Dogs have a way of surprising us. Just when you think you know everything there is to know about your four-legged friend, they do something that leaves you scratching your head—or laughing out loud. From their health quirks to their unexpected preferences, dogs are full of fascinating details that even the most dedicated pet parents might not know. If you’re convinced you’ve got your dog facts on lock, you may want to keep reading. These important insights offer a fresh look at man’s best friend and what makes them tick, wag, and sometimes drool.
Dogs Really do get Joint Pain
It’s easy to forget that dogs, especially as they age, can experience the same stiffness and aches that humans do. That cheerful tail wag might be masking a little discomfort, particularly in the hips, elbows, or knees. Understanding how to reduce dog joint pain can make a world of difference in your pet’s comfort and mobility.
Joint pain can show up as hesitation to climb stairs, a slower walking pace, or even a loss of interest in play. These changes are often subtle at first but become more noticeable over time. Luckily, there are smart ways to manage and even prevent this type of pain. Lifestyle changes such as gentle daily exercise, weight management, and supportive surfaces can ease the strain on joints. In some cases, adding safe supplements or shifting to orthopedic bedding can also help support better movement.
It’s not about turning your dog into an athlete—it’s about preserving their comfort and quality of life. The goal is to keep them moving happily for as long as possible, whether that’s chasing a ball in the backyard or just curling up without stiffness after a walk.
Dogs can Have Bone Broth
When it comes to dog nutrition, there’s always a lot of noise. There are so many products on the market and even then it’s hard to figure out what’s best. Add in a desire to feed pets from the table, and it gets even more complicated. One question many health conscious pet owners want to know is: can dogs have bone broth? Not only is the answer yes, but bone broth can actually be a great addition to your dog’s routine—when it’s prepared correctly and served safely.
Bone broth is packed with numerous nutrients like collagen, glucosamine, and amino acids, which support joint health, digestion, and the immune system. For picky eaters or even older dogs with reduced appetites, it can be a flavorful way to keep them hydrated and encourage better food intake. It’s especially helpful during times of illness, recovery, or stress, when dogs might shy away from their regular meals.
However, it’s important to prepare or choose bone broth that’s made specifically for dogs—meaning no onions, garlic, or high sodium content. The simplest broths with only pet-safe ingredients provide the greatest benefit without any risky additives.
Dogs Understand More Than We Think
That tilted head, those alert ears, the way your dog perks up at the word “treat”—they’re all signs your pup isn’t just hearing you; they’re paying attention. Research continues to show that dogs can understand far more words and phrases than we’ve given them credit for. Some studies suggest that the average dog can recognize up to 165 words, while the brightest pups may top 200 or more.
But it’s not just about vocabulary. Dogs pick up on tone, facial expressions, and even body posture. They’re experts at reading human behavior, which is why they often seem to know when you’re sad, excited, or about to grab the leash. This level of emotional intelligence makes them incredible companions—but also means they need just as much clarity and consistency in return.
Dogs can Dream and It’s One of the Cutest Scientific Facts Out There
You’ve probably seen your dog twitch in their sleep, paws paddling, nose twitching, maybe even letting out a sleepy bark. It turns out dogs do dream, and what they’re dreaming about might not be all that different from what fills their minds while they’re awake.
Scientific studies on dog brain activity have shown that they experience similar sleep cycles to humans, including REM sleep—the stage where dreaming occurs. During this phase, dogs relive daily experiences, so chances are your pup is dreaming about chasing a ball, playing with you, or sniffing around the yard.Smaller dogs tend to have shorter, more frequent dreams, while larger breeds might dream less often but for longer stretches. Either way, these nighttime adventures are a sign of a healthy, rested brain. Just like humans, dreaming helps dogs process information and experiences from the day. So the next time your dog kicks mid-nap, don’t wake them—they’re likely in the middle of an epic squirrel chase or a glorious dream park run.
