The dog is the oldest domesticated animal and has lived alongside humans since ancient times. Despite this, absurd myths about this animal persist that need to be dispelled.
The dog needs to be washed often.
Unlike cats, four-legged guard dogs don't react as aggressively to water. Some owners abuse their pets' tolerance by regularly washing them to get rid of the distinctive "dog" odor. In fact, such frequent washing strips away the skin's natural protective oils, which can cause dandruff and damage the fur, and in the fall and winter, hypothermia can occur.
It's best to only wash your pet if it's truly dirty or smells unpleasant. Avoid using specialized shampoos and other cleaning products: use them no more than once a month for indoor pets and once every six months for outdoor or aviary pets. It's best to use shampoo for dry hair to avoid stripping the pet's delicate skin. Otherwise, rinse away any dirt with clean water.
To reduce the hassle of grooming and avoid worrying about odor, it is recommended to either groom long-haired dogs or adopt short-haired breeds.
A dog's dry nose indicates health problems.
It's often believed that a dog's nose is healthy if it's wet and cold. Conversely, a dry and hot nose indicates illness. In fact, the temperature and moisture level of this part of the body cannot be used to diagnose illness. A dog's nose may become dry if it's been playing vigorously and hasn't licked it in a while, or it may become hot if it's been sleeping in the heat and hasn't had a drink for a long time. It's important to remember that illness can only be diagnosed by changes in appetite, thirst, and behavior. If your dog is lethargic or aggressive, or refuses food and water, it's best to take them to the veterinarian.
The dog wags its tail - it is happy and friendly to you.
In fact, dogs use this method to mark their territory and communicate with others, spreading their scent from glands located under their tails. However, these scents can easily overwhelm animals with emotions, both positive and negative. The tail is a means of communication between a pet and others, and what it's "saying" can be deduced from the animal's general appearance:
- If a dog's body wriggles at the same time as its tail moves, it means it is content and happy;
- a slowly swaying and high-raised tail – alert;
- squeezed between the hind legs - scared;
- lowered, swinging from side to side - the animal is preparing to attack.
If a dog doesn't move its tail at all, it doesn't mean it's aggressive. It's likely just calm and relaxed.
Bad breath from a dog is normal.
Just like people, dogs can have dental or gum problems and need preventative care to prevent cavities, tartar buildup, and other oral diseases. By giving your pet special cleaning bones or treats and brushing their teeth, you can ensure that their breath is no worse than that of humans.
Dental disease is the main cause of bad breath. Sometimes, an unpleasant odor can be emitted by the mouth of an animal suffering from gastritis. Dogs fed dry food regularly are also rarely affected. Therefore, in addition to dental care, it's important to review the dog's diet. If other alarming symptoms are present, it's best to consult a veterinarian.
There are still many misconceptions that prevent animals and their owners from happily coexisting. The most important thing for an owner is the living creature, and its needs must be given serious consideration.
