Understanding Canine Physiology: What You Should Know

Many dog owners have had their pets for years but might not fully understand canine physiology. Here’s a guide to some basic physiological facts about dogs to help you better understand your beloved pet! Sleep: Puppies typically need about 20 hours of sleep per day, while adult dogs generally require 10-15 hours. Body Temperature: Healthy dogs have a body temperature (measured rectally) as follows: Small breeds: Puppies 38.5-39°C, Adults 38-39°C Medium breeds: Puppies 38.5-39°C, Adults 38-38.5°C Large breeds: Puppies 38.2-39°C, Adults 37.5-39°C Average Lifespan: Generally, small dogs have a longer average lifespan than large dogs, with the average age for a dog being around 12 years. Teeth: Adult dogs have 42 teeth. Paws: Dogs have 5 toes on their front paws and 4 toes on their hind paws. Nose Moisture: A dog’s nose is often moist because they constantly lick it to help their cells better interact with scent molecules, maintaining their sense of smell. Color Vision: Dogs have poor color vision and are essentially colorblind. Protein Digestion: Dogs cannot absorb plant proteins effectively and need animal proteins to meet their nutritional needs. Food Preference: Dogs rely more on their sense of smell than taste when choosing food. While their sense of taste is less developed, their sense of smell is highly sensitive, leading them to prefer foods that smell appealing, even if they taste average. Heat Sensitivity: Even if you trim a long-haired dog’s coat during hot weather, it won’t necessarily make them more comfortable. Dogs primarily sweat through their tongues and paw pads, and their bodies have few sweat glands. Shortening their coat can actually expose their skin to sunburn. Mental Health: Dogs can experience anxiety and depression as they are sensitive animals with emotional needs. Understanding Speech: While dogs may not understand your words, they can recognize the tone of your voice.

Physiological Functions: Heart Rate: Adult dogs 70-130 beats per minute, puppies 200 beats per minute Respiration Rate: 10-30 breaths per minute Pulse Rate: 70-120 beats per minute Normal Heart Axis: +40 to +100 degrees Total Blood Volume: 8% to 9% of body weight Tidal Volume: 251-432 milliliters Systolic Blood Pressure: 14.9 kPa (normal range 12.7-18.1) Diastolic Blood Pressure: 7.5 kPa (normal range 5.8-9.7) Chromosomes: 78 Plasma Volume: 55.2 ml/kg body weight (normal range 47.7-73.0) Total Blood Volume: 94.1 ml/kg body weight (normal range 76.57-107.3) Understanding these aspects of canine physiology can help you provide better care and enhance the well-being of your furry friend!