11 Amazing Facts About Dogs You Might Not Know

Celebrate your dog with these incredible dog facts.

We never get tired of learning new facts about dogs so check out these 11 incredible dog facts that you might not know. Plus we've pulled together facts about the people (like you!) who care for them.

1. Sniff Rate. A dog breathes in and out around 15 times per minute when sitting calmly. That frequency goes up to 31 times per minute while walking. But when a dog is actively sniffing, the inhalation/exhalation rate goes up to 140 to 200 times per minute.  

2. Communication. Dogs do communicate to each other when they vocalize, bark or growl. A more common means of communication between dogs is body language—an upright or tucked tail, forward ears or tense body can speak volumes.

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Bark Likes This: Dremel Pet Nail Grooming Kit

It might sound scary, but you really can cut your dog’s nails at home—and the cordless Dremel makes it easy. For dogs with light-colored nails, nail trimming using a standard clipper has been a relatively straightforward (though sometimes worrisome) process. But it’s a whole different ball game for dogs with dark-colored nails because it can be challenging to get it right. With the lightweight Dremel, you never have to worry about accidental over trims because your dog yanks their paw away.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is and how well your dog adapts to it, even senior dogs like mine. The latest in the Dremel lineup is the Dremel 7350-PET which is 7% quieter than previous models. You can hardly tell it’s on, and at least the two dogs (13yrs and 8yrs) I tested were unaffected by the slight noise it produced.

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Tips and Etiquette for Vacationing with Dogs

Stay safe and courteous when sharing your next trip with your pup.

Earlier this week I wrote about planning a trip with your pets. This article will cover tips and etiquette for vacationing with your dogs.

Car Rides

• Remember to take enough breaks to let your dogs stretch their legs and potty.
• Have snacks and water handy so your pups don’t get hungry or dehydrated. 
• Be careful when leaving your dogs in the car when it’s warm out. Cars can heat up to a dangerous level even if it’s only 60 degrees outside.
• Create a Rescue Tube to attach to crates with important information that would be invaluable in a car accident.

Hotel

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Dogs And The Time Change

Setting clocks back creates challenges

Millions of people enjoyed an extra hour of sleep this weekend courtesy of the switch from daylight savings time to standard time. In my state of Arizona, only people who live on the Navajo Nation fall back an hour, and nobody in Hawaii does, but most of the country observes this semi-annual clock-changing ritual. Even if you are in that majority, it may have been irrelevant as a dog guardian. That extra hour of sleep is a human construct and a lot of dogs are having no part of it. Their circadian rhythms override our clocks and most of them probably got up at the crack of dawn as usual, ready to start the day.

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Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

We’ve gathered together a selection of tasty treats and fun toys for your special canine co-pilot this Valentine’s Day. Show your pup some extra love this year with a Valentine surprise!

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How Puppies Steal Hearts

Why are puppies so cute?

Loving puppies is so universal that people who don’t love them tend to stay quiet about it lest they be shunned by society. Because puppies have the characteristics of any other young mammal, including our own human offspring, it’s no surprise that we find them incredibly endearing. Those big eyes, oversized heads, chubby cheeks, small mouths and small noses are cues that evolution has made appealing to us to ensure that we take care of the young and helpless. Animals we perceive as cute prompt our bodies to produce oxytocin, a hormone whose many effects include feelings of love and the urge to care for others.

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How to Tell if Your Dog is a Genius

Anyone who has lived with a dog will know their capacity for learning the meaning of words, even ones you don’t want them to know. How many times have you had to spell the words “walk” or “dinner” in the hope of avoiding an explosion of excitement?

Previous studies have investigated how non-human animals, including chimpanzees, sea lions and rhesus monkeys, learn words. But now a paper published in Nature shows some dogs learn the name of a new object after hearing it only four times, an ability previously thought to be confined to humans.

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Feeding Hungry Pets

Pet food delivered to organizations in need

In the fall of 2020, COVID-19 was strengthening its grasp and just about everyone was feeling the impact. As I sat in my car at a red light, along with my two loyal rescue dogs, Henry and Rosita, I glanced to my right and noticed a usually long line of cars snaking around the local food pantry. I had never seen so many cars waiting for food, which made me wonder—if people are struggling to feed themselves and their families, how can they provide food for their pets during these challenging times?

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Meet Finnegan

Dog’s name and age: Finnegan, 2 years

Nicknames: Finn, Finny, Boo, Boo Boo

Adoption Story: Finn began his life homeless on the streets of Mexico. When he was rescued by Compassion Without Borders, he was found skinny, anemic, and nearly hairless with mange. They nursed him back to health.

When we saw him, we knew we needed to have him as part of our family which includes one other dog, Rosie, and two cats, George and Lilah.

Finn enjoys food, warm, soft beds, and his bacon ball. His favorite people are mom and dad, followed closely by everyone else he meets. His favorite activities include eating, chewing on things, playing fetch, and doing zoomies.

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Avalanche

I wondered, would I die of dehydration or hyperthermia? Then the thought occurred to me: I was buried in an avalanche, high up in the Alps. So, it wouldn’t be dehydration. I had only to stick out my tongue to access an endless amount of snowy hydration. It would be the cold that would take me. Not a pleasant way to go, I thought. But just then, I heard it. The unmistakable sound of giant paws digging frantically through the snow. I was saved! My trusty Saint Bernard, Wenny, was rescuing me.

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How to Start a Professional Dog-Walking Service

Must love dogs, and a sense of humor really helps.

When I envisioned my dog-walking service, I saw myself dressed in a cute white sweater and 501 red-tag Levis, walking along the Pacific shoreline with six attentive, well-behaved Golden Retrievers and Labradors. Being my own boss, making my own hours and being around dogs all day long. What could be better?

Reality hit on my second day of professional dog-walking, when I twisted my ankle and fell face-first into the sand after chasing a ball-obsessed, overweight yellow Labrador named Willard and a Sheepdog named Bear who behaved like she was on an acid trip. Sand was everywhere—up my nose; down my pants; in my mouth, my shoes, my hair. It was an exceptionally bad start to my new career.

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Hookworms Are Developing Resistance to Current Treatments

Bad news: The parasites have evolved to evade all FDA-approved medications veterinarians use to kill them.

Hookworms are one of the most common parasites plaguing the companion animal world. They use their hooklike mouths to latch onto a pet’s intestines, where they feast on tissue fluids and blood. Infected pets can experience dramatic weight loss, bloody stool, anemia and lethargy, among other issues.

According to new research from the University of Georgia, they’ve become multiple-drug resistant.

Right now, U.S. veterinarians rely on three types of drugs to kill hookworms, but the parasites appear to be developing resistance to all of them. Researchers from the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine first reported this concerning development in 2019. New research, published recently in the International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance, provides deeper insight into where the problem started and how bad it was it’s since become.

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A Dog’s Life

As I sit here next to my loyal friend with a blanket over him, protecting him from the loud bangs of the fireworks outside, I struggle with an internal discomfort of a feeling of helplessness. I have grappled with this feeling of guilt for not providing the absolute best my friend deserves. He deserves a reflection of the type of dog he is, and as far as dogs go, I couldn’t ask for a better one. He is loving, friendly, protective, obedient, and great with my two-year-old son. I feel incredibly lucky to have him.

He was a Christmas present for my partner five years ago, the best present, albeit admittedly an impulsive one. He’s half Labrador and half English Springer Spaniel. We called him Remington, Remmy, for short, due to his father being a working gun dog.

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5 Ways to Get Your Dog Involved in Festivities This Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for pups.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again. The season when we gather together with friends and family and look forward to the much-anticipated joyful festivities. There is so much to look forward to this holiday season, from carol singing to putting up the tree and sitting down for Christmas dinner.

However, as we start to enjoy these Christmas traditions, we mustn’t forget about our furry family members. So, if you’re looking for ways to involve your pup in the festive cheer, look no further. We’ve outlined five ways you can ensure your pup won’t miss out on any of the fun.

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Diabetes Mellitus: Life With a Diabetic Dog

Poppy, my 16-year-old Schnoodle, has always been a vital part of my life. This past year we have spent more side-by-side minutes together than ever before. It has been scary, challenging, and time-consuming. It has also been wonderful. Every kiss, cuddle, and tail wag is and always will be treasured and appreciated forever.

Signs of Problems

As a senior, life had slowed down for Poppy. Still affectionate, adorable, and holding her own playing with our younger, larger dogs, her eyesight and hearing seemed to be deteriorating. She had had cataracts for a while, but I was concerned because things seemed to be happening rather rapidly. 

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Meet Browser

Browser absolutely loves grandma! Every time he goes outside, he will go straight over to grandma’s door and sit and wait for her to come give him some love and treats.

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[Adoptable] Phyllis Diller

Phyllis might not be performing on the Ed Sullivan show any time soon, but she would love to curl up next to you while you watch instead.

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Protect Your Dog’s Paws This Winter

Winter Paw Tips

Winter is the season of chilly winds, snow, ice, and rain and understandably, your pup may not be the biggest fan. The weather shift can make dog walks and outdoor activities a little more challenging too. In addition to getting a warm winter coat don’t forget to protect your dog paws this winter.

Trim Fur Between Pads

It’s easy for long fur to get packed with snow and ice which can make walking painful. So, be sure to trim fur between each of your dog’s toe pads. If you are unsure how, consult a groomer.

Boot Up

Consider dog booties especially if you live in an area that frequently gets snow or freezing temps. When getting dog booties, check the fit thoroughly and start with short walks. If your dog hasn’t worn booties before, make the introduction slowly, with plenty of treats.

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When Your Dog Won't Use Stairs

Help! Our dog refuses to use our spiral staircase.

Our dog does not like the spiral staircase, and will not use it. Since moving isn’t an option, we’re faced with leaving her alone downstairs when we go to bed or continuing to carry her despite her objections. Is there another way to approach this?

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Unconditional Love

We all search for that “one true love” in life. That special love that ignores your quirks, your mood swings, and your bad hair days. Yes, I am talking about that “unconditional love.” To my surprise, my search has finally ended.

It all began when I met two amazing cousins. They used to visit often before I relocated to another state. We had gotten to be best friends and still are despite the distance between us. 

About two years after moving, I learned about their other cousin “Paris,” who lived in Ohio through my relative. I kept hearing so many beautiful things about her and her family, including her parents. Although she was quite a bit of distance away from me, it felt like everything started falling into place so perfectly. I knew without a doubt; this was who I’d been searching for all my life.

After months of careful preparations to ensure everything would be perfect, the day had finally arrived for our first face-to-face meet and greet.

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