Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog of the Day: Amber!
Meme of the day: It’s a good replacement!
Why Do Dogs Lick Things on Walks? A Salty Mystery
Ah, the great outdoors! Fresh air, interesting smells, and… your dog is licking what now? If you’ve ever watched your canine companion on a walk, you’ve probably seen them sample things that would make most humans cringe. But why do they do it? Is it a weird doggy quirk, or is there a method to this madness?
The truth is, licking is a natural behavior for dogs, and it serves several purposes. Their sense of taste is closely linked to their powerful sense of smell. So, when they lick something, they’re not just tasting it; they’re gathering a whole host of information about it!
Exploring the world
Dogs experience the world through their noses and mouths. Licking allows them to investigate new textures, smells, and tastes that pique their curiosity. It’s their way of saying, “What’s this?”
Gathering information
That lamppost your dog is obsessively licking? It’s a veritable canine social media hub! Urine and other scents contain pheromones that tell your dog about other dogs in the neighborhood, including their sex, health, and even their emotional state.
Seeking out nutrients
In some cases, dogs may lick things like dirt or rocks if they have a nutritional deficiency. Their bodies are instinctively trying to find the minerals they need. If you suspect this, it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian.
Self-soothing
Licking can be a way for dogs to self-soothe, especially if they’re feeling anxious or stressed. The repetitive motion can have a calming effect.
The Dangers of Licking Dog Urine
While a quick sniff is usually harmless, allowing your dog to excessively lick other dogs’ urine can pose some health risks. Urine can harbor various bacteria, viruses, and parasites, including those that cause leptospirosis, which can make your dog ill. Additionally, if the other dog is on medication, traces of those drugs could be present in the urine, potentially harming your dog. It’s always best to discourage prolonged licking of urine to minimize the risk of your dog contracting an illness.
So, while your dog’s licking habits might seem strange to us, they’re perfectly normal for them. By understanding why dogs do what they do, we can better appreciate their unique way of experiencing the world—and keep them safe on their adventures!
The Science City You Didn’t Know You Needed to Visit
Did you know that the World Wide Web was born in Geneva, Switzerland? Indeed, the first version of the Internet cropped up at CERN in 1989. Today, the world-renowned center is home to the largest particle accelerator and to the CERN Science Gateway – a must-see hub for science enthusiasts that features hands-on exhibits, immersive virtual reality experiences, and live demonstrations.
Family Photo of the Day: Logan!
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Sources:
Dog of the day: IG ambers_golden_heart
Meme of the day: IG goldenpuppycharlie