The Science Behind Why Dogs and Humans Can't Resist Leaf Piles
Whether it’s your boisterous toddler or rowdy pup, a perfect pile of autumn leaves might be too good to resist!You probably remember the days when you also jumped into a crunchy orange leaf pile without a second thought. But why do humans and dogs love jumping into huge piles of leaves? The main (and most obvious answer) is because it’s fun! For kids, dogs, and even some adults, jumping and rolling around in the fall leaves is a satisfying form of play that releases energy. While this may be the simple reason for humans, there are a few more reasons your canine companion can’t resist a tower of leaves. Instinct to Dig Digging is a dog’s favorite pastime that dates back to their wolf ancestors. Just as natural as sniffing and barking, digging is an ingrained
behavior for dogs, and they want to follow their instincts the moment they see a leaf pile. Whether they’re digging in to rest in the cool leaves or demolishing the pile entirely, your dog is just doing what dogs have always done. Irresistible Seasonal Scents Our sense of smell doesn’t even come close to dogs’ incredible scent skills. While we have 5 million scent receptors, dogs have anywhere between 125–300 million! This means they can smell countless other scents we can’t, and autumn may bring some exciting aromas your dog hasn’t experienced in a while. The result? They’ll dive right into a leaf pile and get sniffing! Marking Territory Another scent factor could be your dog wanting to claim a particular leaf pile. We already know dogs use their scents to mark
territory, and rolling in a beloved pile of leaves is a way to infuse their scent. After diving head first into some leaves, they leave their scent behind so other animals can smell them and know that the leaf pile has already been claimed! Whatever the case, jumping into a pile of leaves is completely normal — and fun! — for both humans and dogs.
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee Banish Bad Breath: Discover the Causes and Solutions
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be an embarrassing and socially uncomfortable problem. It can affect anyone at any age, and its causes vary. Understanding the underlying factors and implementing effective solutions can help you maintain fresh breath and boost your confidence. Common Causes of Bad Breath Poor Oral Hygiene The most common cause of bad breath is inadequate oral hygiene. When you don’t brush or floss your teeth regularly, food particles and bacteria accumulate in your mouth, leading to foul odors. Bacterial Growth The natural bacteria in your mouth can break down food particles and release sulfur compounds, resulting in an unpleasant odor. This is especially true if you have gum disease. Dry Mouth Saliva plays a vital role in rinsing away food particles and bacteria. If you have a dry
mouth, it can lead to bad breath because saliva can’t help eliminate the culprits. Diet Certain foods like garlic, onions, and spicy meals contain sulfur compounds that can lead to temporary bad breath. Additionally, sugary foods can feed bacteria, contributing to odor. Tobacco Use Smoking or using tobacco products can cause chronic bad breath, stain teeth, and increase the risk of gum disease, all contributing to halitosis. Medical Conditions Bad breath can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions like sinus infections, respiratory infections, diabetes, and acid reflux. Effective Solutions for Bad Breath • Maintain good oral hygiene. • Stay hydrated. • Limit odor-causing foods.
• Increase your intake of dairy products like yogurt that can neutralize odor. • Quit smoking. • Attend regular dental check-ups. • Manage medical conditions. • Use mouthwash. • Practice good oral habits. • Avoid excessive coffee and alcohol consumption. Remember that occasional bad breath is normal and often related to diet. However, if bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene practices, it’s essential to seek our help! Chronic bad breath can be a sign of underlying problems that need attention.
–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists
2 | Elkins Dental
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