8 Surprising Things About Dogs and Cats

Do dogs only see black and white, what health conditions does your dog recognize, and once and for all - do cats always fall on their feet? All the myths - and the facts about our favorite pets.

1. Fact: Licking by your dog can make you sick

Think dogs mouths are cleaner than yours? Think again. Dogs' mouths are full with bacteria and parasites and may harbor germs like salmonella and campylobacter. The bacteria get into a dog's mouth from eating spoiled food or when they use their tongue as toilet paper. If you kiss your dog, the germs may pass into your body and cause diarrhea and other diseases.

Surprisingly, we may also infect our pet with various diseases. Swine flu can pass to dogs and cats from their sick owners. Most pet will have moderate illness, but a number of animal deaths have been documented due to the disease. Vets advise to wash your hands frequently  and separate beds when the owner is sick.

2. Fact: Dogs can sniff out hypoglycemia

Dogs can detect sugar fall among people suffering from diabetes only by smelling. Also, they alert their owners by barking, licking or pawing. Some dogs have even even been trained as companion dogs for diabetic people. The ability to detect hypoglycemia is correct  90% of the time, according to their owners.

3. Fact: White cats are often deaf

White fur cats are often deaf in one or both ears, especially those with blue eyes. When only one of the eyes is blue, the cat is likely to be deaf on that side only.

4. Myth: Cats always fall on their feet

Cats are champions of landing on the four paws as long as it's a short distance, thanks to their flexible backbone. But in some cases, especially in high-altitude falls, they can land on their heads and suffer serious injuries. If your cat focus on a bird beyond an open window, it may lose their balance and fall.

5. Myth: Dogs see the world in black and white

Not exactly, according to dog researchers. Dogs see a number of colors, including blue, violet, yellow, and many more shades of gray than humans. In addition, their vision in the dark is much better, due to the fact that they pick up shadow movements - a fact that makes them good hunters. Apparently, dogs do not see colors, such as red, orange or green.

6. Myth: If your dog's nose is warm, he is probably sick

The temperature of a dog's nose changes easily and is not a good sign of illness. it can be hot and dry after resting in the sun, or cool and wet after dipping in the water bowl. Better signs of illness in your dog include loss of appetite, vomiting and body temperature above 102.5 F degrees on a rectal thermometer.

7. Myth: Tail wagging means happy dog

A dog wags his tail in three different moods and only one mean he is happy. When it's unusually high and stiff, the dog is agitated and ready to protect his turf. A tail held low and wagged very quickly shows a scared and submissive dog. A happy dog wags his tail in its mid-level position and natural, also his body, ears, and mouth will look relaxed.

8. Fact: Smoking kills dogs and cats

Passive smoking increases the risk of at least two fatal types of cancers in cats: lymphoma and oral carcinoma. Dogs with long noses can develop cancerous nasal tumors from living with a smoker. Short-nosed breeds are more prone to lung cancer.