Introduction

We all know that dogs have incredible noses, but prepare to be amazed by a new study that delves deeper into their olfactory prowess. Recent research has unveiled that dogs possess the remarkable ability to sense weak thermal radiation, specifically the body heat of mammalian prey. This not only sheds light on their hunting skills but also reveals how canines with impaired senses can still excel in the art of hunting. Get ready to explore the fascinating world of canine senses and their uncanny hunting capabilities.

Exploring the Unique Sense of Heat Detection

The capacity to detect weak thermal radiation is not exclusive to dogs. Certain animals like snakes, black fire beetles, and vampire bats have long utilized this ability to locate and hunt their prey. What sets dogs apart is their rhinarium, the area surrounding their nostrils characterized by naked, smooth skin. Dogs' rhinaria are humid, colder than the external environment, and well innervated, suggesting an additional sensory potential beyond just smell.

Insights from the Research: To unravel the mysteries of dogs' heat detection capabilities, researchers at Lund University and Eötvös Loránd University embarked on an intriguing experiment. They trained three companion dogs, lovingly referred to as "pet parents," to distinguish between a warm object (31°C) and an ambient-temperature object placed 1.6 meters away. The dogs were not able to rely on visual or olfactory cues to differentiate the objects. Remarkably, after rigorous training, all three dogs successfully detected the objects emitting weak thermal radiation. Further investigations utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) revealed that the left somatosensory cortex, responsible for processing sensory inputs from the nose, exhibited greater responsiveness to the warm thermal stimulus than the neutral one.

Unveiling the Ancestral Connection

The extraordinary ability of dogs to sense weak hot spots and the activation of specific regions in their brains raise intriguing questions about its origin. Scientists suspect that dogs inherited this remarkable trait from their ancestor, the grey wolf. This connection to their wild heritage showcases the enduring legacy of the wolf and its influence on the evolution of our beloved canine companions.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking study emphasizes the extraordinary sensory capabilities of dogs, showcasing their ability to detect thermal radiation and offering insights into their hunting prowess. By understanding the intricate workings of their noses, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complex sensory world that dogs inhabit. As we continue to explore the depths of canine cognition, we unravel the remarkable legacy left by their ancestors and the enduring bond between dog parents and their remarkable furry companions.

Here the official publication

Bálint, A., Andics, A., Gácsi, M. et al. Dogs can sense weak thermal radiation. Sci Rep 10, 3736 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-60439-y

References:

McGreevy, P., Georgevsky, D., Carrasco, J., Valenzuela, M., Duffy, D., & Serpell, J. (2013). Dog behavior co-varies with height, bodyweight and skull shape. PLoS ONE, 8(12), e80529.

Berns, G. S., Brooks, A. M., & Spivak, M. (2012). Functional MRI in awake unrestrained dogs. PLoS ONE, 7(5), e38027.