Dogs have an incredible sense of smell; it's been common knowledge for centuries our canine pals can pick up on scents like no other domesticated animal. But how exactly do they do this? While scientists haven't completely figured it out, we do have many intriguing insights that explain a great deal about our dogs' sniffing super powers.
What's in a Nose?
Your dog's perfectly gorgeous face processes scents in a way that humans just can't. When he's nosing a newcomer, airflow is divided for breathing and smelling. And to better collect scents, your dog independently moves his nostrils, passing the smell to his vomeronasal organ - a part that people don't have.
As the nasal pocket collects odor molecules, the scent is delivered to 220 million olfactory nose receptors (we only have 5 million). The absorbed odor sends nerve impluses to his brain, making it possible for him to expertly pinpoint scents.
Long-range Accuracy
These super schnozz abilities are incredibly impressive and the reason canines, from Beagles to Bloodhounds, are employed as finders of contraband foods, drugs, bombs and lost humans. A dog's sense of smell allows him to whiff traces of human bone or blood plunged below 100 feet of water and to discern the far-off-smell of an animal from a lost hiker.
On the Job
Dogs perform acts of heroism ranging from serving as emotional support to helping out during hurricanes, but perhaps no canines are more known for using their noses for good than the trained professional search and rescue dogs that assist law enforcement during all types of critical situations. Their highly sharpened smelling skills help locate missing elderly, trapped victims of natural disasters, and even displaced pets.
Take peace of mind in knowing you have the next best thing to a canine's super sense of smell for identifying where your dog with the LINK AKC Smart Collar's location feature. It ensure's your super sniffer stays close enough to keep a nose on you!
