We all know that cats don’t really have nine lives, but when it comes to other pet myths, are we really as knowledgeable as we think? These common pet myths have been passed around faster than a tennis ball at a dog park, and today, we are taking a deep dive into whether or not these rumors are true. Trust me, cats don’t always land on all fours….I’ve seen plenty of viral videos.
Myth #1: Dogs see in black and white.
The truth is, dogs don’t live in a 1950s sitcom. Though they might not see in full technicolour like we can, our pups are able to see some shades! Their eyes detect fewer colors than ours, so their sight is similar to that of humans with color blindness.
Myth #2: A wagging tail means a happy dog.
Not always! While we love seeing a wagging tail when we walk through the doors after work, it might not always mean what we think. Dogs use their tails to convey a range of emotions, from excitement, happiness, nervousness, and anxiety. Usually, the rule of thumb is if the tail is high and stiff, you should probably back away…and maybe offer a peace treat. (Psst, you can find some pup-approved favorites in the CUDDLY Shop, where every purchase feeds a rescue animal!)
Myth #3: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
I know this myth is usually used in reference to the human species, but I’m going to debunk it anyway. You can, in fact, teach our silver-haired seniors new tricks! Dogs of any age can learn new things; it just might take a little bit more patience, praise, and peanut butter. If you’re looking for training treats or enrichment toys to help, we highly recommend CUDDLY’s new lick mat, which we are sure will keep any senior pet busy.
Myth #4: All cats hate water.
While this may be true for most domestic cats, there are a few exceptions. Experts think the reason most cats don’t enjoy taking a swim or a bath is that their coat doesn’t dry quickly, leaving them pretty wet and uncomfortable. Imagine going for a swim in the morning and then wearing your swimsuit for 8 hours. Yeah, definitely not ideal.
Myth #5: Horses only sleep standing up.
Hey, horses are pets, too, and this myth isn’t true! When standing, a horse will sleep lightly, but horses need extended periods of deeper sleep and can’t do that while standing up. Horses will lie down for a couple of hours every few days to rest, but they can’t stay down for long periods of time. Their large size and weight put a massive amount of pressure on their internal organs when they lie down, which could lead to serious health issues.
Myth #6: Dogs only eat grass when they’re sick.
This simply isn’t true. Dogs also eat grass because it’s tasty! In all seriousness, dogs will eat grass for a variety of reasons, some of which include soothing an upset stomach, as a form of self-medication, or simply because it’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Myth #7: Cats always land on their feet.
More often than not, a cat will land on its feet when falling from larger heights. This is because of their inbuilt balancing system called a “righting reflex,” which allows them to orient themselves midair. However, the height of the fall significantly affects a cat’s ability to utilize this acrobatic skill, and they don’t always stick the landing.
At the end of the day, pets don’t need myths to be magical; our four-legged friends are always full of surprises. So, next time someone drops a “fun fact” or “pet lore” that sounds a bit off, don’t be afraid to tell them the truth, because knowing the facts helps us be even better companions to our beloved pets.
