5 Interesting Facts About Dogs

5 Interesting facts about dogs

Who doesn’t love dogs? They make the perfect pets as they are full of affection for their owners. From Labradors to German Shepherds, Poodles to Bulldogs, there isn’t a breed on the planet that isn’t adorable. When it comes to your canine companion, how much do you really know? Here’s 5 interesting facts about dogs:

1) Dogs sweat through their paws

Did you know that the only sweat glands dogs have are in their paws? That’s why on a hot day your dog will start panting in order to circulate cool air around their bodies. If it’s particularly warm outside, then it is important to keep your pet safe in the heat.

2) Puppies mature quickly

Whilst many people think that one year of a dog’s life equates to seven years of a human’s, this is actually not the case. For many breeds, your puppy will physically mature to the equivalent of a fifteen-year-old human. The rate at which your dog ages after their first year depends on how big it is, for example a Great Dane will reach maturity quicker than a Jack Russel Terrier.

3) Dogs have heightened senses

It is common knowledge that dogs like bloodhounds and springer spaniels have a great sense of smell. Anyone who has accidentally knocked their dog’s food bowl and had their pet come running in from a distance will also know that canines are great at hearing! However, did you know that a dog can hear up to four times as far as a human? If you think that’s impressive, get this…their sense of smell can be well over one thousand times better than ours! No wonder they come running as soon as you open the fridge…

4) Your pet can sense your feelings

Has your dog ever comforted you when you’ve felt down? Celebrated with you when you were excited? Your furry friend can pick up on changes in your scent that are associated with different emotions. It’s this same amazing sense of smell that allows some dogs to detect pregnancies, diseases and seizures.

5) Dogs are more intelligent than you think!

Scientifically speaking, a fully matured dog is just as smart as a two-year old toddler! Both can understand over two hundred gestures and words. Your pup also picks up on routines, so they know around what time they’re going to be fed, when they’re going for a walk and when it’s time for bed.

Want to know more facts about dogs?

Take a look at other articles on our Pet Tips page to see further information and facts about pets. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more canine related content!

 

Contact Pets in a Pickle

For more pet information and facts, check out the other news on Pets in a Pickle. To find out more about the range of policies, get in touch with the team today. Call them now on 0800 044 1111, or contact the team online here.

Follow Pets in a Pickle on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Heatstroke – Summer Safety Tips For Dogs

Heatstroke - Summer safety tips for Dogs

As weather temperatures are rising, the risk of heatstroke in dogs and other animals increases as well. Dogs rely on heat being released through only their paw pads, noses and through panting; whereas humans sweat to relieve ourselves of heat. So, to help you keep your dog cool this summer, we have put together a list of summer safety tips  so your furry friend doesn’t develop heatstroke.

When a dog does end up developing heatstroke it can cause very serious damage and, in some cases, it can be fatal. That is why it is important to familiarise yourself with the symptoms, which include:

  • Dribbling
  • Extreme panting
  • Collapse
  • Excessive thirst
  • Increased heartbeat
  • Dark-coloured gums

If you do suspect your dog may have developed heatstroke the best thing to do is to move them into a draughty area, wet their fur with cool water and contact your vet. However, preventing the heatstroke in the first place should always be your top priority, and here are a few things you can do.

1) Stay Hydrated!

Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water. Water bowls must be filled to the brim and it is advisable to take a bottle of water and a bowl with you when going for a walk.

2) Go For A Walk At A Sensible Time

If you decide to take your dog for a walk, it is important to walk them during the cooler hours of the day – either in the morning or the evening. Taking your dog for a walk during the day also increases the risk of them burning their paws on the hot pavement, a rule to keep in mind is, ‘If it is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their feet.’

3) Cool Places To Lie Down

It isn’t unusual for your dog to be attracted to cool surfaces when they’re feeling hot. However, if you don’t have cool tile or stone floors for your dog to lie on another great idea is to place blanket wrapped ice packs into their bed with a fan on close by.

4) Paddling Pool & Sprinklers

Humans love to cool off in the summer by relaxing in cool paddling pools and this is another great way to keep your dog cool in summer heat. Sprinklers and garden hoses are a great way to keep your more active dogs cool and occupied.

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5) Ice Treats And Cool Toys

Placing some of your dog’s toys into the freezer is a great way to keep your pooch stimulated and cool. Or you could even place some of your dog’s favourite treats into an ice cube tray to create ice cubes and lollies.

If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, it is important to contact your vet immediately. Or for more advice and summer safety tips click here.

Contact Pets in a Pickle

For more pet information and facts, check out the other news on Pets in a Pickle. To find out more about the range of policies, get in touch with the team today. Call them now on 0800 044 1111, or contact the team online here.

Follow Pets in a Pickle on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.