April 22, 2026 –
Between what you may hear in a viral video or from a relative over dinner, there is no shortage of misinformation when it comes to dog facts and ownership habits. As conflicting notions may swirl around during debates at the dinner table, allow us to clear the air on five common myths.
“Dogs only eat grass when they’re sick”
While excessive grass eating may indicate your dog is trying to soothe an upset stomach, there are other motivations as well. Dogs often eat grass as a comfort mechanism and as a way to pass the time when bored. The root could also be anxiety, finding grass-eating a physical and mental stimulus to help manage stress.
Grass is a great source of fiber, and dogs may instinctively eat it if their diet is low in fiber, aiding in their ability to better digest food and pass stool. Some dogs simply enjoy the taste or texture. As ancestors of wolves, some dogs, even those provided with a nutritious, well-balanced diet, will eat grass as a reflection of their scavenger ancestry.
While this behavior is considered normal, you should monitor your dog for frequent vomiting, watch for signs that the behavior is becoming obsessive, and ensure the grass has not been treated with fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. Speak with your veterinarian if you become concerned, especially if other signs of illness arise.
“A dry nose is a reliable indicator that your dog is sick”
While a dog’s nose is typically cool and wet, a dry or hot nose is not in-and-of-itself a reliable indicator of illness.
A moist nose helps attract and keep scent particles, allowing dogs to better understand their surroundings, which leads them to often lick their nose and keep it wet intentionally. Sometimes it’s just happenstance as they explore wet grass and snow or take a sloppy drink of water. A wet nose can also be a result of temperature regulation – since dogs don’t have sweat glands over most of their body, they use their noses to evaporate moisture and cool down.
One of the most common reasons for why your dog’s nose is dry is that they may have just woken up from a nap and subsequently were not licking their nose or active during that time. Have you spent some time outside on a hot day? They could be dehydrated and, while this should be addressed immediately with hydration and a comfortable environment, it does not mean they are sick.
Older dogs often have naturally drier noses due to reduced mucus production, and brachycephalic (short-snouted) breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs may have dry noses simply due to their anatomy.
While a dry nose is not always a sign of illness, watch out for accompanying signs such as lethargy or a change in appetite and contact your veterinarian if anything feels off.
“If I can eat it, so can my dog”
While we all know that chocolate and grapes are no-gos when it comes to feeding our furry friends, many are unaware of the risk that comes with letting your pup clean up your dinner plate.
Many of the meals we eat contain spices that can cause an upset stomach. Fatty foods, as well as sweets and spicy foods can cause further problems, and chicken bones should always be avoided.
Garlic, onions, and chives should be kept away from your furry friend, as well as many types of nuts and salty foods in excess. This is not an exhaustive list of foods to avoid – to best understand your dog’s specific dietary restrictions and needs, please consult with your veterinarian.
“Dogs can only see in black and white”
Throughout most of the 20th century, it was commonly accepted that dogs couldn’t perceive color and see the world in black and white. Starting in the 1980s, studies revealed that dogs can see yellows and blues, but not reds and greens. Dogs have what is called dichromatic vision, meaning they are limited to two color-sensing receptors, compared to the three in humans, which is why their vision is limited to seeing only blues and yellows. This limited scope of perception is similar to red-green color blindness found in 8% of men and 0.5% of women.
“All dogs naturally know how to swim”
Although it’s in the name, not all dogs excel at doggy paddling. While many dogs can quickly adapt to water, certain breeds, especially bulldogs and pugs, often struggle to swim.
If you’re interested in getting your dog acclimated to swimming, introduce them slowly in controlled environments and use a life jacket as they practice their paddle. Ensure they know where the exit is (pool steps or shore ramp) and never throw them in the water as that can cause panic. Once graduated from the life jacket, support their midsection with your hand as they propel forward until they’ve got the hang of it. Supervise your dog in the water at all times and watch for signs of fatigue – exit the water immediately if you notice heavy panting or a struggle to swim efficiently. When out on large bodies of water, always use life jackets no matter how strong of a swimmer your pup may be to ensure safety.
Swimming is a great enrichment activity for dogs, as long as they’re having fun and being safe. Once your water adventures have concluded, rinse your dog with fresh water to remove chlorine or lake water, and dry their ears thoroughly to prevent infections.
