The extraordinary olfactory abilities of dogs are widely recognized. Researchers suggest that a dog’s sense of smell might be up to 10,000 times more acute than that of humans, as reported by PBS. This remarkable sense has allowed humans to train dogs for various tasks, such as locating missing individuals, detecting drugs and explosives, among other things. A question that arises is whether dogs have the capability to detect cancer in humans. Tales of dogs sensing cancer prior to conventional medical screenings have been circulating for some time, but is there any scientific validity to these claims, or are they merely myths?
Can Dogs Really Detect Cancer in Humans?
Since 1989, numerous accounts of dogs with the ability to identify cancer have emerged, as noted by Live Science. The Baltimore Sun in 2015 reported on a shepherd-lab mix named Heidi who detected lung cancer in her human. Similarly, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recounted the story of Sierra, a husky who thrice identified ovarian cancer in her owner. Furthermore, the American Kennel Club reviewed “Doctor Dogs,” a book that includes various anecdotes of dogs detecting different diseases, including cancer.
According to Medical News Today, research has shown that dogs can be trained to detect various types of cancer in humans at early stages. Cancers produce distinct odor signatures that can be found in a person’s body and secretions. These odors are emitted by cancer cells or by healthy cells influenced by cancer. With the right training, dogs have successfully identified cancer in humans through their skin, breath, sweat, and waste, and have been able to alert them.
While some dogs have demonstrated the ability to detect cancer, the training they receive is crucial. The In Situ Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and training dogs for the early detection of cancer in humans. They typically work with high drive dogs, such as German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, shepherd/lab mixes, Beagles, Belgian Malinois, and most mixed breeds that include any of these. Occasionally, a dog from a different breed excels at cancer detection due to its temperament and drive.
How Do Dogs Act When They Smell Cancer?
The reactions of dogs when they encounter the scent of cancer can vary. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel described Sierra the husky’s reaction to ovarian cancer as one of intense curiosity before she hid herself. The Baltimore Sun reported that Heidi the dog started pressing her nose into her owner’s chest and pawing anxiously when she detected cancerous cells.
These narratives illustrate that there is no uniform response from dogs when they smell cancer; it largely depends on their individual temperaments and their training. However, all the stories share a common theme: a noticeable deviation from the dogs’ normal behavior, signaling to their owners that something was amiss. While a change in a dog’s behavior doesn’t automatically indicate a serious issue, consistent unusual behavior might warrant further investigation. If a dog is deemed healthy by a veterinarian but continues to exhibit odd behavior, it might be advisable for the owner to consult a doctor.
So, can dogs smell cancer? The evidence from science is increasingly affirmative. Given dogs’ historical role in understanding human emotions and health conditions, it isn’t too surprising. Their finely tuned senses alert them to our emotional and physical states, often serving as a warning system for potential dangers. It’s a remarkable testament to the deep connection between humans and their canine companions.
Contributor Bio
Erin Ollila is an avid pet lover who has a firm belief in the influential power of words and their ability to convey messages that can enlighten and even alter the intended audience. Her writing is widespread online and in print, encompassing interviews, ghostwriting, blog posts, and creative nonfiction. A passionate advocate for SEO and social media, she holds an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Fairfield University. Ollila can be reached on Twitter @ReinventingErin or more can be learned about her at http://erinollila.com.
