Interesting facts about dogs
- A dog’s heartbeat is 50 times faster than a human’s
- The longer a dog’s nose is, the better the dog’s system of internal cooling
- Humans have been keeping dogs as pets for at least 12,000 years. Some experts think dogs were first domesticated over 34,000 years ago.
- Most dogs are at home in the water, but not all. Pugs, Pekingese, and Bassets hounds are just some of the dog breeds that have a hard time staying afloat!
- A dog’s ear movements are controlled by over 12 different muscles
- Dogs don’t sweat the way humans do; they can only sweat through their paw pads.
- Ever seen your dog twitch as they sleep? Your dog is probably dreaming. Dogs have the same REM (Rapid Eye Movement) as dreaming humans!
- Every dog’s nose print is unique, just like a human fingerprint.
- To help them absorb scent, dogs’ noses are covered with a thin layer of mucous.
- In the USA alone there are around 75 million dogs, with over 62% of households owning a pet
- Dogs have a special third eyelid to keep their eyes moist and protected
- Dogs are highly sensitive. They are thought to be able to predict the weather, and some may even be able to detect illness in their owners.
- The average dog is as intelligent as a human toddler. They can count up to 5 and understand over 200 words and phrases!
- When a dog plays with humans or other dogs, their brain produces oxytocin: the love hormone.
- Stroking a dog can be good for you. It releases oxytocin, which is great for both you and the dog.
- Stroking a dog can lower your blood pressure.
- Dogs can see in the dark thanks to the Tapetum Lucidum: a special membrane in their eyes.
- The first animal in space was a Russian dog named Laika.
- Dogs cannot see red because their eyes don’t have the right kind of receptors. They see in shades of black and white, as well as blue and yellow.
- Newborn puppies are born deaf and blind, but have heat sensors in their noses to help them find their mother.
