- It’s estimated there are around 400 million dogs in the world.
- Dogs pant to cool down. While a resting dog will take about 35 breaths per minute, when they pant a dog can take as many as 400 breaths per minute. Panting forces air over the moist parts of the dog’s mouth, which helps rid the dog’s body of excessive heat.
- Dogs do, however, have sweat glands, though only on the pads of their toes.
- Your dog’s nose becomes wet with mucous, which helps him absorb scent. When he licks his nose he’s getting a taste of that scent.
- In that mouth he has about 1700 taste buds, which is twice as many as you have.
- Domestic dogs are omnivores, so are able to eat grains, vegetables and meat.
- Thanks to their gentle temperament, intelligence energy and obedience – and the fact they make great assistance dogs – the Labrador is the world’s most popular dog breed.
- Puppies have 28 teeth, while adult dogs have up to 42.
- Scientists have found evidence of domesticated dogs from more than 15,000 years ago.
- While it’s not true that dogs are colour blind, they don’t see colour as vividly as us humans.
- Like a human fingerprint, a dog’s nose print is unique to that dog.
- Your dog has more than 12 separate muscles that control ear movements.
- Sterilising your pet can prevent certain types of cancers and other infections and diseases.
- There are more than a dozen mentions of dogs in the Bible.
- Ever seen your pet twitch and flap her paws in her sleep? She’s probably dreaming. Dogs, like humans, experience REM stages of sleep where they can dream.
- Dalmatian puppies are born without spots. Their pure white coat develops spots as they grow older.
- If your dog is chasing his tail it might be because he’s bored, anxious, needs exercise or has fleas. If he keeps doing it, have a chat to your vet to rule out any illnesses.
- Dogs curl up in a ball to sleep thanks to instinct. In the wild a dog needs to keep warm and protect her vital organs from potential predators.