The Wonderful World of Dogs: 8 Facts You Might Not Know About Your Pooch

If you’re reading this, you can probably agree that dogs are amazing creatures. They’re loving, they’re loyal and they’re intelligent, and as most dog owners know, they’re probably the most human-like quadrupeds around. However, while you may love your pooch more than you love your significant other, there is a lot that you still don’t know about him or her. For instance, did you know that like human fingerprints, no two dog’s noses are the same? Or did you know that the smell center of a dog’s is 40 times that of yours? You probably didn’t. This article is full of fun facts about your pooch that will make them even more amazing in your eyes (if that is even possible). If you’re ready, let’s dive into the wonderful world of dogs as we (don’t) know it.

1.      Dogs Speak Their Own Language

No, we’re not talking about “woof” or “growl,” but they actually have their own body language—or, more specifically, tail language. While you might assume that when your dog wags his tail he’s happy, this might not always be the case. Studies have showed that when a dog wags his tail to the right, it means he’s happy, but when he wags it to the left, it means he’s frightened. Furthermore, how high or low a dog’s tail goes gives insight into how he’s feeling. A low wagging tail indicates that they’re unsure, while a higher wag means they know and trust you. Beware of a fast wagging tail and tensed up muscles, as this indicates aggression.

2.      Dogs Are Susceptible to Human Disease

As if you were worried enough about your pooch, what with wild animals running rampant in your backyard and feral cats making their homes in your alleyway, right? Unfortunately, dogs are susceptible to many of the same diseases that us humans are, including cancer and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, which can be much worse. The latter is a brain-wasting disease that leads to the inability for dogs to walk or control their muscles, much like multiple sclerosis in humans. While this can be heartbreaking for their humans, there is hope. Because dogs and humans share diseases, it could mean your pooch has a chance for cure if he is ever diagnosed, as clinical trials are easier to run on pets.

3.      Dogs Have a Sixth Sense

Have you ever noticed that your pooch starts to act strange before a rainstorm, or that they seem to bark at something (or someone?) that isn’t even there. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, research has proved that dogs can sense when something is amiss and try to alert you by acting out of character. If a dog senses that you’re in danger, he may try to “herd” you to safety by barking, circling you or demonstrating erratic behavior.

Other studies indicate that certain breeds, such as Golden Retrievers can sense illness too—or rather, they can smell it. Service dogs are trained to sniff out diseases like cancers of the skin, breast, lung and bladder by picking up the scent of abnormal cells. Additionally, many service dogs are trained to know when their owners have high or low blood pressure, when their sugar levels spike or drop and to predict epileptic seizures before they happen.

4.      Dogs Are as Smart as a Toddler

Before you scoff at this, just know that toddlers (more specifically, two-year-olds) are incredibly intelligent. At around two years old, the human toddler can learn and retain just about any piece of information, making it their prime learning stage. That said, dogs are as smart as any two-year-old and are capable of learning and understanding hundreds of words, commands and gestures.

5.      Dogs Are Dreamers

Ever wonder why Fido kicks his feet like he’s running in his sleep? That’s because he’s dreaming. Though many dog owners have joked about their pooch having a “bad dream,” research has proven that a dog’s sleep patterns and brain activity are similar to that of humans, and that they are just as capable of dreaming as we are. However, technology isn’t so advanced that we can know what they’re dreaming, but it’s safe to assume that their dreams consist of chasing balls in the park and chasing their tales.

6.      Dogs Can Get Gum Disease…and Pass it On to You

You may assume that doggy breath is normal but actually, it’s not, and it can be a strong indicator of some serious dental health issues. If you’re repulsed by your dog’s bad breath, take them to the veterinarian for a full dental health examination as they may have periodontitis, or gum disease. If they do have gum disease, this could mean bad news for you, as gum disease can be passed from your pooch to you—or, even to your little one. For this reason, you should never let your dog—or any dog—lick you or your loved ones directly on the mouth. Dog kisses are nice, but it’s best to keep things PG.

7.      Dogs Got to Sail on the Titanic…and 3 Survived

As a luxury ocean liner, you wouldn’t expect to hear that they allowed animals aboard, but they did! A handful of lucky pooches got to sail on the RMS Titanic, and three very lucky canines even survived the sinking. Two of the dogs were Pomeranians and one was a Pekinese; all of them were small enough to avoid detection on the lifeboats.

8.      Dogs Have Been Domesticated by Humans for 12,000 Years

Domesticated pooches were around long before the industrial revolution, literature and mathematics and even the advent of agriculture. There is evidence suggesting that early humans formed a partnership with wild wolves, taking them in and living with them until the wolves themselves began to change. First, their ears started to flop, and then their skulls, teeth and paws began to shrink and eventually, all the wild characteristics of the wolf were bred away, giving us the docile companions we know and love today.

Dogs truly are amazing creatures, and they’re one of those animals that just become more amazing the more you learn about them.