If your dog is sniffing your gen!tal area, it means you have…See more

6

Sometimes They Notice Changes We Don't

Animal behavior specialists say dogs may become unusually interested in a person's scent if something about it has changed.

Hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, stress, illness, medications, or even a new diet can alter a person's natural odor profile.

Many pregnant women report that family dogs began acting differently around them long before they knew they were expecting. Researchers believe dogs may be detecting subtle hormonal changes that humans cannot perceive.

Similarly, some trained dogs have demonstrated the ability to identify certain medical conditions through scent, including low blood sugar episodes and some types of disease markers.

That doesn't mean a dog sniffing someone automatically indicates a health problem. Most of the time, it's simply curiosity and normal canine behavior.

Why Some People Get Sniffed More Than Others

Not everyone receives the same level of attention.

Factors that may attract extra canine curiosity include:

• Recent exercise or sweating
• Strong perfumes or scented products
• Pregnancy-related hormonal changes
• Menstrual cycle changes
• New medications
• Emotional stress or anxiety
• Carrying food odors on clothing