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Anatomy of the dog - worth knowing for all dog owners and mistresses

The anatomy of the dog is unique and differs significantly from that of other animals and even more so from that of humans. If you want to get a dog, you should study the dog's anatomy. These include the skeleton, muscles, sensory organs and skin. So you know exactly how you can care for and promote your animal in a targeted and individual manner and how to maintain its health. This article by Animus Medicus will introduce you to the most important features of the dog's anatomy and explain what to look out for in this area.

Basic canine anatomy

The dog is a mammal and similar to humans in that both are warm-blooded. He gives birth to lively puppies, which are nursed by the mother and fully mature within a few years. Dogs are basically omnivores and are dependent on both plant and animal foods. Dogs are naturally pack animals that hunt in groups. In the meantime, however, the predators have been domesticated and can also be kept individually at home.

The anatomy of the dog is complex and is made up of muscles, bones, joints and organs, among other things. Dogs have a strong instinct and are enthusiastic about games and quick movements in nature. They have an excellently developed perception apparatus and can smell and hear particularly well. They are characterized by an agile and flexible physique and can reach high speeds. The animal anatomy posters from Animus Medicus will give you a good idea of ​​the anatomy of the dog and help you visualize its peculiarities.

These are the main features of the dog's anatomy:

  • the skeleton
  • the muscles
  • the sense organs
  • the respiratory system
  • the nervous system
  • the heart and blood vessels
  • the skin

Anatomy of the dog - the skeleton

When studying canine anatomy, you should pay close attention to the skeleton. Skeletons in dogs are not only crucial for the physique, but also serve to communicate. Dogs often communicate through body language and are therefore dependent on an easily recognizable skeleton. In addition, the skeleton of dogs, like humans, protects the internal organs and the brain.

The dog's skeleton works with many joints, muscles and tendons. These create such a harmonious interaction that targeted, agile and fast movements are possible. The dog needs this to be able to hunt efficiently. As a pet, this ability is less needed, which is why the high mobility is used primarily when playing and romping. Last but not least, the skeleton affects the mineral balance of a dog and supports the production of blood cells in the bone marrow.

Anatomy of the dog - the sense organs

The sensory organs strongly shape the anatomy of the dog. In particular, the sense of smell is well developed and is used, among other things, to recognize other animals and to communicate with them. Dogs can easily detect tracks and specific people by smell. They also have an excellent sense of hearing, which is significantly better than that of humans. Dogs are able to hear ultrasonic tones and are excellent at locating sounds.

The dog's sense of touch is optimized by whiskers, which are located on the lips and front legs, among other things. This means that you can easily find your way around even in the dark. Dogs also use their tongues, noses and soles of their feet for orientation. The dog's sense of sight is also well developed, giving it a larger field of vision than humans. Last but not least, dogs have a good sense of taste and are often fans of sweets.

Anatomy of the dog - the respiratory system

The respiratory system of a dog is important for the oxygen supply of the organism and thus enables the animals to run fast. During inhalation, the air is both filtered and heated and can then be absorbed and used by the organism. In this context, the bronchi and the alveoli play an important role.

Anatomy of the dog - the nervous system

The nervous system is an essential part of the dog's anatomy. It is made up of the brain and spinal cord and allows the animal to interact with its outside world. The dog absorbs information from the outside via the nervous system and processes it in the brain. This is able to react to the various stimuli and impulses and to send commands to all parts of the body. The more familiar you are with your dog's nervous system, the better you can respond to their behavior and help them with illnesses and difficulties.

Anatomy of the dog - the heart and blood vessels

The cardiovascular system is one of the most important components of the canine anatomy. It is made up of heart and blood vessels, with the veins and arteries being particularly important. The blood circulation ensures that all organs and areas of the body are supplied with oxygen and nutrients. Likewise, the blood is responsible for disposing of waste products and controlling body temperature.

Anatomy of the dog - the skin

When studying your dog's anatomy, pay attention to their skin. This is characterized by a high level of elasticity and quickly returns to its original shape even after fighting with other dogs. It offers excellent protection against parasites and infectious agents and can also block chemical compounds from entering the body. The dog's body uses the skin as an excretory organ, for example to get rid of sebum. It also emits scents that dogs use to mark their territory and communicate with other dogs. In addition, the skin serves to regulate heat and can perceive and transmit stimuli such as pressure or pain.

Conclusion: optimally care for a dog and keep it healthy

Your animal will benefit greatly if you are familiar with the anatomy of the dog. This way you can quickly see whether your dog is developing healthily or is behaving in a certain unusual way. Then you can quickly take action to help him and protect him from diseases. Therefore, deal extensively with the anatomy of the dog and be ready to learn something new and continue to educate yourself.

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