What Are Some Myths About Dogs?

Q: What are common misconceptions and myths about dogs?

A: A wagging tail means he is happy and friendly. Not always. A raised, slow wagging tail can be a sign of aggression.

• Some short hair dogs are hypoallergenic. There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. And, it’s primarily the protein in the skin and saliva, not the fur, that causes human allergies.

• Dog mouths are cleaner than human mouths. Neither are particularly clean. Dog bites can cause serious infection (as can human bites often through cuts on hands during a fight).

• A wet or dry nose can signal an illness. Both are typically completely normal.

• If a dog has multiple extractions, he may never be able to eat kibble again. Once the extraction sites are healed, the dog can return to his original diet even if it was kibble.

• Raw food is healthier for your dog since wild dogs, lions, and tigers eat raw food. Raw food can carry pathogenic bacteria and is not typically a balanced diet.

• My dog feels hot, so he must have a fever. Dog’s body temperature normally runs from 100-102.5, so they feel warmer. But it is difficult to tell if they have a fever without a thermometer.

By Dr. Frank Lavac, MS, DVM

If you have any questions, you can always contact Dr. Lavac at 310-828-4587.