Ever wondered why dogs eat grass or if they really dream? From curious behaviors like howling and digging to health questions about wet noses and ear cleaning, dog owners have burning questions. In this post, we answer the 12 most common dog questions with vet-backed, science-approved explanations—so you can understand your pup better. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a lifelong dog lover, these facts might surprise you!
1. Is It Bad If My Dog Eats Grass? (Should I Worry?)
A 2021 UC Davis study found only 22% of dogs vomit after eating grass, suggesting it’s rarely illness-related. Theories include aiding digestion (grass provides fiber) or instinct from wild ancestors who ate plants to purge parasites.
Actionable Tip: Grow pet-safe wheatgrass as a nutrient-rich alternative. If grazing is excessive or paired with lethargy, consult your vet.
2. Do Dogs Dream? Can They Have Nightmares?
MIT research confirms dogs experience REM sleep with brainwaves similar to humans. Small breeds may dream every 10 minutes, while large breeds have longer, less frequent dreams.
Actionable Tip: Let sleeping dogs lie—twitching or muffled barks are normal. Only intervene if they show distress (seizure-like movements).
3. Why Do Dogs Howl at Sirens or Music?
Dogs hear frequencies up to 65 kHz (vs. human 20 kHz), triggering instinctive howling. Breeds with wolf DNA (Huskies, Malamutes) are 83% more likely to howl (AKC, 2023).
Actionable Tip: Redirect with white noise machines if howling becomes excessive.
4. Are Dogs Left-Pawed or Right-Pawed? (Paw Preference Study)
A 2019 study in Laterality found 58% of dogs show paw preference. Males are twice as likely to be right-pawed than females.
Actionable Tip: Test your dog with the “Kong test”—which paw do they use to hold a toy?
5. How Does a Dog’s Nose Improve Their Sense of Smell?
Dogs exhale through side nose slits, allowing continuous sniffing at 300 breaths/minute. Bloodhounds can detect scents 1,000x better than humans.
Actionable Tip: Engage their nose with scent games like hiding treats in boxes.
6. Why Are Dogs’ Noses Wet? (Dry vs. Wet Nose Meaning)
Nose moisture traps scent molecules and helps regulate body temperature. Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs) often have drier noses naturally.
Actionable Tip: Only worry about dryness if paired with cracking or lethargy.
7. What’s the Safest Way to Clean Dog Ears at Home?
Vets recommend pH-balanced ear cleaners and cotton balls for the outer ear. Avoid Q-tips, which can damage ear canals.
Actionable Tip: Clean ears after baths to prevent moisture buildup.
8. Why Do Dogs Dig Holes? (How to Stop It)
Digging is instinctive for hunting (Terriers), temperature regulation (Huskies), or storing valuables. It is very unlikely to stop certain breeds from some amount of digging.
Actionable Tip: To curb it, provide a sandbox or designated digging zone and reward them for using it (Landsberg et al., 2013).
9. Why Do Dogs Bury Bones or Hide Toys?
This stems from their ancestral survival instinct to save food for later. Even well-fed dogs do it-blame genetics, not hunger (Horowitz, 2009). Some “bury” items in couch cushions when outdoors isn’t available!
10. How Long Are Dogs Pregnant? (Timeline by Breed)
Dogs are pregnant for about 63 days, but small breeds may deliver earlier. An ultrasound after 4 weeks confirms pregnancy (AKC, 2022). This varies significantly by breed and litter size:
- Small breeds (Chihuahuas, Yorkies): Often deliver earlier (58-62 days) due to faster fetal development.
- Large breeds (Great Danes, Mastiffs): May go to 65-67 days because puppies need more time to develop.
- Litter size impact: Larger litters (6+ puppies) sometimes arrive earlier than small litters (1-3 puppies).
11. What Is the FCI? (Federation Cynologique Internationale Explained)
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) was founded on May 22, 1911, in Paris, France, by kennel clubs from five countries: Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. This international organization was created to standardize breed classifications and dog show regulations across borders. The FCI is the world’s largest dog registry, overseeing 360+ breeds and international dog shows. It’s like the AKC for Europe and beyond (FCI, 2024).
12. What Does AKC Stand For? (And Why It Matters)
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is the primary purebred dog registry in the U.S., founded in 1884. They register purebred dogs, sets breed standards, and hosts events like the Westminster Dog Show (AKC, 2024).
FAQ: More Dog Questions Answered
Why do dogs lick their paws excessively?
Excessive paw licking often indicates allergies, anxiety, or skin irritation. A 2022 study in Veterinary Dermatology found that >60% of chronic paw licking cases were allergy-related. Always check for foreign objects or wounds, and consult your vet if persistent (Olivry et al., 2022).
How often should I bathe my dog without damaging their skin?
The ASPCA recommends bathing every 4-6 weeks for most breeds, using pH-balanced dog shampoos. Over-bathing (weekly+) can strip protective oils, leading to dryness and irritation (ASPCA, 2023 Pet Care Guidelines). Exceptions include odor-prone breeds like Bulldogs.
What colors can dogs actually see?
Per American Kennel Club research, dogs see a blue-yellow spectrum but can’t distinguish red-green (similar to human color blindness). Their vision excels in motion detection and low-light conditions (AKC Vision Study, 2021).
From wet noses to bedtime twitches, every dog behavior tells a story. Now that you’ve unlocked these 12 answers, you’re officially your pup’s favorite translator! Wondering what other doggy secrets are out there? Stay curious—and keep cherishing those slobbery kisses!
