12 Fascinating Facts About
12 Fascinating Facts About Dogs You May Not Know
Whether you’re a dog lover or just a pet owner, there are many fascinating facts about dogs that you may not know. From power sniffing to paw sweating, here are 12 of the most amazing dog facts.
Dogs are descended from wolves and have incredible senses of smell and hearing. They can detect scents up to 100,000 times better than we can!
1. They Can Read Your Mood
A growing body of research has shown that dogs can pick up on your emotional state through your voice, body odour and facial expressions. A new study, however, has discovered that they can also read your mood through your nose.
Researchers found that domestic dogs can distinguish the smells of fear from happiness or neutrality by using their left nostril to sniff out the odors. When exposed to a scent that evoked fear, dogs had higher heart rates and sought reassurance from their owners.
2. They Can Smell Like Cancer
A dog's nose is very sensitive and can detect the tiniest shifts in a human's scent caused by disease. This can help detect cancer in its earliest stages.
Researchers have trained dogs to sniff out a number of different types of cancers, including breast and lung cancer. They've also been able to spot bladder and prostate cancers, colorectal cancer, and ovarian tumors.
3. They Can Be Cloned
Dog cloning is a procedure that can be done using tissue samples from dead dogs. Companies like Sooam Biotech in South Korea and ViaGen in Texas offer this service to high-paying pet owners.
The goal is to create an exact genetic duplicate of your beloved pet. However, the cloned animal may be different in terms of personality and appearance.
4. They Can Dream
You’ve probably noticed that your dog twitches and moves their limbs while they sleep, which many owners suspect is a sign that they are dreaming. It’s more common in younger and older dogs in whom the pons, which stops large muscles from moving in their sleep, is either underdeveloped or doesn’t work as well.
This is because sleep helps dogs process their day and build memories, much like it does for humans. Researchers are learning more about how dog dreams are formed, and what they might be about.
5. They Can Sleep in Your Bed
While some people may find a dog in their bed relaxing, there are other factors to consider.
One 2020 study found that having a dog in bed can increase movement in the room, which can interrupt sleep. This is a problem for light sleepers and for anyone who has allergies or a sensitive bed.
6. They Can Smell Other Dogs
Dogs have an incredible olfactory sense, which can detect substances at concentrations that can be one part in a trillion. This allows them to detect things like drug residue, explosives and cancer.
This is achieved by a special organ that dogs possess, called Jacobson's organ (also known as the vomeronasal organ). It works as a secondary olfactory system designed for chemical communication.
7. They Can Smell Popcorn
Dog owners have long been baffled by the odiferous smelling snack-like smell emanating from their pet's paw pads. Many believe the smell is the corn chip or popcorn scented equivalent, while others claim it's more complicated than that.
Those odiferous smells are typically a result of bacteria that thrive in warm, moist environments. Pseudomonas and yeast are among the culprits.
8. They Can Read Your Emotions
Dogs are incredibly social animals, and they know what you’re feeling. They can comfort you, and they can help you improve your mood.
A recent study shows that dogs can recognize six basic human emotions – anger, fear, happiness, sadness, surprise and disgust. And they can do so based on just looking at your face.
9. They Can Breathe Differently Than You
A quick glance at your dog's X-rays might show that their airway isn't as wide or flexible as it should be. Bronchitis or heartworm disease can cause scarring in the lungs that decreases the elasticity of your dog's airways.
A quick visit to your vet is in order if this is the case for you and your pup. The veterinary staff will be able to explain what's going on and provide a treatment plan that fits your dog's particular needs.
10. They Can Feel Jealous
Dogs can feel jealous if they see other dogs or people gaining more attention than they do. They may whine, growl, snap or push others out of the way to get your attention.
This is a common behavior when a new family member is introduced into the home or when a dog has a doggy friend visiting. It can be frustrating for everyone involved, but it's a normal part of any household.
