Although there is more and more research on the physiology and behavior of dogs, the truth is that there are few detailed studies on the mechanism they use to drink waterRecently, a team of scientists from Virginia Tech has analyzed this fascinating process, obtaining really interesting conclusions.
How do dogs really drink water?
To understand how dogs hydrate, researchers studied the way dogs drink. 19 dogs of different sizes and breedsThirteen were recorded in their own homes in Blacksburg, Virginia, while the remaining six were filmed on the university campus.
Analyzing the slow-motion images, the experts discovered that, after dipping their tongue in water, the dogs quickly retract it into their mouth, creating a small waterfallThis is because dogs cannot suck up liquids like humans because they do not have full cheeks to create a vacuum.
The dynamics of tongue movement
The process of capturing water is more complex than it seems. The dog's tongue It curves backwards in a spoon shape, trapping a small amount of water. However, the most surprising thing is that when the tongue begins to withdraw rapidly, a column of water is generated that rises by inertia and is caught in the dog's mouth just as it closes its jaws.
According to Sungwan Jung, a professor of biomedical engineering at Virginia Tech and coordinator of the project, the dogs follow an exact sequence:
- They lick the water at great speed to create an ascending column of liquid.
- The tongue curls to increase the amount of water transported.
- They close their mouths at the exact moment to capture the water before it falls again.
Differences between dogs and cats when drinking
It is often believed that dogs and cats drink in the same way, but in reality there is a fundamental difference. While cats touch the water with the tip of your tongue and raise it To create a column of liquid that rises toward their mouths without splashing, dogs fully immerse their tongues in the water and curl them to draw up more liquid.
This difference explains why cats are cleaner drinkers and dogs spill so much water on the floor. Felines manage to pick up water without causing much splashing, while dogs employ a more abrupt and less efficient process. Also, it is interesting to note that some dogs, such as water dogs, have special skills in handling liquids.
The evolutionary importance of this mechanism
Dogs' peculiar method of drinking water has an evolutionary explanation. As descendants of wolves, dogs have developed a great capacity to hydrate themselves quickly and effectively, which is key to their survival in the wild.
Furthermore, over time, their tongues have evolved in such a way that they can collect water without having to suck, since their anatomical structure does not allow it. For this reason, their licking style is quite different from that of other mammals. This mechanism is a clear example of the evolutionary adaptation that allows them to survive in different environments.
How to help your dog drink better?
Because dogs waste a lot of water when drinking, one option to minimize spillage is to slightly raise the container water up to their snouts. This reduces the amount of water that ends up on the floor and allows dogs to drink more comfortably.
Another alternative is to use Drinking fountains designed especially for dogs, which reduce mess and make fluid intake easier. Keeping water clean and accessible is critical to your pet's health, especially during hot weather or after exercise. Remember that proper hydration is crucial to avoiding problems like dry snout in dogs.
The mechanism that dogs use to drink water may seem simple at first glance, but it is actually a complex process of physics and biological engineeringUnderstanding this allows us to better appreciate the amazing abilities of these animals and take steps to facilitate more efficient hydration in their daily lives.
