What smells are dogs most sensitive to?

In the human sensory world, vision dominates. We use our eyes to capture the colorful world and use light and shadow to outline the contours of everything. However, for dogs, smell is the core of their cognitive world and the golden key to open the door to the outside world. The exquisiteness of the dog's olfactory system is far beyond human imagination. They can keenly perceive the subtle odor molecules in the air. These smells are like the words read by humans, which contain rich information and emotions. Which smells can make dogs react most strongly and touch their sensitive nerves deep in their hearts? ​

The dog's olfactory system is a miracle of nature. The number of olfactory receptor cells in their nasal cavity is dozens of times that of humans. There are about 5 million olfactory receptor cells in the human nasal cavity, while an ordinary dog ​​can have this number up to 220 million. At the top of the dog's nasal cavity, there is a layer of wrinkled olfactory epithelium, which greatly increases the area in contact with the air, allowing more odor molecules to be captured. These olfactory receptor cells are like precise detectors, each of which can identify specific odor molecular structures. Different cell combinations form complex odor codes, allowing dogs to distinguish thousands of different odors. Moreover, the area in the dog's brain that processes olfactory information accounts for far more than that of humans, which allows them to deeply analyze and interpret the smells they smell. ​

In the sensitive olfactory world of dogs, the smell of prey is undoubtedly the most attractive and stimulating. Whether it is a hare running in the wild or a vole shuttling through the grass, the smell tracks they leave behind are like invitations written in the air. These smells contain information such as the type, age, health status, and even emotional state of the prey. When dogs catch the smell of prey, the hunting instinct in their bodies is instantly awakened, their eyes become sharp, their ears stand up, their bodies are tense, and they are ready to chase at any time. This sensitivity to the smell of prey stems from the long evolutionary history of dogs. Before domestication, they needed to rely on their keen sense of smell to find food and hunt prey, which was an instinctive need for survival. Even after a long domestication process, when they become companion animals of humans, this hunting instinct is still deeply imprinted in their genes. ​

The smell of companions also has special meaning for dogs. Each dog has a unique smell mark, just like a human ID card. When dogs meet, they will identify each other by sniffing each other to determine whether they are familiar companions. The anal glands of dogs will secrete special smells containing individual information, which include information such as the gender, age, and health status of the dog. For dogs, the smell of companions is an emotional bond that can bring them a sense of security and belonging. When they are in an unfamiliar environment and smell the smell of familiar companions, their tension and anxiety will be relieved.

The smell of humans, especially the smell of their owners, occupies an irreplaceable position in the hearts of dogs. The smell of their owners is a symbol of love and a warm harbor for dogs. Dogs feel the presence of their owners by sniffing their clothes, shoes, and even the beds they have slept on. When the owner leaves home, these items with the smell of the owner become the sustenance of the dog's longing. They will lie quietly beside these items and sniff gently with their noses, as if the owner is right next to them. Studies have shown that dogs have a very high degree of recognition of their owner's smell, and they can accurately capture the owner's unique scent even in an environment mixed with various smells. When they meet their owners again, dogs will excitedly surround their owners and constantly rub their noses against them. This is their way of expressing joy and dependence, and it is also an affectionate response to the owner's smell. ​

The smell of certain chemicals can also cause strong reactions in dogs. For example, the smell of mothballs is very irritating to dogs. Naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene, the main ingredients in mothballs, are potentially harmful to the dog's nervous system and liver. When dogs smell this smell, they may experience symptoms of poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, and convulsions. There are also chemicals contained in some cleaning products, such as chlorine-containing cleaners, whose pungent smell can also make dogs feel uncomfortable. The smell of these chemicals, in the dog's olfactory perception, is like a dangerous signal, reminding them to stay away and protect their safety. ​

In addition, the smell of food has an irresistible attraction to dogs. Whether it is fragrant meat or sweet fruit, the smell of food always makes dogs salivate. Dogs' sense of smell can accurately distinguish the types and freshness of different foods. When they smell the aroma of delicious food, they will show excitement and anticipation, wag their tails, and look eagerly at the source of food. This sensitivity to the smell of food is not only because they need to obtain energy through food, but also because eating is a pleasant enjoyment for dogs, and the smell of food is the prelude to this enjoyment. ​

The olfactory world of dogs is rich and colorful. Their sensitivity to various smells such as prey, companions, humans, chemicals, and food constitutes their unique perception system. These smells are not only tools for them to understand the world, but also a medium for emotional communication. Each smell carries a special meaning, which may stimulate instincts, convey emotions, or warn of danger. As humans, understanding the sensitivity of dogs to different smells can enable us to get along with them better and give them more intimate care and protection.