Ever wondered about what superpowers your paw-friend has? We are certain that after reading this post, you will never look at your dog the same way, for the better!
Your pooch is way more surprising than what you thought, and one of the most amazing features of your very cuddly paw-friend is its nose. So, without further ado, let us dive into the fun and mind-blowing word of your dogs’ olfactory recess, or in simple language the superpower of smell.
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Know About Your Pup’s Muzzle
Dogs’ brains are smaller than humans, and about 40% of it is devoted to smell. Your dog can smell and store information about a particular thing for years. Dogs picture and interpret the world through smell.
The incredible power of a dog’s smell sense can go beyond what we can think. Dogs have 125 to 300 million smell receptors. The nose structure also plays a vital role in giving the dogs the amazing ability.
If you look at a dog’s anatomy, you can see that a dog’s nose is divided into different chambers and opens in two different nostrils, which can take in smells separately. Also, the wet tip of your dog’s nose can stick small particles on it which later process the smell to the brain. We, humans, have only 6 Million smell receptors which are just 2 to 5% that of dogs!
“One of the main functions of the nose is to warm the air. Warming helps the lungs to function well,” says Dr Norman.
Dogs to the Rescue!
Did you know that dogs can smell up to 40ft below ground? This is why dogs are used to help in finding drugs, bombs and even in search and rescue operations.
Some dogs are even trained to detect cancer cells with their sense of smell. The first record case of canine cancer detection dates back to 1989. They can also help in finding diabetes, and imminent seizures. Service dogs can be trained to smell epileptic seizure about 45 minutes before it happens.
Jacobson’s Organ Does Wonders
A dog’s Vomeronasal Organ also called Jacobson’s Organ. This part receives chemical messages/pheromones, these are usually used for reproductive or social purposes. These pheromones are used to tell your puppy where to pee as they strongly follow the smell.
Synthetic pheromones can be used which a mother of puppies produces to calm her newborns. It is a wonderful way to use their Vomeronasal Organ to ease your dog through separation anxiety or stressful situations.
Healthy Nose, Healthy Doggo
Keeping your dog’s nose healthy and knowing when to consult the vet is crucial for dog owners.
The most sensitive organ of a dog is its nose. As a pet parent, it is good to keep your dog’s nose healthy. Here are some things you can do:
- If your dog has been facing a loss of hair or skin on the nose, then you need to consult your vet as it can be a sign of approaching diseases.
- Reddening of the skin can also tell about the sensitivity of your dogs’ nose and if something is going wrong with this particular area about which you should see your vet.
- Bloody or mucoid nasal discharge is not normal. If your dog faces such issues, then you must go to your vet. Only a professional can tell with certainty if there is anything to worry about or not as this can also mean serious health issues.
- A dry nose could be a sign of dehydration, but it does not particularly mean they are sick. If your dog is not drinking enough water then in this case you need to contact your vet. You need not worry much about a dry nose as it is normal once in a while. However, if the dryness is severe and your pooch is highly reluctant to consume fluids, it is recommended that you get him or her check with the doctor.
- A cracked nose can be a sign of serious health issues. There are several good products available for keeping your pup’s nose healthy. Ask your vet for the best products suitable for your dog.
Conclusion
These are some facts about your dog’s nose and its superpowers with some information on how you can retain this superpower for your pooch’s good health. What do you think your dog must be sniffing right now? Something surprising for you again?
If you liked this article, you will also like our other post on why dogs like to smell the butts of other dogs.
