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A wagging tail means happiness

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Though dogs often wag their tails when they’re filled with joy, there are different types of wags that reveal a variety of moods. The combination of a dog’s stance, ear positioning, and demeanor will help tell you how your dog is feeling.

Only male dogs hump things

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Canines usually hump things to assert dominance or use it as a coping mechanism when they feel insecure. It’s way less about making babies and is done by both males and females. A female might even do it- dramatic pause- for attention.

Tug-of-war can make your dog aggressive

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It’s been said that playing this game with your pet can lead to more aggressive behavior. In reality, it strengthens the bond between you and your four-legged friend. Letting them win builds confidence, but beating your pup reminds them that you are the alpha. It’s all about balance.

Indoor dogs won’t get heartworm

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Heartworm is a dangerous (yet very preventable) disease that is spread through mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, it ingests heartworm larvae with the animal’s blood and spreads it to another unsuspecting host. It only takes one mosquito bite for a dog to get sick, so indoor dogs are still at risk.

Dogs are totally color blind

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The world is, in fact, not black and white for dogs. Our four-legged friends are partially colorblind, meaning they can see yellow, green, and blue, or any combination of those colors. Although everything appears less vibrant through their eyes, motion and brightness are much more important for dogs.

One human year equals seven dog years

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This myth comes from the idea that the average life expectancy of medium-sized dogs is one-seventh of humans. That’s not a completely accurate unit of measurement to begin with and does not account for different dog breeds, sizes, health concerns, etc. According to veterinarians, there are six stages of life for canines. Those are puppy, junior, adult, mature, senior, and geriatric. That’s somehow sweet and soul-crushing at the same time.

A warm/dry nose means your dog is sick

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A cold, wet nose is associated with a happy pup, but that doesn’t mean that a dry snoot is unhealthy. Dog’s noses dry out when they’re sleeping and it usually takes about 10 minutes to get back to normal after waking up. Be alert if it stays this way though, as it can mean allergies, sunburn or dehydration.

A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s

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The amount of bacteria in the hot and germy mouth caves of humans and canines is actually fairly equal. Some of that bacteria can’t even be transferred among species. But, as you well know, dogs eat gross shit and lick their own balls. So… still not recommending big slobbery kisses every time you get home.

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