Health and Daily Care – Team Vekaan: Your Expert Guide to Canine Health, Behavior, and Care.
Disclaimer: This article is designed to provide expert, evidence-based general information and is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your dog’s health.
When it comes to dogs, everyone has an opinion, but not every opinion is correct. As professional boarders and trainers, we constantly hear—and have to correct—outdated or simply untrue pieces of advice that can affect a dog’s health, safety, and training progress.
To protect your pet and simplify your care routine, we’re tackling five of the most persistent dog health and behavior myths.
1. Myth: A Warm or Dry Nose Means the Dog is Sick
The Truth: Nose Temperature is a Poor Health Indicator
This is perhaps the most common myth. A dog’s nose temperature changes constantly based on activity, ambient temperature, and humidity. A dog who just woke up from a nap, for example, will almost always have a dry, warm nose. This is normal.
Vekaan Insight: We track much more reliable indicators of health:
- Hydration: Pull gently on the skin over your dog’s shoulders. If it snaps back quickly, they are hydrated. If it remains tented, contact your vet.
- Energy: Is their behavior lethargic or dramatically different from their usual temperament?
- Appetite and Output: Are they eating and drinking normally? Is their stool consistent?
Focus on these behavioral markers, not just the temperature of their nose.
2. Myth: Dogs Eat Grass Only When They Are Sick
The Truth: Grass Eating is Often Normal Behavior
While excessive, sudden grass consumption followed by vomiting should prompt a vet visit (as it can indicate an upset stomach), the vast majority of grass-eating is entirely benign.
Dogs often eat grass out of boredom, curiosity, or simply because they like the taste. It can also be a learned behavior or an attempt to add fiber to their diet.
Vekaan Insight: If your dog occasionally nibbles grass and carries on with their day, it’s nothing to worry about. If they frantically gorge themselves and then vomit, they may have a dietary issue, and you should seek veterinary advice.
3. Myth: All Dogs are Colorblind and See Only in Black and White
The Truth: Dogs See Color, Just Not Like Humans
Dogs are not colorblind in the traditional sense. Their vision is similar to a human with red-green color blindness. They see the world primarily in shades of yellow, blue, and gray.
They struggle to differentiate between green, yellow-green, and red.
Vekaan Insight: This knowledge is crucial for training and play. When purchasing toys or training tools, choose blue or yellow (not red or green) for maximum visibility, especially against grass or dark floors.
4. Myth: All Dogs Must Eat a Primarily Meat-Based Diet
The Truth: Dogs are Facultative Carnivores Who Thrive on Balance
While dogs are descended from wolves, their domestication has fundamentally changed their digestive needs. Unlike obligate carnivores (like cats), dogs have evolved genes that allow them to easily digest starches and gain crucial nutrients from plant matter.
Vekaan Insight: A dog’s body requires a complete and balanced nutritional profile. This can be achieved through diverse, high-quality proteins—whether they originate from traditional meats, ethical insect-based sources, or a professionally formulated, complete vegan diet. As long as the food is balanced with all 10 essential amino acids (as required by official standards), the source of the protein is less critical than its quality and digestibility.
5. Myth: You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
The Truth: A Dog’s Brain is Always Capable of Learning
This age-old phrase is completely false! As behavior specialists, we see older dogs learn new skills, commands, and even entirely new behavioral routines (like managing separation anxiety) every day.
Vekaan Insight: Older dogs may take longer because their motivation or energy levels are lower, but their cognitive capacity to learn remains intact. In fact, training an older dog is fantastic for keeping their mind sharp and preventing cognitive decline. Use gentle methods, short sessions, and highly motivating treats.
Knowledge is the Best Tool
Separating fact from fiction is essential for responsible dog ownership. By understanding the truth behind these common myths, you can provide better, safer care and enjoy a more relaxed relationship with your canine companion.
