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Your dog’s nose is one of the most remarkable tools in the animal world. While we mostly see the world, dogs smell it, in incredible detail. Here are 20 facts that might change how you think about your next sniffy walk.
How the nose works
1. They have hundreds of millions of scent receptors
Dogs have up to around 300 million scent receptors in their noses. Humans have about 6 million.
2. A big part of their brain is built for smell
The part of a dog’s brain that processes smell is far larger, relative to brain size, than ours.
3. They breathe in and out at the same time
Well, almost. Air goes in through the front of the nostrils and out through the slits at the sides, so fresh scent keeps flowing in while they sniff.
4. Each nostril works on its own
Dogs can smell separately with each nostril, which helps them work out which direction a scent is coming from.
5. Sniffing and breathing use different paths
When a dog sniffs, some air is directed to a special area used only for smelling, while the rest goes to the lungs.
6. A wet nose catches more scent
The thin layer of mucus on a dog’s nose helps trap scent particles, which is part of the reason dogs lick their noses so often.
7. They have a second scent organ
Dogs have a vomeronasal organ (also called Jacobson’s organ) in the roof of the mouth that picks up chemical signals from other animals.
What they can smell
8. They can detect tiny traces
Dogs can pick up scents at incredibly low concentrations, far beyond what any human nose can manage.
9. They can smell the past
A scent trail tells a dog who’s been there and roughly how long ago, because smells fade over time.
10. Some dogs can detect illness
Trained medical alert dogs can warn people with diabetes about changes in their blood sugar, and research continues into dogs detecting other health conditions.
11. They can smell your feelings
Studies suggest dogs can pick up changes in human scent linked to stress.
12. Butt sniffing is a dog’s version of a handshake
Dogs gather information about each other, like health and mood, from the scent glands near the tail.
Noses at work
13. Beagles guard Australia’s borders
Detector dogs, including friendly beagles, work at Australian airports and mail centres, sniffing out food, plants and other items that could carry pests and diseases.
14. Dogs help protect wildlife
Conservation detection dogs in Australia help researchers find koalas, quolls and other native animals by tracking their scent.
15. Bloodhounds are the nose champions
Bloodhounds are famous for following scent trails that are days old, and their long ears help sweep scent up towards the nose.
Everyday nose facts
16. Every nose print is unique
The pattern of ridges on a dog’s nose is as individual as a human fingerprint.
17. A warm, dry nose doesn’t mean your dog is sick
Nose temperature and moisture change through the day. Watch for other signs, like appetite, energy and behaviour, if you’re worried.
18. Noses can change colour
Some dogs’ noses fade to a lighter colour in winter, often called “snow nose” or “winter nose”.
19. Sniffing tires them out
A slow “sniff walk” works a dog’s brain and can leave them as relaxed as a longer run.
20. Their nose may sense warmth
Research suggests the cool tip of a dog’s nose may help them sense faint warmth, like the body heat of small animals.
Put that nose to work
Try hiding treats around the house or garden, scattering kibble in the grass, or letting your dog take the lead on a slow sniff walk. It’s one of the simplest ways to keep your dog happy and mentally sharp.
And if your dog’s nose ever leads them somewhere they shouldn’t be, PetsOnMe Insurance can help with the unexpected.
