Fourteen Trivia Tidbits

After a hiatus, we are back and better than ever. So to celebrate our return, here are fourteen interesting facts about dogs.

It is much easier for dogs to learn spoken commands if they are given in conjunction with hand signals or gestures.

Dogs like sweets a lot more than cats do. While cats have around only 473 taste buds, dogs have about 1,700 taste buds. Humans have approximately 9,000.

Dogs are about as smart as a two- or three-year-old child. This means they can understand about 150-200 words, including signals and hand movements with the same meaning as words.

Pekingese is referred to as a “sleeve” because it was bred to fit into a Chinese empress’ sleeves, which was how it was often carried around.

Puppies are sometimes rejected by their mother if they are born by cesarean and cleaned up before being given back to her.^c

The phrase “raining cats and dogs” originated in seventeenth-century England. During heavy rainstorms, many homeless animals would drown and float down the streets, giving the appearance that it had actually rained cats and dogs.

The most popular male dog names are Max and Jake. The most popular female dog names are Maggie and Molly.

Scholars have argued over the metaphysical interpretation of Dorothy’s pooch, Toto, in the Wizard of Oz. One theory postulates that Toto represents Anubis, the dog-headed Egyptian god of death, because Toto consistently keeps Dorothy from safely returning home.^d

The ancient religion Zoroastrianism includes in its religious text titled the Zend Avesta a section devoted to the care and breeding of dogs

At the end of WWI, the German government trained the first guide dogs for war-blinded soldiers.

The names of 77 ancient Egyptian dogs have been recorded. The names refer to color and character, such as Blackie, Ebony, Good Herdsman, Reliable, and Brave One.

Some dogs can smell dead bodies under water, where termites are hiding, and natural gas buried under 40 feet of dirt. They can even detect cancer that is too small to be detected by a doctor and can find lung cancer by sniffing a person’s breath.

The most intelligent dogs are reportedly the Border Collie and the Poodle, while the least intelligent dogs are the Afghan Hound and the Basenji

In 2003, Dr. Roger Mugford invented the “wagometer,” a device that claims to interpret a dog’s exact mood by measuring the wag of its tail.

Common Fears and How to Help

 Weather

Astraphobia, the fear of thunder, is a very common fear in dogs. This phobia can range from mild discomfort to full-blown anxiety attacks.

Unfortunately there is no way to tell for certain what the cause of such fears, but there are many speculations, most logical of which is the loudness and unpredictability of thunder. Another hypothesis is that the change in barometric pressure and humidity often alerts dogs to storms brewing before it even hits. Usually, dogs with astraphobia are afraid of other loud noises such as fireworks or gunshots.

If your dog seems anxious, hyperactive, and destructive behavior, he may be suffering from this phobia. Other symptoms can include pacing, whining, attention-seeking, or hiding. It is also common for dogs with a fear of thunder to urinate or defecate indoors. A dogs’ behavior can grow to a point where they are a danger to themselves or to people. 

There are several things you can do to help your dog, the most important of which is to continue with your usual routine. Don’t pay special attention to your dog when he is exhibiting signs of fear or anxiety. Even if it seems like he needs comforting, giving him praise and attention can reinforce the unwanted behavior. Even with change, some dogs will need the help of a professional. Consult your primary veterinarian about possible treatments.

 Being Alone

Separation anxiety is a disorder that causes a dog to panic at the thought of being left alone. It can be so overwhelming that when you leave, he can be destructive, bark incessantly, and urinate and defecate in the house. This condition can be very stressful on both sides because regular obedience training doesn’t cover it.

There are, however, things you can do to reduce your dog’s anxiety. It’s a process called systematic desensitization, which is a method of gradually allowing him to get used to being home on their own.

Firstly, rule out boredom. Many people mistake boredom with separation anxiety. While both are accompanied by problem behaviors, i.e chewing and excessive barking, they are different in the fact that boredom can be  overcome with more exercise and stimulation throughout the day.

To prevent your dog from building anxiety, make some changes to your own behavior. Pay attention to the things you do before you leave the house, and begin doing them randomly throughout the day. For example, you can grab your keys and sit down to watch television, or put on your coat and feed your dog. Within a few weeks, your dog should no longer see these things as signs that you are about to walk out the door, and some of his anxiety should be eased.

 Stairs

The fear of ascending and descending a staircase is fairly common, mostly in young dogs who may not have encountered them as puppies. But before you start searching for behavioral issues that fit with a dog’s fear of stairs, talk to your vet. It could be a physical problem such as pain when using the stairs.

The majority of dogs with a phobia of stairs are the ones that weren’t exposed to steps as a puppy, and in some cases, a dog who has had a traumatic experience, like falling.

Overcoming a fear like this is simple. Make sure that there is nothing on the stairs, especially things that your dog might trip over. Then, distract your dog from his fear. Rather than forcing him to go up and down steps, try tricking into going up or down with simple distractions like praise and attention. Walk slowly up or down, coaxing your dog to follow you. Overcoming this phobia can take a lot of time and effort. Take one step at a time— literally.

 Men

When people discover that a dog is afraid of men, they very often attribute it to a bad experience. While being abused by a man may cause a lifelong fear of all men, this is not the most likely culprit.

Usually a fear of men in dogs can be traced to not being exposed to a wide variety of men in early puppyhood. Even a dog who has lived with a man can be fearful of men who are different than the one they are familiar with. Men are usually taller than women or children, have deeper voices, and may have different features, such as facial hair. When you look at things from the dog's perspective, it's easy to see how a lack of socialization with men early on in life can lead to a lifelong fear of men.

The Reasons Why

Why do dogs wag their tails?

It's commonly believed that dogs wag their tails to convey that they are happy and friendly, but this isn't exactly true. Dogs have a kind of language that's based on the position and motion of their tails. The position of a dog's tail reveals its emotional state. 

When a dog is relaxed, its tail will be in its "natural" position, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

This natural position differs between breeds. The tails of most dogs, for example, hang down near their hocks, or heels. But pugs have tails that curl upward, and greyhounds have tails that rest slightly between their legs. 

If a dog is nervous or submissive, it'll hold its tail lower than its natural position, and will tuck its tail under its body if it's scared. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a tail held higher than normal may indicate the dog is aroused by something, while a vertical tail indicates aggression.

A tail held straight out means the dog is curious about something.

Tail wagging reflects a dog's excitement, with more vigorous wagging relating to greater excitement. 

Why do cats purr?

Happiness

Your cat looks relaxed: Perhaps she's on her back, eyes half-closed, tail mostly still. If she's purring, it's safe to assume she's in her happy place.

That noise is a big smile.

Hunger

Some cats purr when it's mealtime. British researchers studied the sounds that house cats make when they're hungry and when food isn't on their minds. The purrs don't sound the same.

When cats purr for food, they combine their normal purr with an unpleasant cry or mew, a bit like a human baby's cry. Experts believe that we're more likely to respond to this sound. They've found that people can tell the difference between the purrs, even if they aren't cat owners.

Kitten-Mother Connection

Kittens can purr when they're only a few days old. Purring helps a kitten bond with its mother, who uses it like a lullaby.

Pain Relief and Healing

Even though purring takes energy, many cats purr when they get hurt or are in pain. So what makes the effort worth it?

It might simply be a way for a cat to soothe itself, like a child sucks their thumb to feel better.

But research suggests that purring actually helps cats get better faster. The low frequency of purrs causes a series of related vibrations within their body that can:

• Heal bones and wounds

• Build muscle and repair tendons

• Ease breathing

• Lessen pain and swelling

Why do dogs bury bones?

Burying bones is a serious business for dogs that is driven by heredity and instinct. This process is called caching or hoarding, and it is common among dogs, wolves and foxes. In fact, other animals practice a form of caching; squirrels gather enough nuts to last through the winter, and camels store enough food and water to last for several days in the desert. Our domesticated dogs may have their food handed to them each day in sufficient quantities, but they still carry this caching trait and bury their bones or toys in the back yard – or even under your pillows – to guard against a possible shortage of food.

Why do cats meow?

I’m hurt – If your cat suddenly begins to meow excessively, take him to be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. Your cat’s meows may indicate that there is something medically wrong, especially if the behavior isn’t typical.

I’m just saying hi – Often a cat meows to his human when you come home or even to greet you when you see each other in the house.

I want food – The “I’m hungry” meow is likely one all cat parents know well. Lots of cats know just how to tell their families that it’s time for dinner.

Pay attention to me – Sometimes cats talk simply because they want your attention – and they learn that meowing gets them just that.

Let me in – If a door is closed, cats might meow to get you to open it for them.

I’m stressed – Cats who are stressed may become more vocal than normal. You may have experienced this first hand with a cat meowing loudly in the car on the way to the vet, for example.

I’m ticked off – Angry, agitated cats will often erupt into a screaming match if they feel threatened enough to attack.

I don’t want to be alone – When some cats are left alone for lengthy periods of time, they may become anxious and, among other things, meow excessively.

I’m getting older – Increased vocalization is fairly common in senior cats. As cats age, they may display a decrease in cognitive function, demonstrated in a variety of ways, including loud meowing

Why do dogs pant?

Obviously, dogs have a vastly different physiology than people. For one thing, dogs have fur -- the equivalent of a coat. 

Once their body temperature rises, dogs can’t sweat through their skin like we do to cool off. Dogs do sweat through their paw pads, but it’s by panting that dogs circulate the necessary air through their bodies to cool down. 

Panting is a sign that your dog is excited, hot, or both. But panting is also a warning sign. If your dog is taking a break from exercise and continues to pant heavily, this could be a sign of heatstroke – a medical emergency. Move your dog to a cool spot or indoors immediately. When playing with your dog outside in hot weather, it’s vital to bring along water for her to drink too. 

Why do cats scratch?

Marking their territory

Scratching is a territorial instinct used by cats to claim their turf. Through scratching, cats mark their domains with more than just visible signs of claw marks. Cat's paws also have scent glands that leave their own special scent on their territory.

Exercise

Scratching also serves to keep your cat in shape. The act of scratching stretches and pulls and works the muscles of a cat's front quarters.

Sheer pleasure

It feels good to scratch. So give up the idea of reforming your cat’s desire to scratch. Rechannel her into scratching where you want her to.

Cats don't understand physical punishment. In addition to it being wrong to hit your cat, punishment simply doesn't work and is likely to make your situation worse. Clever though cats are about many things, they don't understand that you're punishing them for scratching the couch. She will only compute that sometimes when you catch her she is treated badly. This may make her insecure and stimulate her to scratch more or develop other undesirable behavior problems. Eventually you will break the trust and security that is the basis for your cat's relationship with you, and you will find it very difficult to catch her for any reason at all. Cats have excellent memories and hold serious grudges.

http://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/behavior-training/understanding-your-dog/why-do-dogs-bury-bones

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Common Diseases in Dogs

Ear Infections:

Ear infections are a common canine health problem, and they can be caused by allergies, yeast, ear mites, bacteria, hair growth deep in the ear canal, and more. Symptoms your dog may have with an ear infection include:

• Head shaking or head tilting

• Ear odor

• Vigorous scratching

• Lack of balance

• Unusual back-and-forth eye movements

• Redness of the ear canal

• Swelling of the outer portion of the ear

• Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge

Worms

Tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms are common internal parasites in dogs. And although any worm infestation can make him uncomfortable, some, like hookworms, can be fatal in puppies. Signs your dog may have worms include:

• Diarrhea (may be bloody)

• Weight loss

• A change in appetite

• A rough, dry coat

• Scooting on his bottom

• An overall poor appearance

Fleas

It takes just three weeks for one flea to turn into an infestation of 1,000 biting bugs. A very common canine health problem, fleas are easy for your dog to pick up, but they're also easy to treat. Signs your dog may have fleas include:

• Excessive scratching, licking, or biting at the skin

• Hair loss

• Hot spots

• Allergic dermatitis

• Tapeworms (which are carried by fleas)

• Flea dirt (looks like small black dots) against your dog's skin

Untreated, fleas not only make your dog intensely uncomfortable, they can also cause allergic reactions, infections, and even lead to anemia from blood loss.

Talk to your vet about the right flea medicine for your dog, which may include oral medicine, shampoos, sprays, or topical liquids.

Hot Spots:

They’re commonly known as hot spots, but the medical term for those bare, inflamed, red areas you often see on dogs is acute moist dermatitis -- a bacterial skin infection. Anything that irritates your dog's skin enough to make him scratch or chew can lead to the pain and itch of hot spots, which, if left untreated, can quickly grow larger.

A hot spot's location can help your vet diagnose its cause. Fleas, for example, may be the source of a hip hot spot, while a hot spot at the ear might point to ear problems.

Treating hot spots may involve shaving and cleaning the irritated area, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), steroids, or topical medications, depending on how bad the hot spots are, and how much pain your pooch is in.

Vomiting:

Vomiting is a common dog health problem, with dozens of possible causes, from infection or intestinal parasites to pancreatitis, kidney failure, heatstroke, or poisoning.

Symptoms are basic: abdominal heaving and drooling caused by nausea. If your dog also has diarrhea, blood in the vomit, seems lethargic, continues vomiting, or can't hold down liquids, contact your vet right away to prevent life-threatening dehydration.

Treatment depends on what's causing a dog's distress, and may include fluid therapy, drugs to control vomiting, and homemade foods like well-cooked skinless chicken, boiled potatoes, and rice.

Diarrhea:

Diarrhea in dogs, as with vomiting, can have lots of causes, including stress, infections like parvo virus, intestinal parasites, and food problems.

Diarrhea symptoms are pretty obvious -- look for loose, watery, or liquid stool.

Because diarrhea can easily lead to dehydration, be sure your dog has plenty of clean water available, then take your pooch to the vet if the diarrhea persists for more than a day, or immediately if there's also fever, lethargy, vomiting, dark or bloody stools, or loss of appetite.

What's He Saying? Dog Behavior

Growling:

A growling dog is a warning. It alerts those who hear it of an impending attack. Growling is a definite form of communication for dogs, not unlike hissing in cats. Your dog is trying to alert you of their unhappiness, and may be expressing a number of things. This behavior may be coupled with baring of the dog’s teeth.

• Fear
• Dogs have been known to growl when they are afraid. This can be directed at strangers or other things that cause the dog to feel threatened. It’s a clear message: “Back off.”

• Possession Aggression
• Other canines will growl over their things: food bowls, toys, and such. When you approach your dog while he is eating or chewing on a toy, the growl he makes is a warning to stay away from his possessions.

• Pain
• Dog growling may also occur due to the pain of an injury or illness. Very often their pain or illness is followed by veterinarians poking and prodding. This means on top of the pain, dogs are experiencing a great deal of confusion. The dog may associate the people trying to help him with the pain and fear. 

• Territorial
• Another reason for growling is guarding their space. This could mean their yard, their house, even their crates. When a dog sees someone in his space who he think’s shouldn’t be there, the growling begins.

Barking:

• Anxiety
• Like purring in cats, barking may signify that your dog is trying to calm himself down. It’s usually a high-pitched sound that’s followed by whining. 

• Warning/Alert
• It’s natural or a dog to bark at the mailman or even at someone just passing by on the street. This type of barking is a warning, a way of saying, “Don’t mess with me”. This bark can also alert you to dangers such as a house fire.

• Excitement
• Most common in puppies, a bark like this is indicative of play. It generally sounds upbeat or musical. Some dogs will bark like that when they know they are about to go on a walk or car ride. 

• Attention-Seeking
• When you hear this bark, it isn’t hard to tell what it means. It is specifically tailored to attract your attention.
• Boredom
• The bark of a bored dog sounds like a dog that barks just to hear her own voice. Though it tends to be annoying, it is also kind of sad. Bored dogs often bark to release excess energy, and sometimes bark out of loneliness.

Tail Wagging:

• A wagging tail does not equal a dog that is friendly or wants to be petted. Dogs use their tails to communicate strong emotions such as agitation, annoyance and anger as well as happiness. A person can get bitten by a dog that's wagging his tail because he read the signs incorrectly.

Licking:

• For the most part, it’s a sign of affection. From the day they were born, their mother licked them to clean and stimulate them. Licking is connected to their earliest social bonds, so it’s a significant part of their social signals. People aren’t exaggerating when they call it puppy kisses: a dog who licks you is showing you love. It’s why your dog licks your hand happily when you walk in the door, and why many dogs will lick you after you’ve been petting them. They’re returning the friendly gesture.

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The Cat's Meow: Feline Behavior

Scratching: 

Everyone knows that cats like to scratch. They can tear up the couch, ruin the chairs in the dining room, and reduce the curtains to shreds. This behavior is instinctive and natural for cats. 

There are several things to try that could stop kitty from destroying furniture. Posts and scratchers have a coarse, nubbly texture that cats are attracted to, because it’s something they can really sink their claws into. Rub a bit of catnip on them to make it even more desirable.

Since cats are all about texture, cover the off-limits spots with things your cat will find unappealing on her paws, like double-sided sticky tape, aluminum foil, sheets of sandpaper or a plastic carpet runner with the pointy side up.

Many cats don't like the odor of citrus or menthol. Try attaching cotton balls soaked in cologne or a muscle rub to the places you want her to leave alone.

Declawing isn’t the solution.   

Scratching is normal cat behavior. It isn't done to destroy a favorite chair or to get even. Cats scratch to remove the dead husks from their claws, mark territory, and stretch their muscles. So many people mistakenly believe declawing is harmless and a ‘quick fix’, but in truth, declawing will cause lasting problems for your cat.

Biting:

We all know that sometimes cats turn on their owners. It’s a common behavioral problem. Here are four reasons that cats bite.

1. She is in pain.

Sudden aggression may be a cover for her true feelings. It’s a natural reaction in the wild to disguise their pain.

2. She is afraid.

A fear response in a cat will cause biting and scratching. If your cat is acting fearful it is best to leave her alone until she calms down.

3.She is playing.

Some kittens who are separated from their litter too soon will not understand how to play. If they do not have this opportunity they may bite you during play and not even realize it.

Head Butts:

Cats have scent glands all over their body and they use them to leave a scent mark. This behavior is reserved for bonding, social, comforting and friendly purposes. When your cat engages in head bunting or head rubbing, she is placing her scent there as a social and affectionate gesture. 

Kneading:

Kneading is the motion cats make by rhythmically alternating their paws, pushing in and out against a pliable, soft object (such as a lap). While not all cats knead, it is a common behavior for young and adult felines alike, so it's likely your cat does it. 

Cats start to knead as kittens while nursing from their mother. A nursing kitten instinctually kneads to help stimulate the mother’s milk production. Even though kneading a soft surface doesn’t yield milk, adult cats forever associate the motion of kneading with the rewarding comfort of nursing.

WHAT DOES PURRING MEAN?

Contented cats often purr, which is why the sound is often associated with happiness. For example, cats frequently purr when their favorite person pets them. You might also notice this common form of purring when you feed or play with your cat, or when she is relaxing in a stray sunbeam through the window.

Sometimes your cat purrs not because she is already content, but because she wants to calm herself down. If you've ever noticed her purr getting louder as you place her on the vet's examination table, you can understand this. 

If your cat is in pain, her purr may actually be helping her heal. Purrs occur at a frequency of 25 to 150 Hz, just the right range for promoting healing and improving bone density. By purring, your cat may be trying to gently stimulate her bones and muscles so she can get back to normal more quickly.

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Common Stereotypes and Myths About Cats and Dogs

LARGE DOGS ARE ALL AGGRESSIVE:

No dog is born dangerous. People who own supposedly aggressive dog breeds like Pit Bulls, Doberman, and German Shepherds will tell you this. It is how they are raised that determines their temperament. Unfortunately, many dog owners will raise large dogs to be fighting dogs. Here is something to think about: any dog will lash out at humans if he feels threatened. However, a Chihuahua bite is much less serious than a Pit Bull’s.

In a study published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science came up with the most aggressive dog breeds, and their answer will surprise you. The most aggressive breed was the Dachshund. The study also showed that one in every five of this breed has bitten or attempted to bite their owners.

The least aggressive were identified as Basset Hounds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Siberian Huskies. Pit Bulls and Rottweilers were scored about average, hardly the deadly breeds that society has named them.

DOGS LIKE TASTY FOOD:

Nope. Actually, dogs have very weak taste buds. They eat primarily based on their sense of smell. While they can detect bitter, sweet, salty, and sour, they don’t perceive it the way humans do, and they have only one-sixth the number of taste buds that we do. It is important that, while he may beg for scraps, it is much better for him and you if he is fed healthy, well-balanced meals with high protein and fiber.

DOGS AND BONES:

Another familiar example is the image of a dog snacking on a big, juicy bone. Unfortunately, this practice can be extremely dangerous. Bones, while enticing, can cause many health issues.

Bones are hard enough to crack and fracture their teeth. This can lead to root canals or even tooth extraction. Then there’s the risk of oral injuries. When bone breaks, it splinters. Razor-sharp chips and fragments can become lodged in all sorts of painful places. The digestive system, which includes the esophagus, the stomach, small intestine, and colon, is also at risk of lacerations and punctures due to the pieces of bone that can become lodged inside, any of which can be fatal.

BLACK CATS REPRESENT EVIL:

These poor cats. Long considered to be bad luck and the servants of witches, they have never had it easy. But there is no evidence that the gene for black fur is in any way connected to bad luck. On the contrary; In Japan and the UK, they are prized. Neither are black cats evil. Playful and energetic behaviors, like jumping on your feet or scratching up your armchair, shouldn’t be confused with an attack.

Sadly, what is true about black cats is that they are unwanted. They are only half as likely to be adopted as other cats. It seems that the age-old fear of these felines is enough to overlook such a pet. Every cat, including the black ones, deserve a loving home, because, all superstition aside, they make wonderful pets.

DECLAWING CATS IS HARMLESS:

Imagine if one day a doctor said that, to make sure you didn’t scratch anyone, your nails should be removed— permanently. You’d say no, wouldn’t you? There’s just one problem: that’s what declawing does to a cat. You are removing a crucial part of a cat’s identity, and hurting them in an irreversible fashion.

There are several ways to perform the operation. One, amputate their toes with a scalpel. Two, a laser cuts through bone and tissue, heating the flesh and vaporizing it. Three, cut the tendons that connect each claw, making it impossible for the cat to extend their claws or to even control them.

The truth is, cats scratch. They do it to sharpen their claws, to mark their property, and to calm themselves when they get overexcited. The behavior cannot be stopped by declawing. It often leads to worse problems like aggression or inappropriate urination. Declawing should never be an option. It is dangerous and extremely painful.

CATS AND MILK:

While we have all seen the cute cartoons depicting cats happily lapping up milk out of a saucer, the truth is that, after becoming an adult, cats become lactose intolerant. So, even if you think you are giving your cat a treat, chances are it will make her sick. The lactase in milk often causes a cat to have an upset stomach. 

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