Fun Facts About Your Dog’s Nose

One thing that almost every dog has in common is that they have a powerful nose. And as you know if you own a dog, Fido uses this essential organ quite a lot. Your dog’s nose is one of their main methods of contact with the world. Read on as your veterinarian Aurora, CO tells you some fun facts about your dog’s sniffer. 

Dogs can smell much better than you. 

This probably isn’t a surprise. But it might shock you to learn how much better Fido is at smelling than you are. Dogs’ noses are up to 100,000 times stronger than the human sense of smell. Ask your veterinary clinic Aurora, CO if your dog is a particularly good smeller. 

Some dogs have stronger noses than others.  

Most dogs have a much more powerful sense of smell than you do. But some dogs are better smellers than others. Hound breeds have the most powerful noses, and working breeds like Labradors and German Shepherds aren’t far behind. For more insight into these breeds, contact your vets Aurora, CO. 

However, some dogs aren’t nearly as talented when it comes to tracking scents. Brachycephalic dogs—those with short, squashed faces and bulging eyes like the Pug and Boston terrier—aren’t as great when it comes to sniffing. Learn more about these breeds and their smelling capabilities by calling your vet clinic Aurora, CO. 

Dogs’ sense of smell helps them paint a picture of the world. 

Did you know that your dog can smell separately with each nostril? In this way, your dog’s brain uses the information they get from each nostril to paint a 3D picture of the world around them. It’s almost the same way that our eyes compile two visions to make a clear image. Your vet Aurora, CO can explain this in more detail, so call today.  

Dogs have a second sense of smell.  

In addition to their normal smelling, your dog has something called a vomeronasal organ that helps detect pheromones. This is important for dog communication. Your dog detects pheromones and knows when they’re in another dog’s territory, or when another dog is in heat, for example. Learn more about canine physiology by calling your animal hospital Aurora, CO. 

Dogs breathe in and out at the same time.  

That’s right—Fido’s nose creates a circular breathing pattern that creates a continuous circulation when they’re sniffing. They breathe in and out simultaneously, rather than in or out only, as we do. Who knew? Your veterinary clinic Aurora, CO can tell you more about this fascinating aspect of your dog’s nose. 

Your dog’s nose can change color.  

It’s possible for a dog’s nose to change color over time. This can occur because of sun bleaching or a condition called Dudley nose in which the nose changes color for unknown reasons. It’s also possible for autoimmune diseases and other conditions to change the nose’s color, although this is rare. Contact your pet clinic Aurora, CO to learn more about this. 

Does your dog need a veterinary checkup? Want to learn more about Fido’s nose or other important body parts and organs? The professionals at your vet clinic Aurora, CO are here to help. Set up your dog’s next appointment today.