Facts about domesticated pets often surprise and astonish pet owners and pet lovers alike. Some of the most interesting facts include things like cats being able to jump seven times their height and using their whiskers to determine if they can fit into a particular space. Other facts are not as well known, but are very interesting like cats cannot taste sugar or sweetness.
Dogs
- Puppies have 28 teeth until they get their adult set of 48 teeth.
- Dogs have the uncanny sense to be able to tell beforehand when an epileptic is going to have a seizure; as much as an hour in advance.
- The heaviest dog was recorded at 319 pounds and the oldest dog lived to be 29 years old.
- Did you know that Dalmatian puppies are born without their spots? The spots form as they grow.
- Dogs do not always pant because they are hot, sometimes it is because they are out of breath.
- Almost half of all dogs sleep in their owners beds.
- Dogs are omnivores but need a balanced diet containing meat and plant food sources.
Cats
- Cats can be left or right pawed just like humans are right or left handed.
- Cats brains more closely resemble human brains compared to dogs.
- Cats are obligate carnivores. They must have meat to survive. They cannot produce certain essential fatty acids and Taurine so these must be provided by their diet.
- Cats can get pregnant by several male cats at the same time and have kittens by different fathers.
- Cats can see about 6 times better than a human can at nighttime.
- Cats have fallen from as high up as 65 feet and still survived.
Reptiles
- Some turtles, like the Eastern box turtle can live for a hundred years.
- There are more than a thousand different kinds of lizards.
- The deadliest snake in the world is the black mamba.
- Frogs breathe through their lungs, but they can also breathe through their skin.
- Anacondas can go as long as several months between meals.
Birds
- Did you know that dinosaurs and birds are relatives? The chicken is the closest living relative to a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
- Although penguins cannot fly, they can swim.
- Using Teflon pans in homes with pet birds is dangerous; the fumes are toxic to the bird and can kill them from the smell of cooking.
For more information about amazing animals and their care, contact the Tucson veterinarians at Encanto Pet Clinic at 4340 E. Broadway Boulevard Tucson, AZ 85711-3506 (520) 881-3221.