6 health conditions dogs can detect with their extraordinary sense of smell |
Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell, far surpassing human capabilities. With over 220 million scent receptors, they can detect minute chemical changes in the human body, including shifts in hormones, blood, breath, or skin compounds caused by illness or stress. This incredible ability allows dogs to sense certain medical conditions before humans are even aware of them, making them invaluable companions for health monitoring. From detecting cancers and low blood sugar to anticipating neurological or stress-related events, dogs can recognise subtle bodily cues that may signal danger. Their highly attuned noses and sensitivity to chemical and behavioural changes offer early warnings that can be life-saving, highlighting the unique role dogs can play not only as pets but also as living medical alert systems and partners in healthcare.
6 health risks that dogs can sniff out and detect before symptoms appear
Cancer
One of the most remarkable abilities of dogs is detecting cancer. Dogs can sense volatile organic compounds released by cancer cells in the body, which are not detectable by human senses. They have been trained to identify cancers such as breast, lung, bladder, and prostate cancer. A study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that trained dogs could identify blood samples from cancer patients with 97% accuracy. In another study published in the Sage Journals, dogs detected breast cancer with 88% accuracy and lung cancer with 99% accuracy, successfully recognising samples across all stages of the disease.Dogs often exhibit distinct behaviours when sensing cancer. They may sniff, paw, or lick specific areas of a person’s body repeatedly. Sometimes, they focus on moles, skin lesions, or other unusual spots, signalling an underlying health issue. These behaviours provide an early alert for individuals, prompting medical attention that could lead to timely diagnosis and treatment. While researchers are still studying the exact compounds dogs detect, their ability to sense cancer demonstrates an extraordinary biological sensitivity that could complement traditional diagnostic methods in the future.
Narcolepsy
Dogs can also sense narcolepsy, a neurological disorder that causes sudden sleep attacks. Before an episode begins, the body may release subtle chemical signals that trained dogs can detect. By noticing these changes, dogs can alert their owner minutes before a sleep attack occurs. They may nudge, paw, or stand protectively over the person to prevent falls or injuries. This early warning allows individuals to sit or lie down safely, reducing the risk of accidents, especially in potentially dangerous situations such as cooking or walking near traffic.
Migraines
Many people with migraines have reported that their dogs seem to anticipate the onset of an attack. Dogs may notice slight changes in scent, facial expressions, or behaviour that indicate the beginning of a migraine. Common responses include increased attentiveness, staying close to the owner, pawing, or nudging. By signalling the early stages of a migraine, dogs allow their owners to take medication or rest, potentially lessening the severity and duration of the attack.
Low blood sugar
Dogs can provide critical assistance for people with diabetes by detecting low blood sugar, or hypoglycaemia. Humans produce certain chemical markers, such as isoprene in their breath, when blood sugar drops. Dogs trained for this purpose can sense these compounds even before physical symptoms appear. A study published in Diabetes Care confirmed that trained dogs could detect hypoglycemic episodes reliably, while a study in PLOS ONE showed that alert dogs improved the safety and independence of individuals with diabetes.Dogs respond to low blood sugar by nudging, pawing, or licking their owner, providing a timely warning to consume food or glucose. This alert system can prevent dangerous consequences such as dizziness, loss of consciousness, or seizures. The ability of dogs to detect these chemical changes highlights their potential as living medical alert systems, complementing devices like glucose monitors.
Seizures
Some dogs can anticipate epileptic seizures, though scientific evidence is limited. Observations suggest that dogs may sense subtle changes in their owner’s scent, behaviour, or movements before a seizure occurs. While not all dogs can reliably detect seizures, those trained to assist can stay close, provide comfort, and alert others if necessary. Their presence helps reduce the risk of injury and ensures that assistance is available during a seizure.
Fear and stress
Dogs can also detect fear and stress by sensing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol released by the human body. Even when a person is calm externally, a dog may notice internal changes and respond accordingly. Dogs may act more attentive, stay closer, or nudge their owner to signal that something is wrong. This ability is particularly useful for handlers or individuals prone to anxiety or panic attacks, as dogs can provide early intervention and emotional support.The growing research on dogs’ ability to detect medical conditions highlights their potential as invaluable partners in health care. From sensing cancer to alerting diabetic owners of hypoglycemia, their heightened senses provide early warnings that can save lives. While technology may eventually replicate some of these abilities, dogs’ natural sensitivity, loyalty, and responsiveness make them unique allies in monitoring human health.Also Read: 10 symptoms of diabetes in dogs: Early signs every pet owner should watch for
