Mental Floss

DOGS

A pet owner's worst nightmare.

Losing an animal is a stressful situation, but it’s important to stay calm, act fast, and prepare a comprehensive plan of action. Here are nine things you should do if your pet ever goes missing. 

Alexia Kontolemos
The dog days of summer don’t actually have anything to do with this dog.

The dog days of summer don’t actually have much to do with dogs. Instead, they relate to Sirius, otherwise known as the Dog Star.

Sam Hindman




“Shoot, did that plant have leaves of three?”

Dogs can potentially have an allergic reaction to poison ivy, and they can also transmit the irritating oils to people. Here's what to do if you pet encounters the plant.

Sam Hindman












Dog and pony shows were once all the rage.

When people talk about a dog and pony show today, they usually mean a flashy presentation or event that's all about appearances, with little real substance. But where does this phrase come from, and what's its history?

Anne Taylor




Being this cute and well-liked takes a lot of work.

Curious about the most popular dog breed in your state? From feisty Chihuahuas to chill golden retrievers, discover which canine variety has your neighbors feeling the most captivated.

Rudie Obias


Barking at nothing is a popular dog pastime.

Barking into the abyss is a frequent complaint of pet owners, but there's an explanation. (And no, it's not aliens.)

Jake Rossen