Their hearing capability is much better than humans.
Watch the movement of the ears, its fascinating to note how they are able to
move them towards the direction from where the sound is originating. They
can detect the high pitched squealing of rats and mice which to us are
ultrasonic. If you note that suddenly it seems to be getting deaf, take a
trip to the vet and get the dogs ears checked for blockage due to wax.
Use damp cotton buds to clean the ears.
A major difference between human and canine eyes is that
human eyes are more sensitive to detail and theirs are more sensitive to
movement.
In dim light, dogs can see much better than us. They have a layer at the
back of their eyes called 'tapetum lucidum', which is a light reflecting
layer and helps them see better in the dark.
Can they see color ?
No one knows for sure. Scientifically speaking, they should be able to, but
only as delicate tints.
Their feild of vision can vary from 240 ° to 270 °.
Dog owners should regularly clean the corners of the dogs eyes.
Depending on the chemical substance that has to be sniffed, a dogs smelling power can vary from being 100 times to a 100,000 times better than that of humans. A dogs nose contains approximately 200 million smell-sensitive cells, which is around 50 times more than that in human beings. Since smelling is the prime means of identifying everything around, pet owners should make sure that their dog's nose is in perfect condition (free from colds etc.).
Special care is needed here. Due to its investigative nature a dog will shove its nose almost everywhere. More often than not you will find something or the other sticking around the mouth. As far as the teeth are concerned, brush its teeth regularly to avoid foul smell and germs. The most common cause of tooth trouble is a deep yellow/brown deposition called 'tartar'.
Like us they too have delicate skin, although not so
delicate. A dog can usually hurt or damage its skin by excessive scratching.
Consult your vet in such a case. If your dog is a hairy one e.g lhasa apso
look out for the formation of 'matts'. While grooming areas on the
underside, take care because the skin here is very sensitive.
Use branded soaps & shampoos and skin care products.
Since your dog, like all others walks around barefoot you
should take care, that they are always clean. Check the growth of the nails
periodically and clip when needed. It is best to cut the nails after you
have bathed the dog, using dog nail cutters.
'Dew claws' should also be trimmed regularly. Paws are prone to injury (by
thorns, small pointed stones etc.) and fungal infections therefore certain
antiseptic lotions and fungicides should be kept at home.
Apart from being the regular excretory organ, the anal region has glands, dogs identify each other by sniffing at the glands.