​Most dog owners probably consider themselves experts on the subject. Yet, the more that researchers study dogs, the more they uncover truths about them that that will surprise even the biggest dog lover. We came across this list by Clayton Lunch at Honest to Paws – click here to read the whole post. See how many of these 20 fascinating dog facts you already know.  They may just change the way you look at your best friends forever!

1. Dogs aren’t just cute, they’re scientifically cute: If you’ve ever wondered why we find dogs so irresistibly adorable, it’s partly because they exhibit something called “neoteny.” That’s the retention of their baby-like characteristics, such as their big eyes and jovial demeanors, into adulthood.
2. Dogs have an incredible sense of direction: A dog’s ability to see UV light and to “feel” the Earth’s magnetic fields means they have a great sense of direction. Some researchers have found they utilize the same ultrasound waves as bats too!
3. A dog’s sense of smell is super powerful: It’s certainly no secret that dogs use their noses to guide them, but did you know they’re capable of sensing a spoonful of sugar in an Olympic-sized swimming pool? No wonder they can always find the treats in your house!
4. Dogs’ noses are wet for a reason: Have you ever noticed your dog’s nose always seems wet? That’s because it secretes a layer of mucus to help them absorb incoming scents. Once absorbed, they lick their noses to sample or taste the scent.
5. Dogs are capable of smelling human diseases: A study conducted at the Schillerhohe Hospital in Germany helped researchers learn that dogs can recognize certain organic compounds in the human body through their sense of smell. They can sniff out cancer and diabetes, for instance.
6. Dogs have dreams: While sleeping dogs all exhibit brainwave patterns similar to those of humans, not all are created equal. In fact, research found that small dogs dream more frequently than large ones, having one every 10 minutes compared to one every hour.
7. Dogs are smart.  But you knew that already - It’s easy to write off dogs in the intelligence department, but the American Psychological Association would beg to differ. It found dogs can be about as smart as two year olds, with the ability to perform math equations and understand up to 250 words!
8. Dogs are incapable of feeling guilt: While it’s believed dogs can experience a range of emotions, “guilt” is not one of them. When they do something wrong, they’re not really ashamed; researchers believe we’re simply projecting the way they’re supposed to feel onto them.
9. Dogs run hot: Not only do dogs have a higher regular body temperature—100.4 degrees Fahrenheit to our 98.6—but they also only have sweat glands on their paws. So it’s important to be careful with them out there in the summer heat!
10. Dogs can fall in love: Claremont Graduate University professor Paul Zak conducted a study that found a dog’s brain releases oxytocin—the “love” chemical—when it interacts with both dogs and humans. It works the same way as humans when we kiss or hug someone!

Want to read the rest of the list?  click here to read the whole post Clayton Lunch at Honest to Paws.

Have you seen the new If My Dog Could Cook store?
Announcing the launch of the If My Dog Could Cook Community Store! Now you can shop for practical gift items for your fellow dog lovers, friends and family. We add new items daily.
 

Before you go - Please tell your friends about If My Dog Could Cook and don't forget to share photos of you and your dog on our Facebook and Pinterest pages.


Dog Tested – Dog Approved!

Do you dress your dog up in a costume for Halloween? Millions of people do and some get extreme. In fact dog costumes have become a $400 million dollar industry. Halloween is just around the corner, and that can only mean one thing: Pet owners everywhere will soon be scrambling to find the perfect costume for their pooch. You can make your own and we’ll provide you with a few ideas later.  While we think it is adorable, consider your dogs comfort as well - Some dogs love wearing costumes and others don’t. Unless they are raised with things like coats and boots, they may make it hard to move.  Dogs like their freedom – so limit your creativity to a vest style costume and maybe a cap. Be sure that it is inedible and doesn’t have any small pieces that can fall off or be eaten, and it shouldn't be made with anything that could be hazardous to your pet's health, such as toxic dye or any paint. If you take your dog trick-or-treating with your family, be extra careful when crossing streets while walking at night. Have fun and be sure to bring lots of water for your canine companion. 

If you are interested in making your own dog costume, here are a few clever ideas:
https://www.craftymorning.com/the-best-homemade-dog-halloween-costumes
 
Here are some dog costume failures and very unhappy dogs – avoid these ideas at all cost
https://dogtime.com/holiday/67979-10-unhappy-dogs-in-halloween-costumes-picture-gallery?fullpage=1#/slide/1
 
Here’s a video with some common sense advice http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/preview/partner_id/641622/uiconf_id/29033621/entry_id/1_mk759o6c/embed/dynamic
 
Please share your Halloween costume photos with IfMyDogCouldCook on Facebook or by email to info@ifmydogcouldcook.com. 

Announcing the launch of the If My Dog Could Cook Community Store! Now you can shop for practical gift items for your fellow dog lovers, friends and family.  We’ve started with a special Halloween section and will be adding new items daily.
Here is the link to the store:
https://if-my-dog-could-cook.myshopify.com/

Please tell your friends about If My Dog Could Cook.

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As a member of the If My Dog Could Cook community here is the latest information to keep your dog happy and healthy.

We love our dogs and know that you do too.  Wouldn’t you like to prolong your dog’s life and ensure that he or she stays healthy and active?  You’ve heard us know the value of feeding your dog the best food possible, after all, what would your dog cook if they could?  Surely only the finest will do.

Below are five tips that will help keep your dog happy and healthy for years to come.

1. Feed your dog a high quality diet.

Dogs that are fed a high quality diet have a shiny hair coat, healthy skin, and bright eyes. A good diet can help strengthen your pet’s immune system, maintain his or her intestinal health, increase mental state, keep joints and muscles healthy, and generally allow your dog to feel better and be more active. 

2. Watch the weight!

Yes – we know you have a few extra pounds and your dog probably does too – Dogs that are overweight are at risk for a myriad of health issues. Obesity is the number one nutritional disease in dogs and studies have shown that being overweight or obese can shorten a dog’s life span by as much as two years. Why? Being overweight or obese puts your pet at risk for joint disease, heart disease and diabetes, - just like humans!  So limit food consumption and get your dog outside and play – you will both have more fun.

3. Take your dog to the veterinarian regularly.

Dogs know when they are going to the vet and usually protest - However, regular veterinary care is important. A routine examination by your veterinarian can uncover health issues that you may not detect. In many cases, an early diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment and can cost less than when the illness becomes more severe.

 4. Keep your dog smiling!

 A common problem among dogs is dental disease. Oral health issues can cause your pet pain, making it difficult them to eat. If left untreated, oral health issues may even lead to heart and kidney disease. In addition to regular dental checkups, the most effective means of caring for your pet’s mouth at home is to brush his or her teeth (yes you can do it but don’t use regular toothpaste – just plain warm water). If your pet doesn’t like toothbrushes there are other alternatives as well, including dental diets, treats, and toys. Ask your veterinarian for some recommendations.

5. Do not allow your pet outside unsupervised.

We see this too often in our neighborhood – a dog walking alone on the side of the road – no harm – -- Wrong! Allowing your dog to roam free may seem like you’re doing your pet a favor. However, pets that roam are susceptible to a number of dangers, including automobile accidents, predators like hawks, coyotes, evil people, contagious diseases, exposure to poisons, and more. Allowing your dog to roam unsupervised may anger your neighbors if your dog trespasses and relieves “themselves on their lawn or digs up their garden.

This story was adapted from a post by Lorie Huston, DVM

We hope that you enjoy these tips - please visit us at ifmydogcouldcook.com for more tips, recipes and more to keep your dog happy and healthy.