9 Jobs You’d Never Guess Dogs Can Do With Just Their Noses
We all know dogs love sniffing things, but their noses are way more powerful than you think. In fact, dogs can smell things we can’t imagine–including hidden objects and diseases. Their sniffing skills help in medicine, security, and even science.
These super sniffers are employed for some of the most prestigious jobs in the world, some involving detecting ailments before doctors could. So, if you thought your pup’s biggest talent was begging for snacks with those adorable eyes, you need to see beyond those capabilities. We bring you the top jobs dogs can do with just their noses.
Detecting Diseases Like Cancer and COVID-19
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Forget fancy lab tests because dogs can sniff out these deadly diseases before a proper medical diagnosis can be carried out. Studies show that trained dogs can detect cancer, diabetes, and COVID-19 by smelling changes in a person’s breath, sweat, or urine. Some hospitals are already using trained dogs as medical assistants to help with early detection.
Finding Truffles Worth Thousands of Dollars
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Dogs are stealing the spotlight for truffle hunting. These rare, expensive fungi grow underground, and trained dogs can sniff them out with pinpoint accuracy. Some truffle-hunting pups help their owners rake in thousands of dollars per pound.
Sniffing Out Stolen Art and Artifacts
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Move over, Indiana Jones because dogs are the real treasure hunters. Specialized scent dogs are trained to detect ancient artifacts, smuggled relics, and stolen art pieces. Museums and law enforcement agencies use these expert sniffers to recover priceless historical treasures. Who knew a good boy could solve art crimes?
Tracking Down Leaks in Gas Pipelines
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When gas leaks happen, dogs have a nose for safety. Some utility companies use trained dogs to sniff out leaks in underground pipelines. Their sense of smell is so precise that they can detect leaks from tiny cracks that machines might miss. They play a significant role in saving lives and preventing disasters.
Sniffing Out Bed Bugs in Hotels and Homes
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The worst hotel guest? A bed bug. The best hotel employee? A bed bug-sniffing dog. These expert sniffers can detect infestations in minutes, helping exterminators target the problem before it spreads. Some hotels have their own trained dogs to keep their rooms bug-free.
Identifying Invasive Species in Waterways
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Dogs don’t just work on land but are also helping in rivers and lakes. Conservation teams use scent-detecting dogs to find invasive species like zebra mussels, which can destroy entire ecosystems. These pups help protect native wildlife just by sniffing around the water’s edge.
Detecting Illegal Firearms and Explosives
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Their noses can detect explosives and hidden firearms in airports, schools, and massive public events. Unlike machines, dogs can sniff out threats even if they’re carefully hidden—making them an essential part of security teams worldwide.
Finding Missing People, Even Underwater
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Search-and-rescue dogs can track people on land, but did you know they can also detect bodies underwater? Their noses pick up gases that rise from below the surface, helping recovery teams locate missing persons much faster than traditional search methods.
Detecting Diabetes and Low Blood Sugar
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Some dogs can sense dangerous blood sugar drops before a person notices. Diabetic alert dogs (DADs) are trained to detect changes in their owner’s scent when their glucose levels are too high or too low. They can wake them up, fetch medical supplies, or press an emergency button.
Sniffing Out Electronic Devices for Cybercrime Investigations
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Some law enforcement dogs are trained to detect electronic storage devices like flash drives, SD cards, and hidden cell phones. Think criminals can hide evidence on a tiny USB drive? Not if a dog is on the case. This has been a game-changer in cybercrime and child exploitation investigations.
Finding Whales in the Ocean—Without Ever Seeing Them
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Yes, dogs are helping scientists track whales—without going near the water. Conservation teams use trained dogs to sniff out whale scat (yes, poop!) from miles away. By analyzing the samples, researchers can learn more about whale health and migration patterns without disturbing the animals.
Detecting Malaria Before Symptoms Appear
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Mosquitoes aren’t the only ones who can smell malaria—dogs can, too! Research has shown that trained dogs can sniff out malaria in humans before symptoms start, which could help stop outbreaks before they spread. This could be a game-changer for global health efforts.
Protecting Vineyards by Detecting Harmful Plant Diseases
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Wine lovers, you owe a toast to these hardworking pups. Some vineyards use trained dogs to sniff out plant diseases before they ruin entire grape harvests. Early detection helps farmers take action before the problem spreads, ensuring your favorite bottle of wine stays on store shelves.
Helping Archaeologists Find Ancient Graves and Ruins
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Dogs are helping unlock the secrets of the past. Archaeologists use specially trained dogs to locate human remains buried for centuries. These pups can sniff out historical gravesites that some high-tech equipment might miss, making them invaluable to history buffs and scientists alike.
Finding Endangered Turtles and Their Eggs
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Even turtles need a little help sometimes. Some dogs are trained to sniff out the nests of endangered turtles so conservationists can protect them from predators and human activity. These pups play a crucial role in keeping fragile turtle populations alive.