Do dogs only see in black and white? Will a feline always land on its feet? Not according to these debunked findings.
We love to speculate over our pets. They’re part of the family and we’re invested in their welfare and their ways.
With that, however, comes a number of apparent observations that, while believable, science has since done its best to debunk leaving us with, you might suppose, not with nine lives, but nine lies!
“Dogs only see in black and white”
This is a common myth, but in fact, dogs can see some colours, although their range of colour vision is more limited than that of humans.
Dogs can see shades of blue and yellow but are not able to pick out reds and greens – a shocking fact when you consider they spend most of their life sniffing grass and chasing tennis balls!
“Cats always land on their feet”
While cats are very agile and often able to land on their feet, this is not always the case. Cats can suffer injuries from falls, especially if they plummet from a great height.
“Reptiles make good pets for boys, not girls”
Boys may seem to take more interest in reptiles, but that is because girls are conditioned by society to like things that are traditionally cute, fluffy, frilly, pink, etc. Introduce a girl to a gecko though, and she will likely fall head over heels.
“Grain-free diets are always better for dogs”
While some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to certain grains, there is no evidence to suggest that a grain-free diet is always better for dogs. In fact, some grain-free diets may be lacking in certain nutrients that are important for their health.
“Hamsters are nocturnal animals”
While hamsters are often active at night, they are not strictly nocturnal. Hamsters may be active during the day as well, especially if they are well-fed and well-rested. Bear this in mind next time your sweet furball keeps you awake till 5am!
“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”
While it may be more difficult to train an older dog than a young puppy, it is certainly possible to teach an older dog new behaviours and tricks! Perhaps like many of us as we age, there is a vast difference between what we ‘can’ do and what we ‘want’ to do.
“Rabbits are low-maintenance pets”
While rabbits may not require as much devotion as dogs or cats, they do require a significant amount of care and attention, needing regular exercise, a healthy diet, and routine veterinary care in order to stay healthy and happy.
They also need lots of love. This doesn’t mean cuddles as such – not all rabbits like to be held – but socialisation with other rabbits, fun things to play with and general interaction.
“Cats and dogs are natural enemies”
While cats and dogs may have a reputation for not getting along, many cats and dogs can learn to coexist peacefully and even become friends. With proper introductions and socialisation, cats and dogs can learn to respect each other and live together in harmony… even when Felix keeps nabbing the best spot on the sofa.
“Raw meat diets are healthier for pets”
While some pet owners advocate feeding their pets a raw meat diet, this is not always a good idea. Raw meat can be contaminated with bacteria and parasites that can be harmful to pets, and a balanced diet of cooked meats, vegetables and grains is usually a better option.
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