Fact or Fur Ball?
This blog post will be updated frequently. It will consist of all of the things I already know plus anything that I come across!
Myth: Dogs chewing on bones makes their teeth sharper.
Reality: No, this is not true. Dogs do not need to chew on bones. It could actually be harmful to them and cause broken teeth, injuries to mouth or lips, choking hazard, and can lead to digestion issues.
Myth: Aggression is based on breed.
Reality: Many factors can determine is a dog is aggressive. The dog’s training and socialization are among the most critical factors involved. Unsocialized dogs are more likely to bite than a socialized dog, no matter their breed.
Myth: Grain-free diets are healthier.
Reality: Many “premium” dog food companies may lead owners to believe this myth. Dogs are not wolves. They have coexisted with humans for thousands of years and evolved to consume grains. Grain also does not have a direct link to heart issues! There may be a link to grain-free diets because the peas, lentinels, and legumes that are used as a substitution for actual grain.
Myth: Wagging tails are always happy.
Reality: If your dog is having a confrontation with another dog, it is likely that their tail wagging does not mean that they are happy. It can also be a sign of the dog feeling threatened, stressed, or anxious.
Myth: One dog year is seven human years.
Reality: Different breeds have different lifespans, which means that they age differently too. Dogs lifespans are in no way congruent with people. There are many factors that go into the lifespan for dogs.
Myth: A fenced in yard is all a dog needs.
Reality: Some owners assume that their dog will exercise in the yard but in most cases they would much rather lay around and sun bathe. Play time in the back yard can be a great way to expend their energy if they are doing more that trotting around, otherwise playing fetch or going on walks is would be much more beneficial for them.
Myth: Rescue dogs have problems
Reality: Most rescue dogs are not taken to shelters because they have “problems,” such as, behavioral issues. Dogs could be in shelters for a multitude of reasons. Financial issues, moving, lifestyle change, new baby, “teen” period where dogs take a couple steps back behavior-wise, or not realizing how big of a commitment they are could all be factors of why dogs are put into shelters. It truly all comes down to training, socializing, and raising them once they come into your life.
Myth: Puppies need extra food.
Reality: This will not make puppies grow bigger! Feeding more may affect their rate of growth but it won’t affect their growth when they reach adulthood. This will cause puppies to become overweight or obese that may lead into adulthood causing other issues too. Many puppies may seem a bit on the skinnier side which is OK since they tend to grow in height before weight just like children.
Myth: Hitting a dogs nose does not affect them.
Reality: Dog noses have millions of smell sensors and when their is any type of inflammation (caused by hitting the dogs nose) the sensors can swell up and not detect any smells.
