Our 4 top tips for keeping your dog’s teeth at their best
By following these tips, you can help to keep your dog’s teeth healthy and prevent dental problems.
Dogs are known for their exceptional sense of smell, which is far superior to that of humans. In fact, their noses are approximately 100,000 times more sensitive than a human nose. Their nose is their most important sensory organ and essential to their survival. Dogs can use their powerful sense of smell to detect emotions, distinguish between individuals, and more. Here are some fascinating facts about dog noses you might not know!
Dogs have a second “nose”
It’s no secret that dogs have a great sense of smell, but did you know they actually have a second “nose.” This is called the vomeronasal organ or Jacobson’s organ. It is located on the roof of a dog’s mouth, behind the front teeth. Dogs use this organ to detect pheromones, which are chemical signals that animals use to communicate with each other. When a dog curls back its lip and appears to be “smiling,” it’s using its Jacobson’s organ to sniff out specific scents.
Dogs have a special “scent memory”
Dogs have an incredible ability to remember scents thanks to the olfactory bulb in their brain, which is dedicated to processing smells. Humans have an olfactory bulb too, but this part of the brain is much more prominent in dogs, which is why they have a superior sense of smell.
But what’s really interesting about the olfactory bulb is that it gives dogs a “scent memory” that lasts for years. They can remember the scent of a person, animal, or object and track it down, even if it’s been a long time since they last encountered it. This skill helps dogs secure jobs tracking down individuals, illegal substances, or detecting changes in blood sugar, and more!
Dogs can smell fear
It’s been said that dogs can smell fear, and there’s actually some truth to this. When humans feel afraid, our bodies release certain chemicals, such as adrenaline, which can be detected by a dog’s sensitive nose. Dogs can pick up on these changes and may become more alert or agitated as a result. This is one reason why dogs make such good guard animals. They can sense when something is wrong and will often bark or growl to warn their owners.
A wet nose helps dogs smell better
Have you ever noticed that your dog’s nose is always wet? This is because dogs secrete a thin layer of mucus on their nose, which helps to trap scent particles. When a dog licks its nose, it helps keep this mucus layer intact, which allows them to smell more effectively. The wetness of a dog’s nose can also help to cool them down in hot weather, as the moisture evaporates and carries away heat.
Dogs can tell identical twins apart by scent
Identical twins may look exactly alike, but there’s no fooling a dog! Each person has a unique odor produced by their skin, sweat, and other bodily fluids. Dogs can pick up on these subtle differences and use them to distinguish between people, even if they look identical. This is just one example of how dogs use their incredible sense of smell to navigate the world around them.
The Bottom Line
A dog’s nose is truly a remarkable thing. From their second “nose” to their incredible scent memory, dogs have evolved to use their noses in ways far beyond what humans can comprehend. As dog owners, it’s important to remember that our furry friends rely heavily on their sense of smell and take steps to keep their noses healthy and happy. Whether it’s by providing plenty of opportunities for scent-based play or ensuring they have access to clean drinking water, every little bit helps support our four-legged friends.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your dog’s teeth healthy and prevent dental problems.
This month’s pet focus is on Buddy, an 8-year-old Lab-Poodle mix.
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