CAN DOGS PREDICT WEATHER?
Generations of people have used their animals as their own personal Doppler radar systems because dogs (and cats too) seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to predicting storms and other natural phenomenon – although it’s never been proven. However, minute changes in barometric pressure, sound levels, ozone levels, and smells may be picked up by animals with their extra-keen sensory and hearing abilities. So when a pet hides under the bed when a storm is coming, he may just be on to something. (Although the local weatherman’s job is probably secure.)
FYI....
Is your dog terrified of storms?
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DO DOGS LIKE TO WEAR CLOTHES?
The answer may very well be yes. Since pets have become accustomed to living in controlled, cozy environments (just like us) they may need a little padding when going outside. Many veterinarians suggest extra protection for dogs living in cold climates especially those with shorter coats. (Even tough breeds like Boxers and Bull Terriers!) Small and toy breeds like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds and Toy Poodles are very vulnerable to the cold. Clothing that helps the pet be more visible in the dark is also a wise choice in canine couture. Of course, the most important thing to consider is comfort and safety. The clothing shouldn’t restrict the pet’s movement in any way. It shouldn’t be too tight or too loose or it may snag on something. If a dog seems to enjoy it and there is no safety risk, playing dress up is perfectly fine. Furthermore, hunting dogs can benefit from wearing brightly colored vest and protective vests which cover the underside of them. Wearing a bullet proof vest can safe the life of a Police Dog.
DO DOGS SMELL CHANGE?
The jury’s still out on this one. Some schools of thought argue that dogs and cats have some telepathic or extrasensory abilities, which detect change. For example, it’s not uncommon for owners to swear that their pets “know” when they are about to go to the veterinarian. The flip side of the argument says that dogs and cats rely on their super-sniffers - not ESP - to detect change. Unlike people, a dog interprets the world primarily through chemical communication, e.g., odor. The portion of the canine brain dedicated to analyzing smells is 40 times larger than a human’s! When pets seem to have the uncanny ability to “know” when change is coming, they are actually detecting even the slightest shift in molecules of odors their people are putting off. This works for predicting everything from thunderstorms to walks in the park.
DO DOGS JUMP FOR JOY?
Maybe. We’ve all seen a new puppy jump on his litter mates in play, or an adult dog jumping around in anticipation of running after a ball. It looks like he’s jumping for the joy of it. (If you ask many pet owners, the answer is clear – of course he is!) But do dogs have emotions similar to people? The subject has been a controversial one among behavioral experts because it’s difficult to quantify or measure emotions. Recent research has demonstrated that all mammals, including dogs, have seven fundamental emotional systems that provide animals with the ability to react to information that enters their brain through their senses. Some pet behaviorists believe that emotions are essential to animal learning so they use emotional assessment as the basis of treating pet behavior problems.
WHY IS A DOGS TONGUE
SO LARGE?
The tongue has many important functions for dogs – not just to transfer slobber from their mouth to someone’s face. The large size of the tongue allows dogs to bring food and water into their mouths, and to help chew and swallow the food once it’s there. Dogs also use their tongue to groom and to lick their wounds – literally. Many pet owners believe that dogs actually sweat through their tongues. In reality, when Fido pants, the saliva evaporates which cools down his body – just like sweating does for people. The only sweat-producing glands in a dog’s body are in his feet.
