior, but it's likely a reaction to human cues).
9. Human food is bad for dogs (not entirely true, as some human foods are safe in moderation).
10. Dogs can't digest grains (myth, as recent research shows dogs need grains in their diet to prevent heart disease).
11. Rubbing a dog's nose in their mess will break a bad habit (myth, as negative reinforcement can lead to bad behavior).
12. Dog mouths are cleaner than human mouths (not entirely true, as both have similar bacteria, but disease transmission is low between species).
13. Dogs are afraid of their reflection (myth, as dogs often interact with their reflections in a playful manner).
The veterinarians emphasize the importance of consulting experts and not relying on online information or hearsay when it comes to dog care.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. One human year does not equal seven dog years.
2. Male dogs are more likely to hump than female dogs.
3. Dogs are partially colorblind and can see colors in shades of blue, yellow, and gray.
4. Some dog breeds are considered hypoallergenic, but all dogs produce allergens.
5. Dogs can learn new tricks, regardless of age, but older dogs may take longer.
6. Dogs do not feel guilt, but they may display guilt-like behavior in response to human cues.
7. Tail wagging in dogs can mean different things, not just happiness.
8. Human food is not necessarily bad for dogs, but it should be given in moderation (less than 10% of their diet).
9. Certain foods, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions, are toxic to dogs.
10. Home-cooked diets for dogs can be deficient in critical nutrients if not formulated by a veterinary nutritionist.
11. Dogs can digest grains and actually need them in their diet to prevent certain health issues.
12. Putting a dog's nose in their mess is not an effective training method and can be counterproductive.
13. Dogs have over 200 types of bacteria in their mouths, similar to humans.
14. Dog bites can be potentially infected injuries and should be seen by a veterinarian.
15. Certain dog breeds are more prone to heart disease if fed a grain-free diet.