Olfactory sensitivity

What is Olfactory Sensitivity?

The term olfactory sensitivity refers to how sensitive an organism, such as a dog, is to different scents. It is measured by an animal's ability to detect and recognize scents. In canines, olfactory sensitivity is remarkably high as dogs have around 300 million olfactory receptors compared to approximately 6 million in humans.

Importance of Olfactory Sensitivity in Dogs

The olfactory sensitivity of dogs makes them excellent candidates for roles that require keen scent detection. For example, you can observe a dog's olfactory sensitivity in actions like detecting drugs, bombs, diseases, or lost people. This extraordinary sense also plays an essential part in their behaviour, training, and welfare.

Difference in Olfactory Sensitivity Among Dogs

There may be variations in olfactory sensitivity among different breeds of dogs. Canine science has shown that hunting and sporting breeds often exhibit a higher level of olfactory sensitivity. They've evolved these advanced scenting abilities to assist with tasks such as tracking game when hunting.

How Dogs Use Their Olfactory Sensitivity

A dog's olfactory sensitivity is crucial for navigating its environment, both in terms of physical navigation and social communication. Dogs use their sense of smell to read "scent messages" left by other animals and communicate via their own scent, contributing to their social interactions.

Training and Olfactory Sensitivity

The high level of olfactory sensitivity in dogs can be utilized in various forms of training. With their extraordinary smell-detection abilities, dogs can be trained to detect specific smells, which can lead to careers in fields like search-and-rescue, narcotics detection, and even medical diagnostics.

Impact of Olfactory Sensitivity on Dog's Health

Olfactory sensitivity in dogs can serve as a marker for overall health condition. Reduced scenting abilities may indicate age-related cognitive decline or nasal diseases. Thus, understanding and monitoring a dog's olfactory sensitivity provides valuable insights into its health and well-being.