Unusual Facts about Dogs for National Dog Day
Happy National Dog Day! While there are many ways to celebrate National Dog Day, we're choosing to do it with some fun facts. Here are some unusual facts about pups that you might not know.
Plenty of Teeth!
While puppies only have 28 teeth, dogs will have 42 teeth once they're adults. This difference is pretty similar to a human - who will have 20 teeth when they're children and 32 teeth when they're adults.
No Spots!
If you see an all-white puppy, they might not stay that way! If they're a dalmatian, they will eventually develop their spots. That's because their fur changes over time. Though they're born with puppy-fur, you'll be able to see their black spots on their skin underneath.
Night Goggles
Notice that your pup has no trouble running around in the dark? Dogs' eyes are much more adaptive to the dark than ours! Dogs have something called the tapetum lucidum in their eyes, which is a special membrane that allows them to see in the dark.
Sharp Ears
There's a reason your dog's ear might perk up even if you don't hear anything. While most humans hear best at 2,000 Hz, dogs can hear much higher frequencies, with their best hearing being at 8,000 Hz.
It's No Sweat
While humans have the ability to sweat anywhere on their body (especially if it's hot!), dogs only sweat through the pads of their feet. This helps them stay cool and it explains why their fur doesn't get damp even when it's hot.
Limited Colors
While many people think that dogs are totally colorblind, they actually do see some colors! Dogs primarily see shades of grey, yellow, green-yellow, and blue.
Protecting Themselves
We love our dogs when they curl up into little balls to sleep - it's one of the most adorable things that they do! But it turns out, they do this as an instinct passed down from ancestors. Dogs in the wild would curl into themselves in order to both stay warm and protect their vulnerable organs from predators.
Now go out and finish celebrating National Dog Day with your pup by your side!