Fun Facts About Our Canine Companions

Did you know that dogs may have been standing faithfully at our sides for up to 30,000 years? We’ve definitely learnt a lot about them in that time. However, we continue to discover more about our furry best companions every year. Continue reading to learn some fascinating –and often amusing–facts about Fido from a local Pickerington, OH veterinarian.

Dogs Have Truly Extraordinary Noses

We can’t talk about fascinating dog facts without including Fido’s super cute snoot! Dogs possess absolutely exceptional senses of smell.

Here are a few examples of that:

• Puppies have the ability to breathe out of both their mouth and nose at the same time.
• A dog’s sense of smell can be impaired if they are panting or extremely heated. In fact, being hot or weary can reduce your pet’s sense of smell by up to 40%!
• Man’s Best Friend can smell things up to 100,000 times better than humans do.
• The smell-processing region of Fido’s brain is approximately 40 times larger than our own.
• Does your canine companion enjoy leaving nose paintings on windows? If so, you’ve got some one-of-a-kind artworks on your hands. Every pooch has a distinct nose print. Consider it the doggie equivalent of a human fingerprint: no two are the same. (Tip: If you don’t want to save your pup’s paintings, clean your windows with white vinegar and newspaper.)
• Fido’s nose contains as many as 300 million scent receptors. In comparison, we have only 5 million.
• Dogs can smell distinctly from either side of their nose. Consider this an olfactory 3D. Fido uses information from each nose to determine where a scent originates.
• Some canines are able to detect ailments such as cancer.
• Dogs’ sense of smell is approximately 100000 times better than ours.
• Fido can detect scents in very tiny amounts, down to roughly the equivalent of half a teaspoon of sugar in an Olympic-sized pool.
• Canine noses produce a specific form of mucus. This material absorbs compounds included in smell molecules. When Fido licks his nose, he learns more about what he smells.  

Doggy Physique

Man’s Best Friend has 42 teeth and 321 bones. Dogs have a higher body temperature than humans, with an average of 101.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Ask your Pickerington, OH veterinarian for more information. 

Fido Can Also ‘Catch’ the Yawns

We all know that yawning is contagious, but no one knows exactly why. As it turns out, Fido can detect ‘the yawns’ from you. According to research, this is even more likely to occur if the yawner is someone the dog knows. (Interestingly, yawns appear to be contagious in various animal species, including gelada baboons, wolves, domesticated pigs, African lions, African elephants, domesticated sheep, elephant seals, and birds, particularly budgies.)

Fido’s Favorite Words

Did you know that the typical dog can learn over a hundred words and phrases? Some can learn up to 250, and a few super-smart pooches have learned even more. It’s reasonable to conclude that Fido’s favorite phrases are Bacon, Treat, Walk, and Car Ride, with Bathtime a likely contender for his least favorite.

Top Spot

The lovable Labrador Retriever is incredibly popular. In fact, Fido may be the world’s most popular breed, having topped the AKC’s list of most popular breeds for over 31 years. That winning streak ended in 2022, when he lost his spot to the tenacious French bulldog.

Dogs Come In All Shapes And Sizes

There are presently 201 breeds listed on the AKC register. The Lancashire Heeler is the newest breed. The oldest? That accolade belongs to the Saluki. They were discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to 2100 BC!

AKC Waiting Room

The AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS), which functions similarly to an applicant pool or waiting list for AKC accreditation, currently has 72 breeds listed. Not all will be accepted, but it will be fun to see who does!

Love Heals

Did you know that snuggling with your canine companion can help lower your blood pressure? It will also lower Fido’s!

Just A Numbers Game

It’s always intriguing to read survey findings and see what other people believe or do. Here are some intriguing facts.

• 47% of US homes have at least one dog
• 45% of American dog owners let their puppies to sleep in their beds
• 70% of dog owners sign Fido’s name beside their own on cards
• 90% of pet dogs enjoy hanging around with their humans when we watch television.

First In Line

The AKC’s first recognized breeds were largely hunting dogs. Early admittees include the Pointer, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Clumber Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Setter, English Setter, and Gordon Setter.

New Scentsation

Does your canine buddy occasionally kick dirt or leaves to hide his waste? Many folks believe Fido is trying to hide his scent, which is why cats bury theirs. However, Fido is actually claiming “his” area by using the scent glands in his paws.

What Is In A Name?

Have you ever explored specific breeds? It’s interesting to read about the backgrounds of our various canine pals. A breed’s name often reflects its origin. However, a few pups didn’t get that memo. For example, the Australian Shepherd is from the United States, not Australia, and the French Poodle is from Germany. Similarly, Labrador Retrievers are not from Labrador, but are descended from Newfoundland dogs.

Man’s Best Friend

Dogs are frequently admired and valued for their devotion and loyalty. Fido will work himself to exhaustion for his human companions, and he has even risked—and occasionally sacrificed—his life for them. 

As it turns out, Man’s Best Friend differs from other animals. According to studies, our canine companions are among the few animals that are often naturally kind to other living beings.

Dreaming Puppies

Have you ever noticed your furry pal making noises or moving his paws while he sleeps? Yes, Fido is really dreaming. Although all dogs dream, pups and seniors appear to dream the most. Nobody really knows what Fido is dreaming about. However, we’re betting that squirrels, toys, cookies, and possibly the neighbor’s cat are all involved. (You probably also pop up regularly.) 

Time For A Walk?

Have you ever observed that your pup appears to know when it’s time for a walk, a food, or bedtime? Studies indicate that our canine companions do have a sense of time. So yes, Fido really does know when it’s his dinnertime!

Working Like a Dog.

Does your puppy appear to like music? If so, try playing him the Beatles’ ‘A Day In The Life’. As a subtle gesture to his canine companion, a Shetland Sheepdog, Paul McCartney added a supersonic sound that only dogs can hear. It’s at the end of the song.

Paws Up!

Dogs’ paws are actually pretty stunning. They operate as shock absorbers, provide traction, and tell your pet about the surface he is walking on.

• Some dogs lick their paws to release stress. Consider this a doggy version of nail gnawing or foot bouncing. (Note: Licking the paws may also indicate that Fido’s feet are suffering. (Ask your Focus on Pickerington, OH veterinarian about this.)
• Dogs, like humans, usually have one dominant paw. One study found that around three out of four puppies use one paw more than the other. Nearly 60% of those were righties, with the remainder left-handed.
• Fido can only sweat from his paw pads.Focus on Pickerington, OH
• Those lovely toe beans have a very thick skin that protects them from heat and cold. However, they are not totally weatherproof; keep your pet away from extremely hot surfaces.

Have you got any questions about your dog’s health or care? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your local Focus on Pickerington, OH pet hospital, we are here to assist!