What is Unique About a Dog?
What is Unique About a Dog?
Man's best friend is a lot like us in many ways. They have a heart and circulatory system to transport blood, lungs to take in oxygen and rid their bodies of carbon dioxide, and a digestive tract to absorb nutrients from food.
But dogs are a bit different from us in some interesting ways. From a unique nose print to the ability to smell your emotions, here are some fascinating dog facts you probably didn't know.
They are a direct descendant of wolves
Wolves and dogs share a lot of similarities, including an impeccable sense of smell and a prey drive. But, they also have some differences as well.
For one, dogs are not as smart as wolves (or as cunning), and their brain size compared to body size is smaller. This means that when they’re given a problem, they are more likely to look to a person for help rather than solving the issue themselves.
This might make them better companions for humans because they can help them get over challenges or even defeat other animals that they may have trouble with. It could also be why they’re so good at helping people protect their homes or businesses.
However, there are still questions as to how and when wolves became dogs and whether they were domesticated at all. A large team of researchers is analyzing the DNA of ancient and modern wolves to find out what happened and when it happened.
They have three eyelids
Most animals, including dogs and cats, have a special third eyelid – or nictitating membrane. This little curved slip of tissue, which rests on the inside corner of the eye, provides added protection from UV rays, dust, pollen and debris.
It is also responsible for spreading the tear film and protecting the cornea from damage and infection. Tears contain liquid to keep the eyes lubricated, but also immunoglobulins to help protect against disease and infections.
When the nictitating membrane is moved across the front of the eye, it acts like a windscreen wiper, wiping away any dirt or dust that might irritate the eyes and helping keep them moist.
Occasionally, the nictitating membrane will flip upside down, exposing the gland that produces tears (you’ve probably heard it called a ‘cherry eye’). This condition is rarer than a ’scrolled cartilage’ and can affect young giant breed dogs.
They have a unique nose print
The unique ridges and bumps of a dog's nose create a distinct pattern that can be used to identify them. It's similar to how human fingerprints are used to distinguish people.
The rhinarium (the section of bare skin at the tip of a dog's nose) is believed to have a distinguishing design of dimples, dots and ridges that, when combined with the shape of the nostril openings, makes an identifiable mark that can be conclusively matched to one dog among all others.
Researchers have studied nose prints to find out if they are unique enough to be a reliable way of identifying dogs. They found that the unique patterns in dog nose prints do not change over time, which means they can be used to help reunite lost dogs with their owners.
Unlike human fingerprints, dog prints aren't archived in a single database, but phone apps have been developed that use technology to analyze the print and turn it into a "nose ID" - a biometric identity uniquely associated with a specific dog. It's a simple and effective way to locate your missing dog, so it's worth checking out if you have a smartphone.
They can smell your emotions
Dogs are known to read human body language and can understand emotions based on the scent they emit. They are also able to pick up on chemical changes in their own bodies that are linked to specific emotions.
They can even smell changes in breath and sweat. These are triggered by human emotions, such as fear and happiness.
When a dog senses fear, it can become more aggressive or even attack. This is why many people tell us to stay calm when we’re afraid of dogs, as it will help to reduce their stress.
This new study adds to the growing body of evidence that our pets have a high level of intuition, essentially understanding the emotions of those around them. They are even able to tell when a person is about to experience seizures or have a serious illness, thanks to their advanced sense of smell. It is a truly remarkable skill and one that they are able to put to good use.
