The research carried out revealed that Brazil has more than 167.6 million pets, placing the country as the fourth with the largest population of pets in the world.

Pets

Meet the dog: The oldest domestic animal

The dog, also known as the dog, is one of the first animals to be domesticated by humans. Its origin is believed to date back more than 100,000 years, related to the gray wolf of the Asian continent. With a lifespan of ten to twenty years, dogs exhibit wide diversity in terms of coat, size, and even within their own breeds.

Man's best friend: The unbreakable bond between humans and dogs

The famous phrase "A dog is man's best friend" expresses the affection and companionship offered by these animals. No other interspecies relationship is as strong and enduring as that between humans and dogs.

In the world of cinema, famous dogs stand out, such as the intelligent and courageous Lassie. In animation, characters like Pluto, Snoopy and Scooby-Doo are widely known and popular among children.

Heightened senses: Olfactory perspicacity and communication

Dogs have five senses, some of which are extremely acute. Regarding smell, for example, they have thirty times more sensors than humans. While a human has about five million olfactory cells, a dog has 220 million. This feature allows dogs to locate drugs, land mines and even people in cave-in situations. For them, any odor, however subtle, can be picked up.

Dogs also have the ability to feel fear, anxiety, interest and joy. They communicate through barking, crying, growling, howling and smelling. In addition, they use body language both to communicate with other dogs and with humans.

Diseases and prevention: health care

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from colds, depression, Alzheimer's and other symptoms related to aging, such as vision problems, hearing problems and mood swings. In addition, they are susceptible to zoonoses, diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as leptospirosis and rabies. These diseases can be prevented through vaccination and proper hygiene of animals.

Promoting the well-being of pets, WAP criteria

Several organizations around the world promote campaigns on the importance of responsible pet ownership, be it a dog, a cat or any other. To ensure that the pet is happy and healthy, the World Animal Protection (WAP) outlines a list of criteria: free from hunger and thirst, free from discomfort and pain, free from injury and disease, free from fear and distress, and free to express its natural behavior.

With these measures, it is possible to provide a full and happy life to our four-legged friends, further strengthening the special relationship between humans and dogs.

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