“They motivate us to play, be affectionate, seek adventure, and be loyal.” - Tom Hayden on the joy of having a dog
Happy Tuesday! Here's the scoop:
Does your dog love you as much as you love them?
The cutest puppy prank
A new way to catch up on the news
The correlation between dogs and human heart health
Did you know?
Dogs use this body part to help them see in the dark.
(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)
9 signs your dog is super connected to you
It’s natural to want your dog to love you just as much as you love them. So, how do you know if your dog is feeling connected to you? Look to their body language. Here are 9 simple ways to tell if your dog has bonded with you:
They sniff you. This is a strong indication that they’re happy to see you.
They greet you at the door. They’re so happy you’re home!
They sleep next to you. Dogs are always trying to protect themselves from predators, even when they sleep. If your dog snuggles up with you, or sleeps next to your bed, it’s a sign that they trust you. You’re part of the pack.
They give you gifts. Whether they bring you a toy to play with or they simply want to share their favorite item with you, this is a sign that your dog is bonded to you.
They follow you from room to room. This is a sign that you make your dog feel safe.
…and they occasionally ignore you. When your dog can sleep while you go about your day, it means they trust that you’ve got their back and won’t abandon them.
They make eye contact with you. Studies have found that dogs can pick up on and mirror human emotions, deepening their bond with us. Canine brains can even release oxytocin – the love hormone – while making eye contact with their people.
They perk up when they hear your name. This is a sign that your dog is connected to you and wants to be involved with whatever you’re doing.
They try to herd you. Herding breeds don’t want anyone to get lost. If your dog tries to herd you, it means they want to protect you.
Off leash
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Dogs and our heart health
Good news for dog owners: According to a recent study from the Mayo Clinic, owning a dog may reduce the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and help to maintain heart health.
The findings reflect the first data part of a study that will continue into the next decade, with follow-up evaluations of participants in 5-year intervals. During this phase of the study, approximately 1,700 subjects with no history of heart disease were given a health score, based on factors determined by the American Heart Association.
The results? Pet owners in general – and dog owners in particular – reported more physical activity and a better diet.
Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D. – the senior investigator of this study and dog owner himself – said, “Having a dog may prompt owners to go out, move around and play with their dog regularly. Owning a dog also has been linked to better mental health in other studies and less perception of social isolation—both risk factors for heart attacks.” Now that’s something to celebrate!
Did you know?
Answer: Whiskers! Dogs' whiskers are packed with nerves and send sensory messages to their brains. They're multifunctional sensory tools that help them move around and orient themselves in tight places, especially at night when visibility is low.
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