Dogs are descended from wolves and were the first animal domesticated by humans approximately 33,000 years ago. They have been used for hunting, herding, pulling loads, protection, and as companions. Dogs show more behavioral and morphological variation than any other land mammal. They have special abilities like seeing in the dark and cooling themselves through panting and sweat glands in their paws. Their wet noses help them sample scents and they can predict seizures, detect storms, and dream while sleeping similarly to humans.