8 Facts About Dogs You Never Learned In School
Everyone knows that dogs are a man’s best friends. These fluffy creatures are an important part of pet owners’ lives. For some, their dogs are like their family members. However, unlike your family members that you have gotten to know over the years, you may know only a few superficial facts about dogs. Hence, to understand your pooch a little bit better, read on to find out some special facts about dogs that you might have never known.
Their Sense of Smell Is Up To 100,000 Times Better Than Us
Our sense of smell comes from cells in our brains and likewise, dogs are able to smell because of cells in their brain. Surprisingly, the cells that are responsible for picking up different scents are close to 40 times bigger in dogs than in humans. This is why dogs are usually used to sniff out drugs and people when they’re working with the police.
Chocolate Is Bad for Dogs
Though chocolate is a scrumptious delicacy for most of us, the same does not run true for your furry friend. Chocolates can make dogs very ill because they are toxic to canines. This is because chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine. It is a chemical that cannot be processed in dogs’ bodies as fast as humans can, which can result in an upset stomach. Even though ingesting chocolate will not be fatal, it can cause severe illness. If you are looking to give your dog a treat, why not opt for a safe and healthy option.
Dogs Can Sniff Out Medical Problems
As mentioned before, dogs have a great sense of smell. This allows them to detect medical conditions, which can therefore aid doctors in diagnosing a specific condition.
Dogs Can Sniff and Breathe Simultaneously
Have you ever seen your dog sniffing intensely at the park? Dogs depend a lot on their sense of smell as this helps them look for food, sniff out potential dangers and find other furry friends! This would result in them spending a large chunk of their time sniffing, which is why dogs have evolved to both sniff and breathe at the same time.
Some Dog Breeds Are Excellent Swimmers
Although all dogs might not enjoy being in the water, there are certain breeds that are known for being great swimmers. Newfoundland’s are one of these breeds that are so renowned for their swimming skills that they are utilized during water rescue expeditions.
Certain Dog Breeds Run Extremely Fast
Just like how some dogs are excellent swimmers, there are some breeds that are built to be fantastic runners. Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog that can even outrun cheetahs.
Dogs Don’t Sweat Like Humans
On a hot day, your skin might appear damp and your clothes get drenched easily. Unlike humans, dogs sweat in a more discreet manner. They usually sweat in their paws and pant to cool themselves down!
Your Dog Can Be Left or Right Pawed
Just like humans, dogs have a preferred paw as well! To find out which paw your dog prefers, give them their favorite toy and see which paw they use to reach out.