It is generally known that dogs are real super noses. It’s not for nothing that we first hold out our hands to a friendly dog to greet him, so that he can sniff them calmly and decide whether he likes us or prefers to keep his distance.
But over which highly fine antennas the sense of smell of Fellnasen actually has, is investigated in the last decades ever more and more exactly. The results exceed even the boldest expectations – now all the dog owners who have always reported the premonitions of their four-legged friends finally have confirmation: Yes, dogs really do know many things earlier than humans, because their nose has already told them.
- pregnancies
Dogs can sense even the smallest changes in the body odor of “their” humans. During pregnancy, drastic hormonal changes take place in the body and a dog will notice early on that something is different here. He may also be disturbed at first because his human suddenly smells like someone completely new.
- identity
Dogs recognize others less by their appearance than by their very own typical smell. If you disguise yourself artfully, you can use it to fool other people, but a dog will at most be a little confused until he is close enough to you that he can identify you by your smell. Then there is no doubt at all – even wigs and false noses won’t help. Well trained dogs can even tell identical twins apart by their smells.
- cancers
Cancers change the way our cells work, causing cells to proliferate uncontrollably and tumors to grow. The diseased cells produce a special protein that can be scent by dogs. Research has shown that this is not a myth: dogs can sniff out lung cancer on their breath and bladder and prostate cancer on their urine.
- epileptic seizures
Dogs can anticipate an epileptic seizure in humans by up to 45 minutes before it begins. It is thought that a very definite change in body odor precedes the actual seizure. Dogs often then begin to bark in an upset manner, and can thus forewarn their humans.
- interactions with other dogs
A familiar situation: You have petted another dog on the way and when you get home, your own four-legged friend doesn’t want to stop sniffing his human with interest. What does he learn there? For example, what breed, what s*x and what mood the other dog had. Unbelievable!
- changes in blood sugar level
Studies have confirmed that dogs can smell it when our blood sugar levels are low – in fact, our sweat smells different. For dog owners who have diabetes, it can be a valuable warning signal when their furry friend reacts nervously to the changes.
- storms and bad weather
When animals suddenly seek safe shelter for no apparent reason, humans would do well to follow their lead – something is literally “in the air.” Dogs can smell the slightest changes in the air and are also very sensitive to vibrations in the ground. If the dog suddenly flees, then nothing like after it.
It’s hard to believe what dogs perceive through their fine noses that we humans don’t even notice. We are well advised to pay attention to their behavior and take their warning barking seriously – it could save our lives one day.
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