You've probably experienced a dog wagging its tail at the door even though the person who was greeted minutes later was nowhere to be seen or heard. It's well known that dogs have better hearing than humans. But did you also know that your dog can block out certain sounds?
Basically, a dog's ear is similar in structure to a human ear: it consists of an outer, middle, and inner ear. However, there are significant differences in three areas: selective hearing, radar mode, and frequency perception.
Imagine there's a lot of commotion at home. The children are running around the room, the phone is ringing, but you let it ring because you're getting ready to go out tonight. Your dog is lying in his basket, pretty tired after his walk, and soon he's snoring peacefully. Everything is sorted, you're dressed, the kids know what to do, and Fido is still sleeping peacefully. You reach for your keys and in a flash, your alert dog is standing next to you, wagging his tail and looking at you happily. He thinks you're going out again. He can't miss that!
This example clearly illustrates a dog's ability to hear selectively: dogs are able to block out even very loud noises and sounds. However, they are always aware of other noises, no matter how quiet they may be. Your dog may even have "favorite noises" that it has stored in its memory. The soft jingle of keys probably means "let's go out together" to him. Maybe it's the sound of a can being opened, because he associates it with food. Or the sound of your car when you come home, because that means his favorite pack leader is coming back – and he's already waiting expectantly at the door before you've even entered the house.
There are even more impressive things to say about your dog's hearing. Imagine you are walking through the city with your dog. It is busy: traffic, people, lots of noise and hustle and bustle. Then you hear sirens. The police or an ambulance seem to be on call. You want to know what is going on. Where is the noise coming from, and what exactly is going on? You turn your head from side to side to try to locate the sound. As a human with good hearing, you are 80 percent accurate in locating the source of the noise. Your dog can do better. It can point its ears like satellite dishes, and even do so independently of each other. Your dog's head remains still while its ears filter out different sounds. One ear can focus on one sound, while the other can listen to you at the same time if necessary. Dogs with erect ears are naturally better at this art of hearing than dogs with floppy ears, where the sound is somewhat muffled by the hanging part. But hearing experts remain hearing experts.
The comparison between dogs and humans is also very interesting in terms of frequency perception. Dogs hear about 100 million times better than we do. We can hear low frequencies, or deep tones, just as well as they can. But when it comes to high frequencies, our animal companions beat us hands down. They can hear sounds that we cannot even detect. The specialization of their hearing certainly has to do with their history and ancestors: wolves, who not only needed a good nose in the forest, but also had to locate sounds in order to find their dinner. The use of a dog whistle clearly demonstrates dogs' good hearing in the upper frequency ranges. The dog reacts, but humans don't even hear a sound.
A little care is important to ensure that your dog can hear well. A dog's ear canal is very long. Certain glands in the ear produce earwax. A healthy dog's ears clean themselves, so superficial cleaning is usually sufficient. Please do not poke around in your dog's ear canal with cleaning sticks. Ear cleaning wipes are available, or you can simply use a warm, damp cloth to gently clean the outer ear. With long-haired dogs, it is sometimes necessary to trim the hair on the ear that grows inward.
During grooming, you will certainly notice if there is increased discharge, crusting, or an unpleasant odor from your dog's ears. In this case, please take your dog to a veterinarian. A prolonged ear infection can quickly cause serious damage. Your dog's hearing is important, and earaches can be very uncomfortable and painful for them. For dogs with ears that require special care, your veterinarian can also provide you with a medical rinsing solution that you can use according to their instructions.
Also, always pay attention to your dog's behavior: Does he scratch his head often, especially his ears? Does he press his head to the ground frequently? Does he hold his head at an angle or is he very sensitive to touch around his ears? If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet for a check-up so that any problems can be identified and treated early on.
We always want the best for our four-legged companions: to care for them, spend quality time together, and share our world with them. But despite all our care and attention, accidents and emergencies can happen. With an emergency kit, you'll be well prepared. Of course, the kit is no substitute for a visit to the vet. But especially for minor accidents, sudden illness, and stressful situations, a well-stocked emergency kit is an important tool. And in an emergency, you may even save your dog's life if you have the right equipment and know what to do.
Basically, senior cats are just like people who are getting on in years: not everything works as well as it did when they were young. They have a few aches and pains, and sometimes, unfortunately, serious illnesses. And everything can slow down a little. It happens gradually: age becomes more and more noticeable over the years. Some cats age earlier, while others remain young and fit for longer. In any case, the aging process can be accompanied by good care.
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It's an exciting time! You've made the decision to get a puppy, and most of the preparations are done. Now the question is whether you should enroll in dog training classes. Of course, you could also work with a dog trainer. Or you might feel confident enough to go it alone, because you already have a lot of experience with dogs.
Horse ears come in different sizes, depending on breed and genetics. They usually feel soft and fluffy – but not every horse likes to have its early warning system touched. If you are a horse owner and your horse lets you stroke its fluffy ears, this is actually a sign that your horse trusts you. The horse's ear is something very special.
Horseback riding is a wonderful hobby, especially with your own horse! When humans and animals form a strong team, you develop a completely different connection than when you are "jumping" from one horse to the next at a riding school. But how can you find happiness with a permanent horse partner if you can't afford to buy your own horse? Or if you can't find the time to devote to a horse on your own? A riding partnership could be the best decision for you and your horse.
A cat that starts marking should be examined as soon as possible. As the owner, you should quickly find and remedy the cause, as marking can become a really unpleasant habit that not only offends your nose, but also causes emotional rollercoaster rides if it happens repeatedly.
Dermatology is the field of medicine that deals with diseases of the skin and its appendages, such as claws, horns, and hair. Skin diseases are among the most common reasons for veterinary visits—there are even veterinary practices that specialize in dermatology.
Not all birds are the same. Some are large, some are small, some are loud, some are quiet... To find the bird species that suits you best, it's a good idea to ask yourself a few important questions in advance.
Finally, it's done. The mare has successfully completed her pregnancy of approximately 335 days. Her udder filled with milk two to four weeks ago and is now full and plump. The external signs are clear. The foal is ready to see the light of day.
Are you considering getting your dog a companion? Yes, exploring the neighborhood together or waiting for their owners together is much more enjoyable than being alone! Provided that the companions like each other. If not, the second dog project can also cause problems. It is therefore a good idea to think about it carefully beforehand.
This rightly feared condition is always an emergency. If suspicious symptoms are present, the affected dog should be taken to a veterinary clinic immediately, as it can quickly lead to death if left untreated. A twisted stomach can affect all dogs, but it is more common in medium to large breeds with deep chests.
