Dog fact or fiction: 10 Awesome facts about dogs
Dogs are our best pals, our loyal companions and our furry family members. There is a reason that dogs are called “man’s best friend.” Although you already know how awesome your dog is, they may be even more special than you realize! Read on to test your knowledge of fun and weird dog facts and learn some awesome information about your best pal.
1. Dogs sweat through their paws
FACT: Dogs have sweat glands in their paws and may occasionally sweat through them, which helps to regulate their body temperature. Panting is also a way that dogs help their body to cool off.
2. A dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's mouth
FICTION: A dog’s mouth is not cleaner than a human’s mouth. Dog’s mouths contain bacteria and their saliva can transmit internal parasites.
3. Dog saliva has healing properties
FACT: Scientific tests have shown that dog saliva does have some measure of antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities, however, scientists also found that human saliva has similar qualities. So although dog saliva may have healing properties, a dog’s mouth is still not cleaner than a human’s mouth.
4. Dogs have webbed feet
FACT: All dogs have webbing between their toes and certain breeds of dogs actually have webbed feet! Having webbed feet helps dogs to be more efficient swimmers.
5. Dogs are color blind
FICTION: Dogs are not color blind. Dogs have two color receptors in their eyes while humans have three. That means that although dogs can not see as many colors as humans do, they are not color blind and do not see in black and white.
6. Dogs can detect diseases
FACT: Dogs can detect certain diseases using their nose. Some dogs, referred to as medical detection dogs, have been trained to detect diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease and malaria.
7. One dog year is equivalent to seven human years
FICTION: Although dogs do age much faster than humans, it isn’t accurate to judge a dog’s age based on the one dog year to seven human years comparison. Younger dogs and puppies actually age faster than dogs that are older, according to Business Insider.
8. A dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 times stronger than a humans
FACT: Scientists believe that a dog’s sense of smell is 10,000-100,000 times stronger than a human’s sense of smell. Dog’s even have an extra organ in their nose that helps them to pick up scents that are impossible for humans to smell.
9. Dogs eat grass because they’re feeling sick
FICTION: There are many reasons why dogs eat grass but it probably isn’t because they’re feeling sick. They may be bored, they may have a nutritional deficiency or they may just like the taste.
10. Dogs and cats instinctively hate each other
FICTION: Dogs and cats do not instinctively hate each other. However, dogs do have an instinct to chase smaller animals which often scares cats. When properly introduced, dogs and cats are able to live harmoniously together and often become friends, playing with each other and sleeping together at night.
Did you already know all these awesome facts? Dogs are amazing and they continue to show us why. Be sure to follow the Nature’s Advantage Blog for more tips and content!
