Pets are a part of the family for many people, and because of this, pet health has become an incredibly important topic. Oftentimes, people have a good grasp on the basics of pet health, such as grooming and staying up to date on vaccines. But did you know that dogs can get diabetes? Or that cats can suffer from liver disease? These are just a few pet health facts that will astound you. Read on to learn more and keep your furry friend safe!
The Basics Of Pet Health
As a pet owner, it is important to understand the basics of pet health in order to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. First, it is important to provide your pet with a nutritious diet. This means choosing food specifically for your pet’s species and life stage. For example, kittens and puppies need a different type of food than adult cats and dogs. Second, it is important to keep your pet up-to-date on vaccinations.
Vaccinations help protect your pet from diseases that could be potentially deadly. Finally, it is important to provide your pet with regular exercise. Exercise helps to keep your pet’s muscles and bones strong, and it can also help to prevent obesity. Following these simple tips can help ensure a long and healthy life for your beloved pet.
Pet Health Facts That Will Astound You
Once you understand the basics well, you can begin diving into the vast world of pet health. And while you could spend hours reading about different pet health topics, here is a compiled list of some of the most astounding pet health facts:
Dogs Sweat Through Their Feet
While humans sweat through their pores all over their bodies, dogs sweat through their feet. This is why you may notice your dog’s paw pads are wet after a walk on a hot day. The sweat glands in a dog’s paw pads secrete an odorless, colorless liquid that helps to cool them down. Dogs also have sweat glands between their toes, which is why you may see wet footprints on your floor after your dog has been lying on the tile.
While sweating through their feet is the main way dogs regulate their body temperature, they also pant and release heat through their tongue and ears. So, if you see your dog panting and licking its paws, they are probably trying to cool off!
Cats Don’t Have Collarbones
Cats are unique among mammals in many ways, but one of the most pronounced is their lack of collarbones. Most mammals have collarbones, or clavicles, which attach the shoulder blade to the rest of the skeleton. Uniquely, cats lack these bones, which gives them their lithe, flexible bodies. The downside is that cats are more susceptible to dislocation and fractures than other animals.
However, the feline skeleton has evolved to compensate for this weakness. For example, cats have extremely flexible joints, which allow them to contort their bodies in seemingly impossible ways. In addition, they have a special membrane that attaches their shoulder blades to their ribs, providing additional stability. As a result, while they may be fragile creatures, cats can still thrive in the wild and your home.
Spaying Your Dog Can Prevent Some Cancers
As any dog owner knows, keeping your furry friend healthy and happy is a top priority. But did you know that spaying your dog can help to prevent some cancers? Depending on the breed, unspayed female dogs have a higher risk of developing mammary cancer than their spayed counterparts. This type of cancer is particularly aggressive in dogs and often affects older animals.
By spaying your dog before she reaches maturity, you can help to reduce her risk of developing this disease. In addition, spaying can also help to prevent pyometra, a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the uterus becomes infected. While both male and female dogs can develop cancer, spaying your female dog is one of the best ways to help keep her healthy and safe.
Only 50% Of Cats Are Sensitive To Catnip
Catnip is a member of the mint family, and its scientific name is Nepeta Cataria. The plant contains an oil called nepetalactone. When a cat smells this oil, it reacts. The oil resembles a chemical in cats’ urine, which could be why they are attracted to it. About 50% of cats are affected by catnip. The reaction usually lasts for about 10 minutes. Some cats will roll around on the ground; some will drool, meow a lot, or run around crazily. After about 30 minutes, the cat will lose interest in the catnip and walk away.
The reaction usually happens when the cat is around three months old. Kittens and older cats are not as likely to react to catnip. There is no danger to giving your cat catnip. It is not addictive and will not make your cat high or stoned. Cats that react to catnip tend to have a strong reaction the first time they smell it, but after that, they may not react as strongly or at all to subsequent exposures. If you give your cat fresh catnip, you will probably see a stronger reaction than if you give your cat dried catnip.
Overweight Pets Can Suffer From Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition that affects both humans and animals. In pets, arthritis can be caused by various factors, including genetics, injury, and obesity. Overweight pets are particularly susceptible to arthritis because the excess weight puts additional stress on the joints. This can lead to pain and inflammation, making it difficult for the pet to move freely. In severe cases, arthritis can even lead to joint deformity.
Fortunately, there are several steps that pet owners can take to help ease their animal’s arthritis symptoms. These include maintaining a healthy weight, supporting the joints, and avoiding strenuous activity. With proper care, overweight pets can still enjoy a good quality of life despite their arthritis.
Around 30% Of A Dogs Brain Mass Is Dedicated To Smells
Anyone who has owned a dog knows that they have an incredible sense of smell. But you may be surprised that around 30% of a dog’s brain mass is dedicated to smells! This means that dogs can process smells in ways humans simply cannot. Dogs can use their sense of smell to track down missing people, sniff out drugs and explosives, and even detect disease.
Recent studies have shown that dogs can even be trained to sniff out cancer. So the next time you see your dog smelling something intensely, remember that they are taking in a wealth of information about the world around them. Who knows, they might just be saving your life.
There Are Truly Some Crazy Pet Health Facts Out There!
Pets are amazing creatures, and they have some pretty incredible abilities. From their different bone structures to their ability to detect cancer, there is no doubt that pets are truly special. So the next time you see your pet doing something strange or seemingly impossible, remember that they just might be capable of anything! And if you have questions about pet health and how it may affect your furry friends, be sure to speak to your veterinarian. They will be more than happy to help you out!