Fun and Educational Dog Facts

Dogs are members of the family, serving as companions and guardians who are always up for a game, or keeping their owners safe at night. Dogs play a vital role in many people's lives, not just as pets, but also as working dogs and service dogs, saving lives in more ways than one. Dogs are renowned as "Man's best friend" for a reason: They improve our lives in a variety of ways. Understanding how to best care for them and learning fun facts can help you better bond with your furry companion.

Owning and Caring for a Dog

Dogs are incredible animals, and recent scientific studies have given dog lovers greater insight into their canine companions than ever before. Using the knowledge you learn through reading, observing, and spending time with your dog can prove beneficial to your relationship.

Choosing a Dog

Depending on your living situation, deciding to get a dog is a big decision. Families with small children, those living in smaller spaces, and those who have canine allergies need to carefully consider what kind of dog they want, and if a dog is appropriate for their situation.

Choosing the ideal dog is a difficult task. It's vital to select a breed -- or mix of breeds -- that matches your energy level and way of life. Whether you buy a dog from a breeder or adopt from a shelter, researching the breed and choosing the one that suits you is important.

Fun Facts

• Only the Beagle, which was among the top five most popular breeds in 1934, is still in the top five now.
• The Labrador Retriever has been in the top 10 most popular breeds list of the American Kennel Club for more than 30 years, longer than any other breed.
• The Australian Shepherd is an American breed, not an Australian breed.
• Dalmatians are born white and gradually develop markings as they get older.
• The Norwegien Lundehund is a very rare dog breed and the only one developed specifically for puffin hunting.
• Cheetahs can be defeated by greyhounds in a race. Cheetahs can run twice as fast as greyhounds, but only for around 30 seconds at 70 miles per hour (mph). For around 7 miles, a Greyhound can maintain a 35 mph speed. So, while the cheetah can take the lead initially, the greyhound will quickly catch up.
• A Bloodhound's sense of smell is so good that the results of its tracking can be used as evidence in court.
• The Saluki is the oldest dog breed in the world. They can be found in graves dating back to 2100 B.C. in Egypt.
• The Alaskan Malamute can survive temperatures as low as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Choosing the Best Name for Your Dog

Choosing a name for your dog is one of the most enjoyable aspects of dog ownership. It might also be one of the most difficult, because you want a name that reflects your dog's personality and your own interests. Dogs in history, regional cultures, and books, movies, and TV shows are all common sources of name inspiration for dog owners. When you choose the correct name, it will seem like it was made just for your unique pup. Did you know:

• Naming dogs and puppies dates back to the ancient Greeks, and it was, and continues to be, a very essential phase in dog ownership.
• Within the first few days to weeks of being brought home, most dogs will begin to learn their name.
• Short, 5- to 10-minute training sessions can help you teach your dog their name.

Keeping Your Dog Healthy

Maintaining your dog's health and fitness can help him live a longer, more stress-free life. Veterinary care may be costly, especially in a down economy, so keeping your pets healthy can save you money, as well. You'll probably give your dog extra attention as they become older to deal with age-related concerns including arthritis and canine cognitive dysfunction. Dog care also includes keeping them safe from potential threats such as severe heat in the summer, gardening with toxic plants, and using non-toxic household cleaners. You should also be aware of any dog food and dog treat recalls to avoid gastrointestinal problems and even poisoning.

Interesting Facts about Health and Care

• Petting a dog and gazing into their eyes releases oxytocin, known as the "Happy Hormone."
• The average dog lives between 10 to 14 years.
• Smaller breeds live longer on average than larger ones.
• Dogs who have been spayed or neutered live longer than intact dogs.

Interesting Facts about Toxic Plants

• Aloe can cause vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea.
• Cyanide is found in apricot stems, leaves, and seeds, and it is more dangerous when the fruit is wilting: Look for brick-red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and signs of shock.
• Apple stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanide, and may result in brick-red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock.
• Azaleas can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, coma, cardiovascular collapse, and death.
• Begonias can cause burning of the mouth, lips and tongue, drooling, vomiting, and problems swallowing.
• Diarrhea, vomiting, and depression are all symptoms of American Holly, which is commonly used over the holidays.

Learn the Information About Your Dog

All of the information required to properly care for a dog might be overwhelming at first, especially for novice dog owners. Taking the time to go over all of the tasks involved in caring for a dog and selecting the perfect dog for you will pay off in the end when you find your new best friend.