Read time: 5 mins
09 Mar 2023
As dog lovers, we’ve always got our pups’ best interests at heart. But with so much advice readily available out there, it can be hard to determine between fact and fiction.
Here to set the record straight, Butternut Box’s in-house vet Dr Ciara Clarke has tackled some of the most common myths and misconceptions when it comes to our furry friends. Are dogs really colour-blind? Can dry dog food keep your pup’s teeth clean? Dr Ciara reveals all.
Fact: A wagging tail can indicate happiness and excitement, but it can also signal a dog is feeling fear, anxiousness or agitation
“Dogs may not be able to talk, but if we listen, or rather, watch, we learn a lot about what they are trying to communicate to us and to each other. Tail position can indicate a number of things from agitation to negotiation, aggression, insecurity to friendliness, excitement, happiness and curiosity.
Even the direction your dog’s tail is wagging in can be significant. For example, studies reveal that dogs wag their tails to the right when they are happy or confident and to the left when they are frightened.”
Fact: A wet nose is normal, but a dry nose isn’t necessarily abnormal
“The idea that a healthy dog will always have a cool, wet nose and a sick pup has a warm, dry one is not always true and, actually, a dog’s nose isn’t always a good indicator of how healthy they are. Some healthy dogs naturally have dryer noses and, likewise, sick dogs can have wet noses. If your dog’s nose is hot and dry, but they’re acting normally, there isn’t a cause for concern as the temperature of a dog’s nose is not an accurate measurement of overall body temperature.
However, if a dry nose is present alongside other signs of illness such as loss of appetite, the skin around the nose becomes red or cracked or if there is a noticeable thick or discoloured mucus (green or yellow) around the nose then you should consult your dog’s vet.”
Fact: We still don’t fully understand why dogs eat grass
“While eating odd non-food items such as grass may be a sign your dog’s diet is deficient in nutrients, vitamins or minerals, many dogs, with a well-balanced diet and who aren’t nutrient deficient, will still chew on grass. A common assumption is that dogs will eat grass in order to relieve an upset stomach or to be sick. Some dogs will eat grass and then vomit shortly afterwards, however, studies have shown that less than 25% of dogs will get sick after eating it.
That said, grass can be a good source of fibre that can help gut movement. Plus, there’s the simple reason that dogs might actually like it. Some enjoy the texture and taste of grass, so will always have a tendency to eat it.”
Fact: No, this isn’t true
“The cold virus is usually a rhinovirus and these are specific only to humans. They cannot be passed on to animals in the same way that a virus a dog or cat has cannot be passed on to humans.”
Fact: Dogs can see in shades of yellow, blue and grey
“The retina of the eye has two main types of cells, rods to detect light levels and motion, and cones to differentiate colours. While humans have three types of cones allowing them to see different colour combinations of red, blue and green, dogs only have two types of cones: blue and yellow. While humans see more colours and brighter colours, dogs possess more rods than humans allowing them to see more clearly in low light and identify moving objects.
Dogs are able to perceive different colours, but it might not be the ‘true’ colour of an object. This means that dogs won’t necessarily be able to tell the difference between different colour balls they play with, but due to their great sense of smell, they can usually identify their own ball compared to another dog’s while in the park. They also have a greater range of peripheral vision than humans do and are better at detecting the smallest of movements at greater distances.”
Fact: Dogs enjoy a range of foods and there are health benefits to a varied diet
“Dogs have fewer taste receptors than humans and can become bored with the smell, flavour and texture of their food. Their sense of smell is way more powerful than their taste, so it’s not surprising that dogs focus more on the scent of the food they’re eating. This is why dogs can find a varied and freshly cooked diet a lot more appealing. A varied diet is also great for your dog’s gut health and ensuring they are getting a good source of good bacteria which helps with digestion.
Have a fussy dog? Dogs are drawn to novelty when given the choice. Instead of kibble, offer more meaty variety, gently heat the food to create a stronger smell or add cooked ingredients or foods like Butternut Box, which include varied fibre-rich ingredients that act as prebiotics - which good bacteria thrive upon. This will awaken those sensitive noses and make an old dish more exciting.”
Fact: Kibble doesn’t prevent dental disease
“According to research, there’s nothing better for your dog’s teeth than good old brushing. It’s three times better than giving your dog dental chews and proven to be better than dry dog food. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly is key for good dental care, but not always the most practical or possible. If not, combining both brushing and dental chews, like Butternut Box’s Smile Sticks, is a good alternative and can help freshen bad breath.”