Top 6 Dog Care Myths Debunked: The Truth Unveiled!

Misconception 1: Encouraging Dogs to Stand Often

Many people have noticed that dogs enjoy standing up to beg for affection, and some owners even train their pets to stand for a handshake or a prayer. In some cases, dogs are made to stand for extended periods as a form of punishment. However, this can be quite harmful to the dogs.

Dogs naturally assume a quadrupedal posture for walking, and some breeds are predisposed to hip dysplasia, which is the abnormal development of the hip joint (or knee cartilage). Prolonged standing can lead to hip joint damage, ranging from lameness to partial paralysis.

Therefore, pet owners should avoid making their dogs stand frequently and should ensure their dogs receive adequate calcium to support healthy bone development in their daily care.

Misconception 2: Bathing Dogs Too Often

While many pet owners want to keep their dogs clean, bathing them too frequently is a mistake. Dogs have different skin than humans, covered in fur and protected by natural oils that prevent dryness and fungal infections.

Regular bathing can strip away these oils, increasing the risk of skin diseases. Generally, once dogs have passed their puppy stage, a bath every 12 weeks is sufficient, but it's important not to let it go too long either!

Misconception 3: Dogs Don't Hold Grudges

Some pet owners believe that dogs do not hold grudges and are endlessly forgiving. However, this is not entirely true. Dogs do not hold grudges, but they do not forgive either. They are forgiving because they consider their owners to be their closest companions.

However, if owners frequently ignore their dogs' feelings, such as through constant scolding or neglect, the dogs may eventually become distant or even depressed. It's important to pay attention to a dog's emotional needs and provide them with care and companionship.

Misconception 4: Not Taking Dogs Out for Play

Some pet owners, either due to their own lack of time or busy schedules, often keep their dogs indoors. This is detrimental to the dogs, as it can lead to discolored noses, rough hair, and a lack of exercise, which can weaken their immune systems and lead to depression.

Misconception 5: Not Regularly Deworming Dogs

Some owners believe that if their dogs are clean, wellgroomed, and do not consume random foods, deworming is unnecessary. However, this is a misconception. Not deworming dogs on schedule increases the risk of external fungal infections and internal parasites.

Regular deworming can prevent skin diseases and lice, while internal deworming can guard against enteritis, canine distemper, and otitis externa.

Misconception 6: Relying on Homemade Food

Many pet owners prefer to feed their dogs homemade meals, thinking it's more appealing than commercial dog food. However, this can lead to picky eating, loss of appetite, and nutritional imbalances.

Commercial dog food is carefully formulated to meet a dog's specific nutritional needs, which differ from those of humans. Therefore, it should be the staple of a dog's diet, with occasional supplementary foods added for variety.