Can a dog lose their sense of smell? Causes and care

When it comes to the senses of dogs, their sense of smell is the sense they rely upon the most, far above their eyesight and hearing. This is something that can be challenging for us as humans to understand given how weak our own senses of smell are compared to that of dogs, being as we tend to rely upon our eyes for information much more than we do our noses!

Even a dog that has lost their eyesight or hearing will tend to cope perfectly well with some adjustments and consideration, because these secondary senses, while important, are not the core of the dog’s interaction with the world. This is on a par with how we as humans would cope without a sense of smell—we would certainly miss some cues, and our appreciation of food would diminish too, but such a loss would not be crippling—after all, we do not lose the ability to function when we get a cold and blocked nose!

For a dog, on the other hand, losing their sense of smell is a massive change for them, and can be compared to the impact it would have on a person to lose their vision. Losing one’s sense of smell permanently (rather than simply due to a temporarily blocked nose) is rare in dogs but life-changing when it occurs, inhibiting their ability to interpret and respond to their surroundings and impacting nearly every aspect of their daily life.

In this article, we will explore why a dog might lose their sense of smell, whether this changes over time, and what can be done to help. Read on to gain a clearer understanding and compassionate insight into this important topic.

Variations in scenting ability among breeds

All dogs have a much better sense of smell than humans because they possess many more scent receptors in their noses and a larger part of the brain dedicated to processing smells. The bloodhound puppies in particular are known for their exceptional olfactory abilities, with highly sensitive noses and a tenacious drive to follow scents under challenging conditions.

That said, every dog relies primarily on scent, so even a slight reduction in sense of smell can markedly affect their experience of the world. For example, a bloodhound with a diminishing sense of smell may still outperform many breeds but will be aware of even mild impairment.

Temporary changes in a dog’s sense of smell

A dog’s scenting ability naturally fluctuates daily and seasonally, influenced by health and environmental conditions. Moistening the nose by licking can dramatically improve scent detection after a dog wakes when the nose may feel dry and less effective.

Seasonal allergies, particularly in spring and summer, can cause nasal inflammation in sensitive dogs, leading to a temporary drop in scent sensitivity. Similarly, nasal congestion from a cold, bacterial or viral infections, or foreign objects can reduce a dog’s smelling capacity until resolved.

Temporary loss of smell caused by such conditions resembles the experience of humans with a stuffy nose and usually improves with appropriate care and time.

How a dog’s sense of smell changes over their lifetime

At birth, puppies have a very strong sense of smell, but their brain gradually builds a vast library of scent memories and references during their early months and years. By their first birthday, dogs have amassed millions of scent experiences that help them interpret their environment.

As dogs mature and reach senior years, a subtle decline in olfactory acuity often occurs. This can affect their appetite and interest in food since smell and taste are closely linked. However, the degree varies widely among individual dogs, and many live well with only minor changes in smell.

Permanent loss or significant decline of scenting ability

Although rare, some dogs experience permanent loss of smell, medically termed anosmia. Causes include chronic inflammation due to long-term allergies damaging nasal scent receptors, physical damage to the nose or throat from surgery or injury, and neurological damage such as injury to the olfactory nerve or brain regions responsible for processing smells.

The olfactory nerve lies above and behind the dog’s nose and muzzle, connecting scent reception in the nose to the brain. Damage here, from head trauma, certain infections, cancers, or other diseases, can prevent the brain from interpreting smells, even if the nose detects scent particles.

If you notice that your dog is less interested in food, fails to respond to familiar scents, or seems anxious due to confusing environmental cues, it is important to consult your vet promptly. They can investigate treatable causes and advise on supportive care.

Supporting a dog with a reduced sense of smell

Dogs rely heavily on scent to explore their world, communicate, and enjoy daily activities. If a dog’s smell is impaired, owners can help by maintaining a consistent routine, using other senses such as sight and sound to guide them, and offering enticing foods with strong flavours or textures to encourage eating.

Environmental enrichment through play and tactile stimulation can also improve quality of life. Responsible pet ownership includes regular vet check-ups to identify and address health issues early to ensure your dog’s holistic wellbeing.

What about dog breeds with exceptional scenting skills?

The bloodhound puppies are world-famous for their tracking capabilities, yet they are not immune to age-related or health-related declines in scent. When seeking a dog with excellent scenting abilities, reputable breeders prioritise health screening and responsible practices to minimise inherited conditions that might impair olfaction.