Pets

Think you know dogs? A vet busts 8 myths many owners still believe

We’ve all heard a few myths and old wives’ tales about dogs. One vet took to TikTok to set the record straight on eight that many people still believe.

RON JENKINS

Greg Heilman

Update: Sep 15th, 2025 18:19 EDT

Nearly half of American households have at least one dog as a member of the family, so you would think that we would be pretty familiar with them. However, there are several myths and old wives’ tales that persist about our canine friends to this day.

Veterinarian Adam Christman recently posted a video on TikTok to debunk eight common ones that he hears “all the time.” Here’s a look.

8 common myths many dog owners still believe

Perhaps one of the most common myths that you’ll hear is that one human year is the equivalent of seven for a dog. Christman calls this “fake math.” A year is a year, but some dogs age faster than others.

@dr.adam_christman
8 Common Dog Myths That I Hear All The Time. Learn the facts! #vettok #doghealth #dogtips #dogoftiktok #dachshund
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Typically, large dogs can live on average between 8 to 12 years according to the American Kennel Club, while small breeds range from 10 to 15 years on average. It should be known that a biotech company out of San Francisco is working getting FDA approval for a longevity treatments for canines of all sizes.

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks

Christman says that dogs “can learn at any age.” He goes on to explain that, “the problem isn’t the dog, it’s us giving up on them.”

Dogs’ mouths are healthier than human mouths

You’ve probably heard that dog saliva can cure wounds as it has antibacterials that humans don’t, so theirs are healthier. “I wish it was true, but it’s not,” says Christman. In fact, the bacteria in dogs’ mouths can cause severe infections.

There are hypoallergic dog breeds

Many people with allergies who want to have a dog, but are worried that they could be bringing a harbinger of endless allergic reactions, search for dog breeds that are hypoallergic. Don’t bother! “All dogs make allergens. Yes, even you doodle” says Christman.

Garlic will repel fleas and ticks from your dog

Garlic is not only fatal to Dracula, but also to your canine. Christman explains that it “is poisonous and can cause anemia. Not protection. Period!” Within the same family of plants, and thus just as problematic, are chives and onions.

Don’t be an anti-vaxxer

Christman says that he hears people say that dogs don’t need booster vaccines after their dog has undergone their puppy series. “Dead wrong!” says the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Those booster shots will help prevent the “actual killers” including distemper, parvo and rabies.

A dog’s warm, dry nose can tell you if they are sick

“Boop!” says Christman on this myth. “Nose temperature changes throughout the day.” Your dog’s behavior is the indicator if they are feeling unwell, not their nose.

If your dog isn’t complaining, they feel fine

Again, pay attention to your dog’s behavior like changes in sleep patterns and appetite, and don’t wait for them to complain vocally about pain that they may be having by crying or whining. “Maybe by the time the dog vocalizes, it may be so severe,” the veterinarian warns.