Scientific facts about dogs: what makes them unique?
Dogs are indeed man’s best friends, and that’s the reason they make great pets to humans. If you are already a dog owner, you would know how great it is to have them around.
So, dogs are adorable, and you love them, but do you know everything about them? Like, everything?
Maybe not. There are plenty of things that are not yet discovered by many dog parents that science has revealed about canines.
If you think you know everything about your dog, this blog may prove you wrong. Science has a lot to say about dogs and their traits, making you fall in love with these creatures even more.
So, let’s brush up on some scientific facts about dogs.
#1 They might be older than you think
It is considered that a human year equals seven dog years. But it is a myth as scientists claim that puppies are almost middle-aged when they are two or three years old. The University of California has found that dogs are much older than humans think. When they are three years old, they are possibly close to a 50-years old human. It is also found that they will start to age slower when they are old enough.
#2 They also had a tough teenage phase
Humans have different life phases in which they have to face various challenges. Puberty is when you have to board the roller-coaster ride. It is said that dogs also go through the same puberty phase. You will notice that when dogs are five months old, they are more obedient than they are at eight months. Scientists say that they are harder to train when they are going through puberty.
#3 They understand everything you say to them
Many parents talk to their pooches with the belief that their canine babies are understanding everything. It turns out to be true; your dogs know what you say. According to Emory University, dogs get a basic understanding of human words after a certain age. Their auditory regions are strong and react at the right time to different words.
#4 They also recognize your voice
Have you seen your canine react to your particular voice? It is because they clearly distinguish between people through their voices. The University of Sussex has conducted research on dogs and their ability to recognize voices. They are able to recognize people speaking the same words. Biology Letters published a study where dogs were found to listen to people and recognize them.
#5 They are good for your health
Whether it is keeping you mentally and physically, dogs can be highly helpful in changing your lifestyle altogether. They are great for your mental well-being as they can help you combat anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Multiple studies have been conducted in England, where it was found that owning a dog can be beneficial for your cardiovascular health.
#6 They are a therapy for mental illness
Dog therapy is indeed a successful mental treatment given to people suffering from anxiety and depression. There are many rehabilitation centers where trained dogs are used to treat people with mental issues. They help in reducing stress and thereby improving the anxiety and depression in people. Even psychologists suggest people keep dogs at home for mental peace.
#7 They can be trained as medical professionals
For ages, dogs have been used as guides for the blind, and that’s how they started playing a vital role in the healthcare sector. Today dogs are not only used as guides but also medical detection. They can sniff out cancer, type 1&2 diabetes, nut allergies, Addison’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other fatal ailments. Scientists say that dogs can be trained as medical professionals who can better help in the diagnostic process with their amazing olfactory senses.
#8 They have cold noses for a reason
Dogs have cold noses, and it is believed that it is for regulating body temperature. But scientists have revealed that it works as ultra-sensitive heat detectors. Scientific reports from Hungary and Sweden found that when the ambient temperature is 30 degrees, a dog’s nose can reach 5 degrees. Such major differences occur due to their sensory function. As a result, dogs can sense even faint heat like a small mammal from meters away.
The bottom line
There is more to the loyalty and cuteness of your canine friend. You can never have enough of learning scientific facts about dogs because there is ample information out there. For years, scientists have been researching dogs to know more about them.
The above-mentioned were some of the vital facts about dogs that most people are unaware of. Now that you know a bunch of scientific facts about dogs, you can try learning why they do, what they do.
