The Doghouse Mailbox...
real e-mail from real people.



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MESTASMRS wrote:
I am doing some research for a paper which is titled "Why dogs & cats have wet noses". Can you help?
Thanks!

I'll certainly try...
Dogs (and presumably cats) have wet noses primarially as a form of temperature regulation. Keeping in mind that the animal is covered in a fur coat, it helps to think of it as a natural evaporative cooler. All that moisture on the nose is evaporated as the air passes over it, and the nose is kept cold.

If you happen to have access to a dog on a cold day, you'll notice that it's nose is dry. In fact, a dog or cat outside on a cold day will curl up with it's nose covered, and it's nose will be rather warm to the touch. The wet nose isn't specific to dogs and cats; pigs, deer, and cows' noses are also wet. On the other hand, a horse's nose is dry, because a horse is able to perspire like a human.

The second theory behind a dog's wet nose holds that it helps the animal capture scent particles. This gets a little technical, but the simplest way to explain it is to say that although essentially a gas, scent, like everything else, breaks down into particles which both cling to various surfaces and 'float' along on air currents. The idea is that the wet nose helps 'gather' those scent particles rather like a magnet gathers iron fillings. People who train tracking and trailing dogs will tell you that the best days for scenting are those with little or no breeze, with a light dew. These conditions help 'hold' the scent for the dog, making it's job easier.

Of course, the most important parts of the dog's nose scentwise, are inside it's muzzle. This is why, when a dog 'picks up' a scent, it begins sniffing; it is literally inhaling those scent particles so that they may be sorted out (categorized). There are several excellent books that deal with the entire scope of tracking, trailing, and scent as it pertains to dogs: The Complete Bloodhound, published by Howell Book House is one, as is Go Find! Training Your Dog To Track, also published by Howell.

You don't mention what age/grade level you are writing your paper for, however, I have to add one of my favorite reasons for a dog's cold, wet nose: It's easier to wake the human with at 5;30 A.M.- they just nudge it under the covers, 'nose' around till they find the middle of their back, or some other sensitive part, and nudge repeatedly. Works every time.

I hope all this may be of some help to you, if you have any other questions, just drop me a line.
Regards,
BuffaloGal




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Backlash wrote:
What kind of dog would make a good dessert dog?

Hmmmm, an interesting question, and one that deserves some thought.
I suppose we'll have to rule out the most obvious food related breed, the Chow Chow, since pickle relish isn't exactly a dessert. Likewise, we won't count the good old WeinerDog {Daschund}, as that doesn't sound like much of an after dinner treat either.

So, if we don't use made up dogs like a "Pupsickle", that leaves us with the Neopolitan Mastiff; a rather tasty looking breed, if I say so myself.

Regards,
BuffaloGal

P.S.
Forgot to mention another, equally sweet canine: the Chocolate Labrador.




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And then, Backlash wrote:
Ooooopppppppps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I meant desert dogs.

Oh. Well in that case, it would depend on your intentions for your four legged friend. If you are considering taking up falconry or hunting, the Saluki is traditionally considered one of the true "Sons of the Desert".

The Rhodesian Ridgeback, the Pharoah Hound, the Ibizan and the Basenji, all from Africa might also be a good bet.

If you are looking for a pet that can endure the everlasting "Dog Days" offered by the desert climate, I would advise against those breeds with shortened faces such as the Bulldog and Pug. Likewise, those breeds with long or excessive coats will also suffer unduly in the high temperature.
Keeping in mind that any dog in in a hot, dry climate needs access to plenty of cool water and shade {preferably inside your own, air conditioned domicile}, I think you'll find that breeds with a smooth, slick coat would probably be best.

Regards,
BuffaloGal

meanwhile...