All pet owners know that dogs have a keen sense of smell. In fact, dogs have amazing noses and can even sniff out everything from cancer to bombs.
However, have you ever wondered why you like smelling your dog so much? Many pet owners report that smelling their canine friends helps them calm down after a long, stressful day. So, what do you get from smelling your dog? You get a lot more than you might think. We’ll explain exactly why you like smelling your dog so much below.
Is It Normal to Love Your Dog’s Smell?
Yes, it is perfectly normal to love your dog’s smell. Of course, a dirty dog isn’t something everyone loves to smell, but a fresh, clean dog produces a pleasing scent. It is thought that the smell of your dog brings you comfort. Many experts have attributed the smell of a dog to the smell of a newborn baby, which also brings you comfort.
There is proof that smells trigger memories, and it’s also considered the strongest sense attributed to memory. It could be because you had a dog as a child, and the smell of your current dog triggers that memory, making you happy.
The 3 Main Reasons You Love Your Dog’s Smell
There are a few possible reasons for loving the way your dog smells.
1. It Calms You
While there isn’t much scientific evidence to support this theory, it is thought that smelling your dog can have a calming effect on you. Just as dogs do, we get a lot of our important information through our senses, smell included. So, take a good whiff of your dog the next time you’re stressed and see if this theory is right.
2. It Helps You Keep Tabs on Your Dog’s Health
Sniffing your dog can also help you keep a close eye on your pet’s health. You can determine if your dog needs a bath or even if they are unwell or need a change in their diet. Bacterial and yeast infections can produce pungent odors, and your dog may be suffering from a skin allergy or ear infection when you detect a noticeable change in their smell.
Anytime you notice a change in your dog’s odor, contact your veterinarian for advice. However, you only need to bathe your dog if the scent is related to something they rolled around in during playtime outside.
3. It Helps You Bond with Your Dog
Dogs secrete pheromones from at least six places on their bodies. Of course, you won’t be sniffing most of those places, like your dog’s buttocks or genitals. However, your dog secretes pheromones out of their face, which is an area you sniff. They also secrete them from their ears, which is responsible for social cohesion among puppies.
While this hasn’t been proven, it is possible that sniffing your dog’s ears, scalp, and face could be your unconscious way of bonding with the pet you love.
Final Thoughts
Enjoying how your dog smells is perfectly normal, and many pet owners readily admit that they sniff their dogs often. Not only is it thought that the smell of your dog calms you down in stressful situations, but it’s also believed that it’s a bonding experience for pet parents and their dogs.
It is also a great way to keep an eye or nose on your dog’s health, especially as they age. So, the next time you find yourself sniffing your furry friend, remember that other pet owners are doing the same thing.
Featured Image Credit: Daxiao Productions, Shutterstock
