5 Amazing Things Dogs Can Smell That We Humans Can’t Detect

When it comes to the incredible sensory world of dogs, their sense of smell remains their most astonishing superpower. In 2025, cutting-edge research continues to reveal exactly how dogs' noses unlock scents invisible to human beings. For UK readers thinking about how to buy a dog or where to buy a puppy, understanding this amazing olfactory ability not only deepens appreciation for your future companion but also highlights the importance of responsible dog ownership and training.

This article explores five remarkable things dogs can detect through scent, backed by the latest science. Plus, get practical tips on questions to ask when buying a puppy, and how to use trusted resources like the Kennel Club Find a Puppy service to find your perfect furry friend ethically.

1. Detecting Diseases Early with Incredible Accuracy

Dogs have been shown to sniff out several serious diseases long before symptoms appear, including:

• Cancer: Dogs can detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in breath or sweat, identifying different types of cancers such as lung, breast, and colorectal cancer.
• Infections caused by bacteria: For instance, dogs trained to recognise unique bacterial biofilm compounds can identify Staphylococcus infections in human samples, even early-stage joint infections, showing exceptionally high sensitivity and specificity.
• Diabetes and hypoglycemia: Many diabetic owners rely on trained dogs who alert them to dangerous drops in blood sugar by sensing subtle changes in body odour.

This cutting-edge work is supported by breakthroughs in understanding dog brain activity during scent detection, revealing how emotional and memory-related brain regions help dogs distinguish between complex odours.

2. Sensing Threats That Are Hidden to Us

Dogs’ noses detect explosives, narcotics, and hazardous materials that humans cannot smell:

• UK scientists at the University of Lincoln have developed innovative training methods exposing dogs to multiple target odours simultaneously, improving their ability to detect variations of these dangerous smells in real-world conditions.
• Military and security forces use this extraordinary skill to keep communities safe, performing tasks too complex or subtle for machines alone.

3. Finding Missing People and Wildlife

Rescue dogs use their scenting superpower to locate:

• Missing persons by picking up specific human scents in crowded or outdoor environments.
• Endangered wildlife by detecting animal scents in dense forests or undergrowth, aiding conservation efforts.

Intermixed scent training has enhanced dogs’ abilities in these complex tracking tasks, helping them succeed despite environmental scent "noise" in the field.

4. Detecting Changes in Human Emotional States

Research shows that dogs’ olfactory perception ties closely to their emotional processing centres:

• They can sense changes in human sweat chemistry related to fear, stress, or happiness, often responding with comforting behaviour.
• This ability plays a crucial role in therapy and assistance dogs who recognise and react to their owner’s emotional needs.

5. Recognising Food and Plants Beyond Our Senses

Dogs can identify:

• Subtle smells in food spoilage or contamination far earlier than we can.
• Specific plants or fungi, including those toxic or medicinal, protecting dogs exploring outdoor spaces from dangers invisible to us.

Tips for Ethically Choosing and Buying a Dog in the UK

When deciding how to buy a dog or where to buy a puppy, consider these best practices that promote responsible dog ownership:

• Use reputable sources such as the Kennel Club Find a Puppy tool, which connects buyers with registered breeders who adhere to high welfare standards.
• Ask important questions when buying a puppy including:
  • Can I visit the breeder’s home and meet the puppy’s parents?
  • What health checks have the parents undergone?
  • What vaccinations and microchipping has the puppy received?
• Consider adoption from UK rescue centres, which often house dogs eager for new homes.
• Avoid puppy farms and online sellers without transparency or welfare assurances.

Finding your new friend through trusted channels ensures not only a healthy puppy but supports ethical breeding practices.

Conclusion: The Irreplaceable Gift of a Dog’s Nose

Dogs’ extraordinary sense of smell unlocks worlds invisible to us—whether detecting diseases, sensing danger, or reading subtle emotional cues. This natural "superpower" enriches our lives and society in countless ways. By choosing your dog carefully and responsibly through recognised UK resources like the Kennel Club, you help ensure a healthy, happy partnership.

In return, a well-trained dog with their amazing scent abilities becomes a lifelong companion offering protection, companionship, and marvels that only their noses can reveal.