The traditional and versatile pet, dogs, are the most loyal creatures known to man today. Rightly called a man’s best friend, their assorted behaviours, sensory aptitude, and physical characteristics have led to countless breeding efforts between them.
An Interesting Insight into the Origin and Biology of Dogs:
Did you know? Domestic dogs were believed to have originated as a manmade version of the present ‘canid’ species although recent studies show that their genetics diverged from canids similar to wolves from Eurasia over forty thousand years ago.
Since they are the oldest animals that were domesticated, their association with humans were in sync with the behavioural traits of humans. Their bodies adapted to survive on a diet rich with starch that would have under different circumstances not been adequate for the other canid species. A male canine is referred to as a dog while the female one is called a bitch. However, the equivalent of a father is a sire while the mother is a dam. Off springs are collectively known as a litter or individually as puppies. Domestic dogs were selectively bred since years for their sensory traits and such behavioural patterns. The breeds of dogs known to man today outnumber the breeds of other domestic animals by far.
Since they are originally predatory mammals by nature, they have strong muscles, wrist bones that are fused, a supportive cardio vascular system for sprinting and sharp teeth to help catch and tear, traits that help them hunt and scavenge for survival.
Things you need to Know about a Dog’s Behaviour and Survival Skills:
Depending on the breed of dog, their size and weight will also vary. From the tiny Yorkshire terriers to the impressive English Mastiffs, they can be various sizes.
Not only do they possess the five senses humans do, touch, vision, taste, hearing and smell, but they are also perceptive of the earth’s magnetic field and can sense a change or disturbance.
Most domestic dogs even today have the vital double coat of fur. The top coat is coarse and helps in camouflage as well as in protecting themselves from the cold, harsh weather conditions.
The hair below this layer is much softer to touch. Dogs often display the remnant trait of counter-shading, where the upper surfaces are much darker than the lower ones to help them reduce their visibility and survive. Other counter-shading traits also include blazes, strips or star patterns on their fur. Another important aspect of the biological features of a dog is their tail. The tails are not simply shaped differently but are a mode of expressing the emotional state of the animal. Dogs that are used for hunting also tend to dock them as a way of preventing injuries.
Things you should know about the Health of a Dog:
Dogs are extremely susceptible to diseases, poison and ailments that often affect the surrounding humans’ health too.
Although vaccination can help curb most problems, there are various factors that are not commonly known.
Even certain house plants, such as aloe vera, can cause dogs to suffer.
Certain breeds of dogs possess genetic abnormalities that cause blindness, deafness, trick knees, elbow ailments and hip ailments. Conditions such as pyometra and bloating fatally affect dogs as well as parasites.
Many afflictions that are faced by humans may also be seen in dogs such as diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, arthritis and epilepsy.
Facts about a Dog’s Diet:
It is also important to know what a dog can consume and not. While humans thrive on chocolate, it leads to theobromine poisoning among canines.
They can also not tolerate garlic, macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins as well as nicotine. Even traces of such substances can be harmful to a dog, causing vomiting, diarrhoea and in some cases, even death.
Dogs can also adapt their diet to suit what is made available to them to a large extent. They are often omnivores but can be trained to survive on a vegetarian diet as long as their protein needs are met with.
In some cases where their human masters were found to have allergies, even the dogs responded by developing a similar diet restriction.
Interesting Insight on Life, Life Span and Aging in Dogs:
The reproductive system of dogs works in a slightly different manner from humans. They reach their age of sexual maturity between ages 6 and twelve months.
Twice a year, the female dogs will face an oestrous cycle that helps their bodies prepare for a pregnancy.
Their ova can survive and be fertilized even after a week, making it possible for them to mate with more than one male dog.
The gestation period lasts for an average of about 60 days. The age and lifespan of a dog can greatly vary depending on the breed. However, the weight and life span inversely correlate. The heavier the dog may weight, shorter is his life span.
However, aging in dogs works differently as compared to the human system of years.
Facts about a Dog’s Intelligence and Perception Skills:
Did you know? Dogs are extremely intelligent and can retain knowledge to apply during problem solving.
Not only can they learn from situations, but they also understand various forms of communication by man. Verbal commands as well as gestures are understood and they also engage in the art of deception.
However, domesticated dogs often refer to their masters instead of relying on their in-born ability to solve problems due to their socialising and interactions with humans.
Dogs are extremely social as animals. They have played diverse roles ranging from hunters and shepherds to domestic, tamed pets. Their nature and adaptability skills have also led to them being used as guides or aids. Their uncanny ability to perceive emotions has also led to them becoming a good source of company for people living alone and as therapists.
