Today, April 11th, is World Pet Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the joy and companionship that pets bring to our lives.

Here are some interesting facts about two of the most popular pets in Malta:

Dogs.

1. Dogs can smell fear – Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, and they are able to detect fear in humans. When we are afraid, we release chemicals that dogs can pick up on, and they may respond by becoming more protective or anxious.
2. Dogs dream – Dogs have REM (rapid eye movement) sleep just like humans, which means that they dream. If you see your dog twitching or moving their paws in their sleep, they are likely dreaming about something.
3. Dogs can be trained to detect diseases – Dogs have been trained to detect a variety of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and even malaria. They can smell the unique chemicals that these diseases produce and alert their owners to seek medical attention.
4. Dogs have a sense of time – Dogs are able to sense the passage of time and have an internal clock that tells them when it’s time for things like meals or walks. They may also become anxious or excited if their routine is disrupted.
5. Dogs can understand up to 250 words and gestures – Dogs are incredibly intelligent and can learn a wide range of words and gestures. Some breeds, like Border Collies and Poodles, are particularly good at understanding complex commands.
6. Dogs can get jealous – Dogs are capable of experiencing jealousy, just like humans. If a dog perceives that their owner is giving attention to another dog or person, they may become upset and try to intervene.
7. Dogs can get sunburned – Dogs with light-coloured fur are particularly susceptible to sunburn, especially on their noses and ears. It’s important to apply sunscreen specifically designed for dogs if they will be spending time in the sun.
8. Dogs have unique nose prints – Just like humans have unique fingerprints, dogs have unique nose prints that can be used for identification purposes.

Cats.

1. Cats can’t taste sweet things – Unlike humans, cats can’t taste sweet flavours. This is because they lack the necessary taste receptors to detect sweetness.
2. Cats have a unique collar bone – Cats are able to rotate their ears 180 degrees due to their unique collar bone structure. This allows them to better hear sounds from all directions.
3. Cats have a powerful sense of smell – Cats have an incredibly powerful sense of smell that is around 14 times stronger than that of humans. This allows them to detect prey or danger from far away.
4. Cats can drink saltwater – Cats have kidneys that are very efficient at filtering out salt, which allows them to drink saltwater if necessary.
5. Cats have a specialized hunting technique – Cats use their tails to help them balance while hunting. They also have a specialised hunting technique where they stalk their prey and then pounce, using their powerful legs and sharp claws to capture it.
6. Cats have a unique purr – Cats purr not only when they are happy, but also when they are in pain or stressed. This is because the vibration of their purr can help to soothe and heal their bodies.
7. Cats have a “third eyelid” – Cats have a specialized eyelid called the nictitating membrane, which helps to protect their eyes while hunting or fighting.
8. Cats are crepuscular – Cats are most active during dawn and dusk, which is known as being crepuscular. This is because their prey is also most active during these times.

#MaltaDaily