Despite the fact that dogs and humans have completely distinct appearances, they share many of our body’s traits. They have a heart and circulatory system that move blood, lungs that take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, and a digestive tract that absorbs nutrients from food, among other things. The distinctions between dogs and people, on the other hand, are what fascinate me the most and give dogs their distinct traits as family members.
Table of Contents
Body Dimensions of Dogs
Dogs come in a variety of sizes and forms. Toy and miniature breeds, such as the Toy Poodle, Papillon, Chihuahua, and Shih Tzu, are among the smallest breeds. These canines are typically 5 to 10 pounds (2.3 to 4.5 kilograms) in weight, if not less. Many terriers and spaniels fall into the medium-sized dog category, weighing 10 to 50 pounds (4.5 to 23 kilograms).
Retrievers, shepherds, and setters are even bigger, weighing anything from 65 to 100 pounds (30 to 45 kilograms). Finally, huge breeds like the Mastiff, Komondor, and Saint Bernard can weigh up to or even more than 200 pounds (91 kilograms). Within breeds, sizes vary, with males often being larger than females. Mixed-breed dogs come in all sizes.
Metabolism
Dogs have a faster metabolic rate than humans. They have a higher normal body temperature and breathe faster, pump blood faster, mature faster, and have a higher normal body temperature (see Table: Normal Canine Physiologic Values). Young canines appear to be more energetic than children. This fast metabolism, however, comes at the cost of a shortened lifespan. For the first two years, one dog year equals around 10 to 12 people years, and then four people years (per dog year) after that (see Table: Dog Years versus People Years). The length of a dog’s life is determined by his or her health and size, with smaller breeds often surviving longer than larger ones.
Temperature Control
Dogs are considerably better at storing heat than they are at cooling down. The fur of sled dogs works as an insulating “cover” that retains the heat created by the dog’s strong metabolism, allowing them to survive outside even in brutally cold weather. Most dogs, however, struggle in hot or humid weather. Dogs are unable to sweat, a form of evaporative cooling that is quite effective. Instead, panting is the primary method through which dogs dissipate heat.
These quick breaths (10 times faster than usual) are an attempt to remove heat by evaporation by moving hot, wet air in and out. Little air can be transferred in the lungs during panting’s brief, shallow breaths. In fact, dogs must cease panting from time to time in order to get a healthy breath. Dogs cool down by drinking water, and their hair coat insulates them from the sun.
Certain heat settings might be harmful and even life-threatening for dogs due to their weak cooling mechanism. Every year, several pets die from severe heat and constipation. The most prevalent issue is being stranded in a parked vehicle. In the summer, even with the windows pulled down, the inside of a parked automobile can easily reach 150°F (66°C) or higher, causing heat stroke and death in minutes. Being confined or tied out in the sun (without access to shade) or being kept in a poorly ventilated travel box are also deadly scenarios.
Air conditioning, spray misters, shade, dips in a wading pool, or gently spraying with a garden hose are all good ways to keep dogs cool in hot weather. Keeping dogs moist during the day allows them to cool down through evaporation. At all times, there should be enough cool, pure drinking water available.
Healthy habits and preventive treatment go a long way toward improving your dog’s quality of life now and in the future. To obtain and maintain your dog on the road to wellness, follow these simple guidelines.
1. Pay a visit to the veterinarian
The foundation for your dog’s general health is laid by veterinary care. Make an appointment for a check-up with a veterinarian who practices traditional medicine or alternative therapies – or both – to establish a baseline for your dog’s present health. After that, maintain track of your regular preventive drugs, vaccination schedules, and prescription medications. Dogs should receive wellness checks at least twice a year. Puppies, senior dogs, and pets with chronic illnesses should be visited more often. For advice on selecting a veterinarian, go to Petfinder.
2. Provide high-quality cuisine
A quality diet is another pillar of good health. Your dog’s weight, skin and coat, gastrointestinal function, and energy level all benefit from high-quality dog food. For assistance in selecting the correct food for your dog, go to the Whole Dog Journal. After you’ve chosen a food, wait 6-8 weeks to watch how your dog reacts. If your dog’s coat or weight changes, it’s possible that one or more of the ingredients is causing an allergic reaction, and you should switch to different food. To avoid gastrointestinal discomfort, always be sure to introduce new foods gradually. If you have any concerns regarding your dog’s health, always see your veterinarian.
3. Get it moving
The majority of behavior problems in our pets are caused by a lack of frequent physical activity and mental stimulation. Obesity in our pets can result from a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to a variety of health issues. To keep balanced, most healthy adult dogs require between 30 minutes and 2 hours of activity every day. This could range from a casual walk to a nice jog and a vigorous game of retrieve, depending on age, breed, and size. If you’re unsure about your dog’s exercise requirements, talk to a canine behavior professional at The Local Bark.
4. Don’t forget about your teeth
Don’t put off thinking about your dog’s oral health until she’s already infected or has gum disease. The importance of prevention cannot be overstated. Brush your dog’s teeth, give him dental treats, give him mouthwash…do anything. Because some dog breeds are genetically predisposed to tooth rot, discuss professional cleanings with your veterinarian.
5. As needed, groom
Your dog’s breed will influence how often and what kind of grooming is best for him, but all dogs require some basic care. For short-haired dogs, a nail trim, ear cleaning, and the odd bath are usually sufficient. Long-haired dogs should be brushed on a daily basis, and dogs with long hair may require trims every couple of weeks. Whether you do it yourself or hire someone, you should establish and keep to a grooming plan.
6. Keep an eye out for warning signs
Keep an eye on your dog’s energy level, weight, and temperament for any changes. Not all indicators are alarming but err on the side of caution because dogs tend to hide serious sickness instinctively. A Dog Symptom Checker on PetMd can help you figure out what kind of health problems your dog might be having. Always consult your veterinarian if your dog shows indications of disease before it gets out of hand.
What You Can Do To Make Your Healthy Habits Stick
Begin small. It makes a difference even if you only spend a few minutes a day on it.
Consistency is key. Make a time that is convenient for you and make it a daily tradition, such as massaging your dog before bedtime, going for a walk first thing in the morning, and so on.
Make a 60-day commitment. After then, the practice should become second nature—in fact, your dog should be acclimated to it after only a few days.
Make it a point to prioritize your habits. For example, the TV is not to be turned on in our house until Soda [AKA Serena’s dog] has gone for a walk that day.
Keep in mind the advantages. These behaviors will benefit both you and your family’s health.
