Owning a dog isn’t just about having a furry companion; it’s more like having a four-legged family member with their own needs and quirks. There are so many myths and misconceptions out there it’s easy to get confused. That’s why some solid, accurate info is your best friend here.
The internet is vast, and sometimes it’s hard to separate fact from fiction when it comes to dog health information. My goal for this article is to help you sift through the noise and get to the truth behind some common dog health myths.
Everyone’s got that well-meaning friend or family member with tips on dog care. But sometimes these tips cause more harm than good. Knowing what is true can save you a lot of worry and unnecessary trips to the vet. By learning the facts, you can make better choices for your dog’s well-being.
Common Dog Health Myths Debunked
Some common dog health myths just won’t go away. These myths can mess with your head. Here are the facts to set your mind at ease.
Myth 1: A Dry Nose Means Your Dog is Sick.
Fact: A dry nose might seem like a red flag, but it’s not always a cause for concern. Dogs can have dry noses for harmless reasons like sleeping, dehydration, or low humidity.
Brady’s nose is often dry. As long as he is not showing any other symptoms, we don’t worry.
However, if your dog’s nose is constantly dry and cracked, or runny, it’s time to see the vet.
Myth 2: You Can Determine a Dog’s Age by Multiplying Their Years by Seven.
Fact: This isn’t accurate because different breeds age differently. Big dogs like Great Danes or Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than small dogs like Chiauaus or Miniature Poodles. For the best human age estimate, ask your vet.
Myth 3: All Dogs Need Regular Baths.
Fact: Overbathing can strip essential oils from your dog’s skin, causing dryness and irritation. Most dogs are fine with occasional baths, depending on their breed, coat, and lifestyle. Stick to bathing your dog when they are dirty or need one for some other reason.
Brady leads a quiet, inside life, so he gets a bath every couple of months, usually after we trim his coat.
Myth 4: Dogs Can’t Eat Chocolate.
Fact: This one is not a myth. It is absolutely true. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Eating chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, heart issues, seizures, and even death in severe cases.
For a diabetic dog, chocolate candy is even more dangerous because of all the sugar.
Never leave chocolate candy where your dog can reach it.
Myth 5: You Can’t Over-Exercise a Puppy.
Fact: While puppies are bundles of energy, too much exercise can be tough on their growing joints. Stick to short, frequent play sessions and avoid intense activities until they’re fully grown. Your puppy’s body is still developing. Overdoing it can lead to joint issues later in life.
Myth 6: Older Dogs Don’t Need Vaccinations.
Fact: Age doesn’t make your dog immune to diseases. As dogs get older, their immune systems actually get weaker, making vaccinations especially important. Diabetic dogs already have weakened immune systems. Keeping up with regular shots helps keep any senior dog healthy, but it is even more important for diabetic dogs.
Vaccinations are a part of our regular check-ups with Brady’s vet.
Preventative care is the best way to ensure your dog leads the longest, healthiest life possible. Your vet is your best resource for determining the right vaccination schedule for your dog.
Debunking these common myths helps you provide better care and make informed decisions. After all, a healthy dog is a happy dog, and we all want our furry friends to live their best lives.
Misconceptions About Dog Nutrition
Dog nutrition myths and misinformation can also lead to some bad choices. Getting the facts straight about what your dog should and shouldn’t eat is crucial for their well-being.
Myth 7: Raw Meat is the Healthiest Diet for Dogs.
Fact: Raw diets have been advertised quite a bit lately, but they come with risks. Raw meat offers some nutritional benefits, but it’s also a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. If you’re considering a raw diet, it needs to be carefully prepared and stored. It also needs to be balanced with vegetables and supplements to meet all of your dog’s nutritional needs.
Diabetic dogs have strict requirements that make us reluctant to make Brady’s food ourselves. We feed him a low-fat prescription diet. We mix kibble and canned, then add shredded, skinless, boiled chicken. He eats with gusto and seems to be thriving.
If you decide to feed your dog a raw meat diet, consult your vet to create a safe and nutritious meal plan.
Myth 8: Dogs Only Eat When They’re Hungry.
Fact: Dogs aren’t always the best judges of their own hunger. They might eat out of boredom, anxiety, or even a medical issue.
Brady always acts hungry. It is a symptom of his diabetes. He tricked our neighbor into feeding him one afternoon when we were not home. She told us when we returned and we monitored his glucose that evening. He was fine. If Brady is NOT hungry, that is when we worry. We give him a small 2-calorie treat when he comes in from peeing. He gets a bit bigger treat when he poops on his walk. Sometimes we accuse him of saving some poop so he can go out and get another treat a short while later.
If you notice your dog’s eating patterns change or they’re constantly begging for more food, it’s worth a trip to the vet to rule out any underlying problems.
Myth 9: Spaying or Neutering Causes Obesity.
Fact: This belief is a bit misleading. Yes, spaying or neutering can lead to a decrease in activity levels, making weight gain a possibility. But it doesn’t directly cause obesity. Keeping your dog fit and trim is all about providing the right amount of food and regular exercise.
We had Brady neutered. He maintains a healthy weight because we manage his portions and make sure he gets enough exercise.
Making smart nutritional choices for your dog isn’t just about avoiding myths; it’s also about creating a balanced, healthy diet. Always consult your vet before making any major changes. They will provide the best advice tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
A Myth About Diabetes in Dogs
Diabetes mellitus has been around in dogs for ages, even though we might hear more about it now. Factors like genetics, obesity, and pancreatitis play significant roles in its development.
In Brady’s case, his diabetes resulted from a serious episode of pancreatitis.
Recognizing the symptoms of diabetes made all the difference in creating a happy outcome. Keep an eye out for increased thirst and urination, a boost in appetite, noticeable weight loss, lethargy, cloudy eyes, and recurrent infections. If you spot any of these signs, a visit to the vet is essential for proper diagnosis and care.
We noticed that Brady was drinking excessively and having really long pees about a month after he was home from the hospital in the spring of 2020. Our vet tested him and we began our journey with canine diabetes.
Myth 10: Dogs with diabetes need to be on a strict vegetarian diet.
Fact: This is not accurate. Diabetic dogs generally benefit from a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. Your vet can guide you in creating a meal plan tailored to your dog’s needs.
Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and a loving home environment are your best defenses. Empowered with accurate information and a proactive approach, you and your dog can enjoy a happy, healthy life together.
Do you have any other myths you’ve heard and would like to know the facts? Please share your stories, comments, or questions below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Just a thought. From my observation, most dogs need to be portion fed by their owner to control a healthy intake. But it is also true that some dogs do really well as self-feeders. My Lucy is one of those. The vet supports this decision for her as she has always maintained a healthy weight and energy level. For me it is so convenient. Oddly, she seems to prefer to eat at night while I sleep!
Thanks Donna. There are dogs who do well as self-feeders, but many who do not, so it is good to be aware. I’m glad that you checked with your vet. You’re obviously doing the right thing for your dog.