Dogs: Things You Didn’t Know About Man’s Best Friend

Dogs have been by our side for thousands of years, earning the title “man’s best friend” with their loyalty, intelligence, and unique abilities.

Did you know that around 69 million households in the U.S. own at least one dog, and that dogs have been domesticated for over 15,000 years, making them one of the oldest domesticated animals? Additionally, dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors, compared to about 6 million in humans, giving them an extraordinary sense of smell.

While many of us share our lives with these incredible animals, there’s still much to learn about them. Here are 15 surprising facts that might change the way you see your furry friend.

1. Dogs Can Sense Time

Your dog seems to know when it’s time for dinner or when you’re about to come home, and it’s not just because of routine. Dogs have a keen sense of time and can pick up on the rhythms of the day, making them excellent at predicting when regular events will occur.

2. They Can Understand Up to 250 Words and Gestures

On average, dogs have the intelligence of a two-year-old human child. They can learn and understand up to 250 words and gestures, making them excellent at following commands and even interpreting some of your moods and needs.

3. Dogs Have Three Eyelids

In addition to their upper and lower eyelids, dogs have a third eyelid called the “haw” or nictitating membrane. This extra eyelid helps keep their eyes moist and protected from dust and debris.

4. A Dog’s Nose Print Is Unique

Just like human fingerprints, each dog’s nose print is unique. This makes their nose an excellent way of identifying individual dogs, which is why some kennels and vet clinics take nose prints for identification purposes.

5. They Can Smell Your Feelings

Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell, with around 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses compared to about 6 million in humans. This allows them to detect subtle changes in your scent, which can indicate how you’re feeling, such as when you’re anxious, sad, or happy.

6. Dogs Can Be Left-Pawed or Right-Pawed

Just like humans are left- or right-handed, dogs can also have a dominant paw. You can determine this by observing which paw your dog uses first when reaching for something or stepping forward.

7. They Have Sweat Glands in Their Paws

While dogs primarily regulate their body temperature by panting, they also have sweat glands in their paw pads. This is why you might notice wet paw prints on the floor during a hot day.

8. Dogs Dream Like Humans

Have you ever seen your dog twitching, whimpering, or moving their legs in their sleep? Dogs experience the same sleep cycles as humans, including the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage, where dreaming occurs. It’s believed they dream about their daily activities, like chasing squirrels or playing fetch.

9. A Dog’s Sense of Smell Is Their Superpower

Dogs’ sense of smell is so powerful that they can detect certain types of cancer, changes in blood sugar levels, and even predict seizures before they happen. Some dogs are trained specifically to use this ability to help their owners manage health conditions.

10. Dogs Can Hear 4 Times Better Than Humans

Dogs have an extraordinary sense of hearing, capable of detecting sounds at frequencies between 40 Hz and 60,000 Hz, far beyond the range of human hearing, which is between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. This acute sense of hearing allows them to detect sounds that are imperceptible to us, such as the distant rustle of leaves or the high-pitched squeak of a mouse.

11. They Have a Strong Pack Mentality

Dogs are descendants of wolves and have retained their strong pack mentality. This is why they are highly social animals, preferring to be around their human family or other animals. They look to their “pack” for guidance, security, and companionship.

12. Dogs Can Be Trained to Detect Allergens

Some of them are trained to detect allergens, such as peanuts or gluten, with incredible accuracy. These service dogs can alert their owners to the presence of allergens in food or the environment, potentially saving their lives.

13. Dogs Can Tell Time

They have an internal clock, much like humans, which helps them anticipate regular events. They can tell when it’s time to eat, go for a walk, or when you’re expected to return home. They rely on environmental cues, like daylight, as well as routine, to gauge time.

14. Dogs’ Whiskers Are Highly Sensitive

Whiskers aren’t just there for show; they are an important sensory tool for them. The whiskers, or vibrissae, are deeply embedded in the skin and connected to nerves that send sensory messages to the dog’s brain. They help them sense objects, navigate their surroundings, and detect changes in the environment.

15. They Can Form Incredibly Strong Bonds

The bond between a dog and its owner can be incredibly strong, sometimes stronger than with fellow humans. This bond is built on trust, companionship, and unconditional love, which is why dogs are often so devoted and loyal to their owners.

Conclusion

Dogs are more than just pets; they are complex, intelligent, and emotionally aware creatures with a deep connection to their human companions. Understanding these fascinating facts about your dog can help you appreciate them even more and strengthen the bond you share with your best friend. Whether they’re sensing your mood, protecting you from harm, or simply being there for you at the end of a long day, dogs truly are remarkable animals deserving of all the love and care we can give them.