Myth: A warm nose means a sick dog

One of the oldest and most common dog myths. From day to day and hour to hour your dog’s nose may change from warm to cool and back again. The moisture content may also change regularly. This occurrence is typical and not cause for any concern. What may be considered cause for concern is a lengthy period of a warm dry nose in conjunction with other symptoms of illness such as sluggishness, vomiting, loss of appetite, runny nose, or odd behavior, and such symptoms should be addressed by your veterinarian.

Myth: A wagging tail signals a happy dog

This has got to be the most believed dog myth and misunderstood behavior (save cat purring!) in the animal kingdom and there are quite a few people with nipped digits that could attest to that fact.

Your dog needs to communicate with other dogs and with you. Wagging his tail is his most efficient way of letting other creatures know how he feels about them and the situation he is in. There are many nuances and subtleties to the wag that we would be well advised to be aware of.

The height of the tail as it wags and whether it favors the left or right is indicative of happiness, dominance, aggression, submission and so much more. So yes, a dog with a wagging tail may very well bite you!

Myth: Dogs should be six months old before they are de-sexed

As of this writing in April 2011, recent studies indicate that early spay and neuter is not only safe, but is safer than procedures being performed later in life. The young dog shows less tissue trauma, recovers more quickly with fewer complications, and seems much less stressed by the procedure. Studies show that spaying prior to the first heat aids in helping to prevent mammary gland tumors and uterine infections.

Waiting until a dog is six months old increases the risk of pregnancy as dogs are able to reproduce by that age. And the unwanted pet population is enormous.