Dogs are unique animals: many facts about them have already been studied by scientists, but many remain a mystery and defy explanation. How many interesting facts about your pets do you know? Let's explore a few.
When a dog drinks, it curls its tongue downwards from the roof of its mouth in a spoon shape.
Unlike cats, who drink from a bowl quite carefully, without spilling a single drop, dogs leave most of the water on the floor, especially when very thirsty.
This occurs primarily because, when lapping, a dog dips its tongue halfway into the water, curls the tip of its tongue inward like a ladle, and forces the liquid down its throat. When lapping, dogs rely on two physiological forces: inertia and gravity. When a dog dips its tongue into the liquid and lifts it, a column forms between the tongue and the surface of the water, which, by inertia, is directed directly onto the animal's tongue. Water is retained in a dog's mouth thanks to the alveolar ridges on the roof of the mouth.
The question immediately arises: why does a dog curl its tongue if it doesn't help it drink? The curved edges of a dog's tongue help it drink viscous and fatty liquids rather than just water. And the only reason they spray liquid is because a dog's tongue moves much faster than a cat's.
The heart of a large breed dog beats like a human's.
Heart rate (HR) measures the number of beats per unit of time. This value depends not only on the dog's health but also on its size, breed, and age.
Large dogs have a heart rate similar to that of humans, while small dogs have a higher heart rate. Therefore, the heart rate can range from 70 to 130 beats per minute, while in small breed puppies it can reach up to 190, which is completely normal.
However, the heart can beat more intensely during and after physical activity, due to fear, overexcitement, or pain. With age, the heart rate of older dogs slows, especially in large breeds.
To determine your pet's heart rate, place your hand on the inside of the thigh.
A dog's sense of smell is thousands of times better than a human's.
Although a dog is man's best friend, its duty is to protect its owner. When a person enters the territory, a dog may react in various ways. It may bark at some, or run up to others, wagging its tail.
Scientists explain this by the fact that dogs sense smells tens of thousands of times better than humans, and likely detect information with their noses that we don't. Trained dogs can even distinguish between twins in close proximity. They can sense the people their owner has interacted with and the places they've been.
If a dog smells something on you, it may growl. However, this could be because it previously smelled the same scent on someone else it dislikes.
It's amazing that a Bloodhound can sniff out a hundred-hour-old scent and follow it for over 160 kilometers! Dogs' sense of smell is used to catch criminals, search for drugs, explosive devices, and more.
One way or another, a dog senses not only the smells of food, animals, and its owner, but also certain human qualities, such as fear.
The longer a dog's nose, the more efficient its internal cooling system.
Sweating is a way to regulate body temperature; as fluid evaporates, the body cools down. Many people believe that dogs lack this process.
In fact, this process is slightly different in dogs than in humans. Sweat escapes through the paw pads and nose. Glands in the nose secrete moisture, which evaporates and cools the mucous membranes. If you observe your pet in hot weather, you'll notice that they leave wet marks.
Pugs, bulldogs, and other brachycephalic breeds have a slightly different cooling system. Due to the small trachea and narrow nasal turbinates, air is difficult to penetrate, disrupting the cooling process.
An open mouth helps the dog breathe.
An open mouth is natural for a dog. When it resembles a smile, it means the pet is relaxed. An open mouth is also a physiological characteristic of a dog.
By opening its mouth, a dog breathes, communicates, and maintains a normal body temperature. After physical activity or in hot weather, a dog opens its mouth. Saliva evaporates, absorbing excess heat, and rapid breathing, like a fan, increases evaporation.
As noted earlier, a dog's mouth is a way of communicating, conveying its mood and state. If a dog opens its mouth, squints its eyes, and holds its muzzle up high, it's happy.
Fear can be recognized by an open mouth with the corners pulled back. The dog will also typically widen its eyes and press its ears back. If your four-legged friend has its mouth wide open and its tongue hanging out, it's a sign of well-being.
This article listed just a few interesting facts about our furry friends. Just imagine how many more amazing things those devoted eyes conceal. How much they tell us with their wagging tails and joyful barks. Surprisingly, after interacting with dogs, many people's moods improve, stress hormones are suppressed, and blood pressure normalizes. All you need to do is give them love, and dogs, believe me, will repay you.
