Dogs are known as man’s best friend for a reason. They are loyal, intelligent and affectionate. Many of us who are dog owners can attest to the idea that they are more than just a pet- they are a member of our family.
But, even if we love them very much, how much do we really know about our furry friends? In this article, we explore some interesting facts about dogs.
1. Dogs Can Smell Cancer
Dogs have a remarkable sense of smell that has the potential to save lives. There have been several studies that prove dogs can smell cancer. It is a fact that they can detect changes in the human body that are caused by cancer cells.
In fact, some organizations are using dogs to help detect cancer. These dogs are trained to alert their owners on the existence of certain types of cancer by using their sense of smell. They can even detect cancer before it is detected by a medical test.
2. Dogs Can Learn Over 165 Words
Many dog owners believe their dogs can understand simple words such as sit, stay, and come. But, dogs are capable of much more than that. Studies have shown that dogs are capable of learning over 165 words.
In fact, the most intelligent dog breeds can learn up to 250 words. Some dogs even have the ability to understand the meaning of a word in the context of a sentence, just like humans.
3. Dogs Can Understand Our Emotions
As dog owners, we know that our pets have a keen sense of understanding our emotions. They can tell when we are happy, sad, angry, or anxious. They can even understand our body language.
A recent study using MRI scans showed that dogs can recognize human emotions by processing the scent of our sweat.
4. Dogs Have a Sense of Time
Have you ever noticed that your dog seems to know when it’s time for a walk or mealtime? This is because dogs have a sense of time. They have an internal clock that allows them to know when it is time to eat, sleep, or play.
Dogs can also sense how long we have been gone and anticipate our arrival home. They put their sense of time to good use- they make sure they are ready for our actions before we even know what we’re doing.
5. Dogs Have Unique Noseprints
Just like how humans have unique fingerprints, dogs have unique noseprints. This is because the nose of a dog has grooves and ridges which seem to make a unique pattern.
The uniqueness of a dog’s nose print is comparable to the uniqueness of a human’s fingerprint.
6. Dogs Dream Just Like Humans
Have you ever caught your dog barking or moving while sleeping? This is because they dream just like humans. Studies have confirmed that dogs actively dream during the REM stage of sleep. This is the stage of sleep that humans dream in as well.
Dogs exhibit similar behaviors of what they do while they are awake in their dreams as well.
7. Dogs Have a Third Eyelid
You may have noticed a small, pink membrane covering part of your dog’s eye. This membrane is called the third eyelid or nictitating membrane. It helps protect the eye from debris and irritants by cleaning the eye’s surface with tears.
It also helps keep the cornea lubricated.
8. Dogs Can Sweat Through Their Paws
Have you ever noticed your dog’s paws getting really moist when they’re hot? This is because dogs can sweat through their paws. Dogs only have a few sweat glands on their bodies, so they rely on panting and sweating through their paws to cool them off.
So, next time you take your dog for a walk, check their paw pads. Chances are they will be a little damp!.
9. Dogs Have Strong Memory
It is a common misconception that dogs have short-term memories. However, this is far from reality. Dogs have excellent long-term memories. They are capable of remembering specific events and people, and even remember things they learned many years before.
10. Dogs Can Hear Four Times Better Than Humans
Dogs have remarkable hearing capabilities. They can hear four times better than humans, which is why they are often used as service animals and police dogs.
Dogs can detect sounds that are too quiet for humans to hear, and they are also able to hear sounds from much further than humans.
