Welcome to our Peculiar Pet Facts series, where we investigate the quirks of our pets and explore the science behind them.
Dogs use their noses for many things: communicating with each other, finding the treat jar, and finding their way home. But did you know that some dogs can be trained to detect potential illnesses or health issues in humans? Here are some examples of how specially trained dogs can potentially save someone’s life or improve their quality of life.
Canines detecting cancer
Most dogs must go through rigorous training to detect cancer, but the first published report was of a dog that detected cancer in its owner on its own. A letter published in the respected medical journal Lancet in 1989 described how a dog constantly sniffed a mole on its owner’s leg and even tried to bite it. The owner ended up worrying herself and a visit to her doctor confirmed that the mole was malignant melanoma (skin cancer).
Scientists believe that cancer-sniffing dogs can detect volatile chemicals released by malignant (cancer) cells. These dogs cannot tell the difference between types of cancer, but they were able to detect lung, prostate, colorectal, breast, bladder, ovarian and skin cancers. Their specialized sniffers can detect cancer in human blood, tissue, urine and even breath.
Diabetic Alert Dogs
Our body uses glucose as its main source of energy, and if glucose levels are too low (hypoglycemia) or too high (hyperglycemia), it can mean a medical emergency for people with diabetes. Some people with diabetes have a small sensor under their skin that constantly monitors their blood sugar and alerts them to a problem. But not everyone has access to a monitor like this.
Another option is a diabetic alert dog. These dogs are trained to detect a chemical (smell) change and alert if their owner’s blood sugar level drops too low or rises too high. This way, their owner can act before it becomes an emergency. A diabetic alert dog can help people with diabetes lead more independent lives.
Gluten
Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disease that causes an immune response in the small intestine when people with the disease eat gluten (the protein in barley, rye and wheat). The immune system of people with celiac disease can destroy the lining of the small intestine, preventing nutrient absorption, which can lead to weight loss.
Gluten detection dogs are trained to alert their owners if they are near a source of gluten. There are obvious sources of gluten (like bread, pizza, and crackers), but gluten can also be found in items like lip balm and toothpaste. Celiac assistance dogs can help their owners detect not-so-obvious sources of gluten.
It’s expensive and time-consuming training, but these specially trained dogs just might save someone’s life. And it’s a great use for a particular sniffing skill!
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