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Dog of the Day: Isobel!

Meme of the day: Same.

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Why Do Dogs Like to Smell Your Breath?

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, which they use to gather information about the world around them. One particularly curious behavior is their tendency to sniff or even directly smell human breath. While it might seem strange or even a bit rude to us, there are several reasons why dogs engage in this behavior.

Gathering Information:

Dogs have an extraordinary olfactory system, far superior to ours. By smelling our breath, they can gather a wealth of information about us, including our diet, health, emotional state, and even if we're pregnant or ovulating.

Social Bonding:

Sniffing breath can be a way for dogs to bond with their human companions. It's a form of close-up interaction that allows them to gather scent cues and establish a connection. In dog-to-dog interactions, sniffing each other's breath is a common way to greet and gather information about each other.

Showing Affection:

For some dogs, smelling your breath might be a way of showing affection or seeking attention. It's their way of getting close to you and expressing their interest in your presence.

Medical Detection:

Research suggests that dogs' highly sensitive noses can detect certain medical conditions in humans through their breath. For example, dogs have been trained to detect diseases like cancer, diabetes, and even COVID-19 by smelling breath samples.

Learned Behavior:

If a dog has been rewarded or praised for smelling someone's breath in the past, they may continue the behavior. This is especially true if they associate the behavior with positive attention or treats.

While it's generally harmless for dogs to smell your breath, it's important to be mindful of their body language and respect their boundaries. If a dog seems uncomfortable or tries to move away, it's best to give them space.

References:

• Horowitz, A. (2009). Inside of a dog: What dogs see, smell, and know.⁶ Scribner.
• Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of clinical behavioral medicine for dogs and cats. Elsevier Health Sciences.⁷
• Wells, D. L. (2004). The facilitation of social interactions by domesticated animals. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 13(6), 210-213.

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