Dogs have been our loyal companions for thousands of years, yet there are still plenty of myths floating around about them. From old tall tales to well-meaning but inaccurate "facts", we’re here to set the record straight about five of the most common dog myths.

Myth #1: Dogs only see in black and white 

While dogs don’t see the same vibrant spectrum of colors that humans do, they’re not stuck in a monochrome world. Dogs see blues and yellows best, while reds and greens appear as muted browns or grays, much like human red-green color blindness. Their vision is also blurrier than ours – about 20/75 – which is why they might overlook Freshpet treats right under their nose. So, next time you pick out a bright red toy, remember that your pup might not see it the way you do! 

Myth #2: A wagging tail always means a happy dog 

Tail wagging is a form of communication, but it doesn’t always mean that your dog is indicating that they are happy. A dog’s tail is actually a nuanced communication tool:

●     A slow, stiff wag at mid-height: This type of wag often signals uncertainty or caution, for instance, in situations like meeting a new dog.

●     Rapid, loose wag held high: This usually indicates excitement or confidence and is often seen in situations like playtime or when they see you after being apart.

●     Tail tucked tightly between the legs: This almost always indicates fear, stress, or submission, as the dog tries to appear smaller and non-threatening.

As you can see, a dog’s tail can indicate much more than just happiness. This is why it’s important to take into account the dog’s whole body language.

Myth #3: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks 

Age is just a number when it comes to learning. Older dogs may take a little more patience, but they’re absolutely capable of picking up new commands and learning new games. In fact, mental stimulation is great for senior pups as it keeps their minds sharp and can even help with cognitive health. The great news is that older dogs often have better focus than excitable puppies, and they thrive on the bonding that training provides. This makes it an even better idea to incorporate training sessions into your older dog’s daily routine!

Myth #4: Dogs have cleaner mouths than humans 

While we’d love to believe our pups have magically hygienic mouths, this is not the case. It’s true that dog saliva does contain some antibacterial properties, like the lysozyme enzymes that help heal their wounds, but that doesn't mean their mouths are sterile. In reality:

●     Dogs are oral explorers: Dogs explore the world with their mouths, which means they pick up plenty of bacteria during the day.

●     Dogs have different microbes, not fewer: A dog’s mouth isn’t necessarily “cleaner” it just has different bacteria than ours. One study found that dogs and humans share only about 16% of the same oral bacteria types.

●     Their licks can’t heal: While dogs' instinct to lick wounds may help clean their own minor scrapes, their saliva can actually introduce harmful bacteria to human cuts.

Knowing this, you might want to skip the doggy kisses right after they’ve been chewing on something questionable. 

Myth #5: All dogs are natural swimmers

While some breeds, such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers, are born water lovers, not all dogs are built for swimming. Breeds with short legs, such as Bulldogs and Dachshunds, or heavy chests, like Pugs and Boxers, often struggle in the water and can even be at risk of drowning. Even water-loving breeds get tired, so keep a close eye on your swimmer whenever they’re in the water. A properly fitted life jacket gives you peace of mind and helps less buoyant breeds stay safely afloat while they paddle.

While some myths are harmless, others can lead to misunderstandings about their behavior and needs. Now that you know the truth behind these common misconceptions, you’ll be an even better pet parent – or at least have some fun facts to share at the dog park!