Did you know that dogs can actually sense when a storm is coming? It’s true! Dogs have an amazing ability to detect weather changes long before humans can.
That’s just one of the many incredible things you probably never knew about dogs.
Here are 17 unbelievable things you never knew about dogs!
A Dog Is As Smart As A Two-Year-Old
Dogs are smarter than we give them credit for. In fact, Stanley Coren, a psychologist and dog researcher found that the average dog has the intelligence of a 2.5-year-old toddler.
Dogs can understand up to 250 words and gestures, count up to four or five, and even do simple math. Shocked? How do you think a mama dog figures out if any of her puppies are missing?
Dogs Can Smell Cancer
Another unbelievable thing about dogs is their sense of smell. Dogs have approximately 100 million sensory receptors in their noses, while humans have only about 6 million.
This means that dogs can smell things we can’t even begin to imagine. And not only can they smell things that we can’t, but they’re also able to detect diseases like cancer.
Dogs Can Sniff And Breathe At The Same Time
When dogs sniff, their noses are designed in such a way that air can move in and out at the same time. This continuous air circulation allows them to sniff constantly without struggling to breathe, unlike humans.
Dogs Can Indeed Get Jealous
If you thought only humans could get jealous, think again. Dogs can most certainly experience jealousy.
If you lavish attention on another dog while your furry friend is around, you may notice your dog exhibiting jealous behaviors like excessive barking, clinginess, or growling.
Dogs Have Three Eyelid
Did you know that dogs have three eyelids? The third eyelid is called the nictitating membrane, a thin layer of tissue that sweeps across the eye from side to side.
This membrane provides additional protection for the eye and helps keep it lubricated. It’s particularly useful for dogs who hunt, as it helps keep debris and dust out of their eyes.
A Dog’s Nose Is Its Fingerprint
Just like humans have unique fingerprints, dogs have unique nose prints. In fact, a dog’s nose is just as individualized as a human fingerprint.
If you ever need to identify your dog, all you need is a black and white photocopy of their nose print.
Dogs Can Be Right- Or Left-Pawed
Just like there are lefties and righties among humans, the same goes for dogs. About 41.7% of dogs are left-pawed, making dogs more likely to be lefties than humans.
Dogs Are Incredible Swimmers
If you’ve ever caught your dog paddling away in the pool, you know that they love the water. Though not all dogs are natural swimmers, most breeds have no trouble whatsoever getting used to the water and even excel at swimming.
Dog Noses Are Wet To Absorb Scent Chemicals
A common myth about dogs is that their noses are wet to cool them down. In reality, however, their noses are wet to absorb more scent chemicals. They produce sticky mucus from their nose that collects these chemicals. Then, they try to understand the smell by licking it off their nose.
Dogs Have A Sixth Sense
Dogs have a special ability to sense things that we can’t. You may call it the sixth sense, thanks to their hearing and smelling abilities!
For example, dogs can sense when a storm or earthquake is coming long before humans can. They can also sense when someone is sick or in danger.
Dogs Dream Just Like Humans
Do you ever wonder what your dog is dreaming about? Well, it’s most likely the same things that you dream about! Scientific research found that dogs and humans show similar brain wave patterns associated with dreams.
Hence, the next time you see your dog twitching in their sleep, it may be chasing a rabbit in its dreams!
Dogs Have A Sense Of Time
No, dogs don’t wear watches, but they can determine the passing of time just like humans. Trainers also attest to this fact, as they’ve observed dogs understand how long they should stay or sit before receiving a treat.
Dogs’ Sense Of Smell Can Be Used As Evidence In Court
Yes, you heard that right! A dog’s sense of smell is so accurate that it can be used as evidence in court. A trained bloodhound is the first animal whose evidence can be legally used in some US court hearings.
Dogs Can Have Anxiety And Depression
Just like humans, dogs can also experience anxiety and depression. If you notice your dog exhibiting strange behaviors, such as excessive barking, hiding, or shaking, they may be experiencing some form of anxiety or depression.
Besides, separation anxiety is also common in dogs, especially if they’re used to being around humans all the time and suddenly left alone.
Dogs Can Be Trained To Do Almost Anything
Dogs are one of the most trainable animals on Earth. With the right amount of patience and positive reinforcement, dogs can be trained to do almost anything, from simple tricks to complex tasks.
The World’s First Dog Lived 31,700 Years Ago
According to a new study, the world’s first dog lived 31,700 years ago. This ancient canine was a small wolf-like creature that resembles the modern-day Siberian Husky.
Not All Dogs Can Bark
Here’s another shocker! If you thought dogs communicate only through barking, you’re wrong. In fact, not all dogs can bark. Have you ever heard of the Basenji breed? These dogs have an unusual-shaped larynx that makes it impossible for them to bark. Instead, they make a yodeling sound called the Basenji Yodel.
Final Thought
Dogs are amazing creatures; there’s so much to learn about them! We hope you enjoyed reading these interesting facts about dogs. The next time you see your furry friend, you’ll be sure to look at them in a whole new light.
Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners
I hope this article has helped you just a bit in everyday life as a dog owner. Being a dog owner for more than 25 years myself, I’ve tried an abundance of different products with varying success, but these products below are some that I can highly recommend to every dog and their owner without hesitation!
These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. But it’s products that I use daily myself, and I have nothing but praise for.
Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be hard, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. But since 2015 when the company was founded, I’ve been using Ollie Petfood. With their product being tailor-made to suit every dog’s specific needs, and as my dogs absolutely love the product, I’m pretty sure I’ve found a product I will continue to use for many years more. If you use my link you can get 50% off your first order.
Dog Training: If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know that they require a lot of training to grow into a well-behaved adult. Brain Training for Dogs has helped me immensely with the mental training part of raising a dog, and it’s something I strongly recommend you consider.
Grooming: If you have a dog in your home, you’re going to need a brush, and for this, I recommend a Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. For that price, you simply can’t beat this brush for everyday grooming.
If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!
