#PAWS4 Episode 2: Is your furry friend a ‘Dog-tective’?

The Stress Response

Stress is normal and can come in many forms. Every day, there are moments in our life that can be stressful, including:

• Finances
• Relationships
• Work
• Traffic

When we get stressed, sometimes it can put our bodies into a State of Emergency and our body may not have the option of slowing down.

When we find ourselves in a State of Emergency, our vital systems in the body do not come back to normal functioning which can be harmful and even damaging over time.

When the human body detects stress, a few things happen:

• Stress hormones are released to prepare your body
• Non-essential systems in the body go offline (stomach, bladder, liver, bowels) and resources are re-directed to the places required for action (heart, eyes, lungs, arms, legs)
• Our fight-or-flight response is engaged

This reaction is unique to everyone and is automatic. Usually, our body will return to normal after 20 to 30 minutes while in nature.¹

Dogs can sense stress with a nose that knows

Did you know your dog can ‘dog-tect’ how you’re feeling?

That’s right, animal health professionals say that dogs can detect changes in human behaviour and hormones.²

Our pups will want to get up close and personal to sniff out when something is wrong, so keep a lookout for doggo snouts trying to nose into places they don't belong.

You might have heard of Service Dogs that are trained to detect low blood sugar, seizures, diabetes or even mental health symptoms.

(Video of dog that is trained to detect low blood sugar)

When our hormones change, micro-chemicals are released - and though we can't smell these small changes, our dogs definitely can.³

Dogs have a sense of smell that is 50 times better than humans, and they're able to detect even the tiniest odours.

They’re able to smell tears and the changes in our hormones as a result.

This interaction can strengthen the bonds between humans and their pups.

It's not unbelievable that dogs would be able to smell small, physical changes that are happening in our bodies – even ones that we're not fully aware of.

Up next....

Tune in for our next exciting episode to find out about the feel-good chemicals in your body and how your furry friend can give you a boost...coming soon.

Sources:

1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/a-20-minute-nature-break-relieves-stress

2. https://www.friendsofthedog.co.za/can-dogs-smell-hormonal-changes.html

3. https://wagwalking.com/sense/can-dogs-smell-female-hormones