Tails, tales and tall stories: separating dog facts from fiction

Every dog parent's heard a "fact" or two at the dog park that turned out to be nothing of the sort. Between forums, group chats and well-meaning advice from friends, it's easy for myths to travel further than the truth. So let's set the record straight on five of the most common ones. Myth 1: Dogs are colourblind Nope — dogs don't see the world in black and white. They just see it differently to us. Dogs have dichromatic vision, which means their world leans mainly into shades of blue and yellow. It's actually a handy thing to know: it explains why that bright green toy seems to vanish in the grass, or why a red ball doesn't stand out to your dog the way it does to you. Myth 2: Dogs only eat grass when they are sick A nibble of grass doesn't necessarily mean something's wrong. Studies of canine grass-eating behaviour show dogs do it for all sorts of reasons, and it's often just plain old hunger. Totally normal. That said, if your dog's suddenly grazing like there's no tomorrow, or vomiting alongside it, that's your cue to book a vet visit rather than wait and see. Myth 3: If dogs drag their bottom, they’ve got worms Worms can absolutely cause an itchy bottom, but they're far from the only reason. Anal gland irritation and allergies are common culprits too. The safest move either way is keeping your pup up to date with their preventative treatments, so worms are one less thing to worry about. Myth 4: If a dog’s nose is dry as a bone, they must be sick This one's more nuanced than it sounds. A moist nose helps dogs pick up scent, so it's their normal state — but a dry nose isn't automatically a red flag. Dogs often wake up from a nap with a dry nose simply because they weren't sniffing while they slept, so it hadn't needed to stay wet. Humidity and general environment can dry a nose out too. That said, some genuine health issues, including dehydration, fever, allergies and autoimmune conditions, can also cause a dry nose. The trick is context: look at your dog's nose alongside how they're behaving overall, not on its own. Myth 5: One human year equals 7 dog years We've all heard this one, but it doesn't hold up. Dogs age at different rates depending on their size and breed. Research shows smaller breeds tend to reach maturity faster than larger ones, and as dogs get older, bigger breeds generally age more quickly than small ones do. It's part of why smaller dogs tend to have longer lifespans than large and giant breeds. Knowing your dog a little better Five myths down. Dogs are remarkable creatures, and the more we understand about how they actually see, feel and age, the better we can care for them. That includes reading the signs in their body language too — because the better we understand our dogs, the happier and healthier life together tends to be. FAQs Are dogs really colourblind? No. Dogs are not completely colourblind. They have dichromatic vision, meaning they see a more limited range of colours than humans, primarily shades of blue and yellow. Why do dogs eat grass? Dogs may eat grass for a variety of reasons, including curiosity, boredom, hunger or simply because they enjoy it. Occasional grass eating is generally considered normal behaviour, but excessive grass consumption should be discussed with a veterinarian. Does scooting always mean a dog has worms? Not necessarily. While intestinal worms can cause irritation, scooting can also be associated with anal gland issues, allergies, skin irritation or other health conditions. Is a dry nose a sign that my dog is sick? Not always. A dog’s nose may become dry after sleeping or due to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. However, if a dry nose occurs alongside other symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite or illness, veterinary advice should be sought. Is one dog year equal to seven human years? No. The idea that one dog year equals seven human years is an oversimplification. Dogs age at different rates depending on their breed, size and life stage, with larger breeds often ageing faster than smaller breeds. How do dogs see the world differently to humans? Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell and have different visual capabilities to humans. While their colour perception is more limited, they are highly skilled at detecting movement and using scent to interpret their environment. Why is it important to understand normal dog behaviour? Understanding what is normal for your dog can help you identify potential health issues earlier, avoid common misconceptions and make more informed decisions about your pet’s care and wellbeing. When should I see a vet about unusual behaviour? If your dog develops sudden behavioural changes, persistent symptoms, excessive grass eating, repeated scooting, lethargy, vomiting or other concerning signs, it’s important to seek veterinary advice promptly.

Tails, tales and tall stories: separating dog facts from fiction

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