Finally, the answer to how does a dog smell, it’s really rather well actually.
Finally, the answer to how does a dog smell, it’s really rather well actually.
So, you may have seen in the news recently a story regarding dogs' ability to sniff out stress in human breath and sweat. It's not surprising to me that dogs can sense stress, as they are particularly adept at reading human body language and noticing the slightest changes—this is hardwired into them as a survival skill. Scientists aren't surprised either, as previous studies have suggested that dogs can detect stress in humans. However, what is remarkable about this new study is that it proves dogs can pick up on chemical signals with an average accuracy of 93.75%. Pretty impressive, right? But can our stress levels impact our dog's health?
Humans have thirty main measures of neurological and physiological stress, of which we share twenty-seven with dogs. Physiologically, we practically have the same nervous system and its functions; we are 98% similar anatomically, and neurologically, we operate with the same mechanics, according to Andy Hale, a certified animal behaviourist, founder of Dog Centred Care, behaviour consultant for the British Isles Grooming Association & Pet Remedy, and an all-around lovely chap. Previous studies have demonstrated that stress hormone levels in dogs and humans synchronize over time, with the level in humans being mirrored in the dog (Sundman et al., 2019).
Taken from Long-term stress levels are synchronized in dogs and their owners - PubMed (nih.gov) (Sundman, A.S. et al. 2019) http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The thicker the arrow, the greater the impact on the dog's long-term cortisol levels—yes, our stress does affect our dogs' health. Consider also whether your dog is optimistic or pessimistic. For those of you who just rolled your eyes, stay with me. I have scientific evidence to support this. The study "Canine Sense and Sensibility: Tipping Points and Response Latency Variability as an Optimism Index in Canine Judgment Bias Assessment" (Starling et al., 2014) demonstrated that a dog's perception of the world can be influenced by its innate optimism or pessimism.
When an optimistic dog encounters a new experience, such as meeting another dog displaying negative behaviour towards them, it is more likely to maintain a positive view. Although it may initially be unsure, this dog typically recovers quickly. In contrast, a pessimistic dog tends to view the situation negatively and is more likely to either react or disengage, even if the new experience itself—like passing a large dog that ignores them—isn't inherently negative. Therefore, a pessimistic dog might be less resilient in coping with stress compared to an optimistic dog.
If, like me, you are now stressing out about the fact that your stress is affecting your dog, don't panic! Here are a few ideas to keep both you and your dog happy and to reset any negative vibes we may have passed on to them.
Go on a Sniffari rather than a walk
This is remarkably simple, quick, and effective, read more about sniffaris below.
https://www.rufflesnuffle.co.uk/the-sniffari-why-you-should-let-your-dog-sniff-on-their-walk/
Try some Animal Centred Freework
Benefits for the dog:
Lowers arousal levels
Licking releases tension in the jaw
Releases good endorphins
Low impact workout
Sensory educational exercise
Reset & relax
Improved rate of recovery if dog becomes aroused or stressed
Sounds good, right? I start and finish all my grooms with some ACE Freework. Click the link below to find out ways to use Ace Freework in your home.
https://caninecompilation.com/free-work-enrichment-for-dogs/
There are also 2 fantastic groups you can join on Facebook, search for:
ACE Connections
ACEing August
Do something you know your dog enjoys
Try to avoid puzzles toys that may frustrate them or activities that will get them over aroused, for example throwing a ball continually.
For my dog it could be:
chasing her slowly around the garden, pretending I’m going to get whatever toy is in her mouth
getting on the floor with her and playing tug of war
letting her play with my hair (yanking it out of my head with her teeth and claws, she loves it)
cuddles on the sofa
giving her something out of the recycling bin
letting her lick the yoghurt pot
giving her a pair of socks from the sock draw
sitting on the bed looking out the window
Keep a check on our own anxious behaviour
Do you shorten the lead, tense your arms/body or hold your breath because you are predicting a negative behaviour from your dog. Your dog will notice these changes, and this will increase the likelihood of creating a reaction in your dog.
Our emotions and our bodies can be positively influenced by our minds, especially through imagery. Practice comforting imagery, it can be reliving a childhood memory or visualising anything that brings you comfort and makes you feel safe. Don’t rely on positive thoughts as we can fall into thinking traps, using imagery is far more effective, and using our senses to ground us to the here and now.
I have joined a couple of free events through Cheshire Wildlife Trust, designed for wellbeing, and I learnt different grounding exercises, how to make bird feeders and to build a living feed feeder, about my local woods, all whilst meeting some lovely people. Have a look to see what’s on offer near you, I would thoroughly recommend it.
https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/
https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/
Signing off for now but with my spy glass at the ready to investigate another dog related mystery
Wag-Wagatha Christie 🔎🐾
References
Bright, E. W., “The Relationships in Anxiety”, Edition Dog, (48), pp. 14-18.
Davey, J. wr., 2022. “Optimism Vs Pessimism” Edition Dog, (40), pp. 20-24.
Hale, A. "Prspectives, Emotions & Behaviour' Webinar recorded 26th February 2022
Sundman, A.S. et al., 2019. Long-term stress levels are synchronized in dogs and their owners. Scientific reports. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31171798/#:~:text=Long-term%20stress%20levels%20are%20synchronized%20in%20dogs%20and,among%20humans%20and%20between%20individuals%20of%20other%20species. [Accessed January 30, 2022].
