Dogs are not just pets, but they are part of our family. They are loyal, friendly, and always eager to please.
But did you know that dogs have a lot more going on than just wagging their tails and licking your face?
In this article, we will explore 15 surprising fun facts about dogs that will make you love them even more.
Dogs Can Smell Cancer
Did you know that dogs can smell cancer? Dogs have been trained to detect cancer in humans by sniffing out the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are present in cancer cells. In fact, studies have shown that dogs can detect cancer with up to 98% accuracy.
Dogs Can See in Color
Contrary to popular belief, dogs can see in color.
While they do not see the same spectrum of colors as humans, dogs can see shades of blue and yellow.
Dogs Dream Like Humans
Dogs not only dream, but they also dream like humans.
Studies have shown that dogs have a similar sleep pattern to humans and experience the same stages of sleep, including the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage where dreaming occurs.
Dogs Can Detect Natural Disasters
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and can detect natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis. In fact, dogs were used to warn residents of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and in 2011, a dog in Japan helped to save its owner from the devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami.
Dogs Can Be Left or Right-Pawed
Just like humans are left or right-handed, dogs can also be left or right-pawed. Studies have shown that around 50% of dogs are right-pawed, 20% are left-pawed, and 30% are ambidextrous.
Dogs Can Learn Up to 250 Words
Dogs are incredibly intelligent and can learn up to 250 words. In fact, the most intelligent dog breeds, such as the Border Collie and Poodle, can learn up to 500 words.
Dogs Have Unique Nose Prints
Just like humans have unique fingerprints, dogs have unique nose prints.
Each dog’s nose print is unique, and it can be used to identify them, just like a fingerprint.
Dogs Can Get Jealous
Dogs can experience jealousy just like humans. Studies have shown that dogs get jealous when their owners show affection to other dogs or humans.
Dogs Can Be Trained to Detect Low Blood Sugar Levels
Dogs can be trained to detect low blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. They can use their sense of smell to detect changes in blood sugar levels and alert their owners to take action.
Dogs have A Special Muscle That Lets Them Give You “Puppy Eyes”
You may have noticed that your dog gives you those irresistible “puppy eyes” when they want something. This is because dogs have a special muscle called the levator anguli oculi medialis, which allows them to raise their eyebrows and make their eyes appear bigger and more puppy-like.
Dogs Can Tell Time
Dogs have an internal clock and can tell time.
They can sense when it’s time for their meals or for their daily walks, and they can even sense when their owners are due home from work.
Dogs Have A Sense of Humor
Dogs can have a sense of humor and can understand when something is funny.
They may even play practical jokes on their owners or make their own fun with toys and games.
Dogs Can Recognize Themselves in the Mirror
Dogs have been shown to have self-awareness and can recognize themselves in the mirror. This is a sign of higher cognitive function and is something that only a few animals, such as dolphins and great apes, have been shown to do.
Dogs Can Recognize Different Human Emotions
Dogs are incredibly perceptive and can pick up on different human emotions.
They can tell when their owners are happy, sad, or angry, and they may even try to comfort them when they sense that they are upset.
Dogs Can Improve Your Mental Health
Studies have shown that owning a dog can have a positive impact on your mental health. Dogs can reduce stress and anxiety, provide companionship, and encourage physical activity.
Conclusion:
Dogs are amazing animals that have a lot more going on than meets the eye. From their incredible sense of smell to their ability to recognize different human emotions, dogs are much more than just loyal companions. We hope that these 15 surprising fun facts about dogs have helped you to appreciate and love these wonderful animals even more.
I am a fun fact enthusiast and creator of Facts On Tap.
I love to share my knowledge and curiosity with readers and inspire them to learn something new every day.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy traveling, reading, and playing trivia games with my friends.