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10 Extraordinary Things Your Dog Senses That You Can’t

Dogs are known for their incredible senses, which often far surpass human abilities. Their heightened perception allows them to detect things we can’t, making them invaluable companions and sometimes even lifesavers. Here are ten fascinating things your dog can sense that you can’t.

1. Earthquakes

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Dogs have been reported to sense earthquakes before they occur. Their acute hearing enables them to detect seismic vibrations that are imperceptible to humans. Some scientists believe dogs can also sense changes in the Earth’s magnetic field or smell gases released from underground shifts. This extraordinary ability has made them a focus of research into early earthquake detection systems.

Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog is Bored and How to Fix Them

2. Changes in Weather

dog lying on rug unwell
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Dogs are sensitive to barometric pressure changes and can detect shifts in weather patterns. You may notice your dog becoming restless before a storm or behaving differently when rain is imminent. Their heightened senses allow them to pick up on atmospheric changes long before humans do.

Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog Considers You to be its Best Friend

3. Illness in Humans

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One of the most remarkable abilities dogs possess is their capacity to detect illnesses in humans. Their powerful sense of smell can identify changes in a person’s body chemistry, such as those caused by cancer, diabetes, or even an impending seizure. Some trained medical alert dogs can notify their owners about critical health conditions, offering life-saving assistance.

Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog Doesn’t Love You and What to do about it

4. Emotions

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Dogs are highly attuned to human emotions, often sensing feelings like happiness, sadness, or fear. They can pick up on subtle cues, such as changes in body language, tone of voice, or even the scent of stress-related hormones like cortisol. This ability makes them exceptional companions, offering comfort and support during emotional times.

Read Next: 10 Worst Mistakes You Can Make With Your Dog

5. Pregnancy

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Many dog owners have reported their pets acting differently around pregnant women. Dogs can detect hormonal changes through their keen sense of smell and may become more protective or affectionate toward the expectant mother. Their ability to sense pregnancy adds another layer of connection between humans and their canine friends.

Read Next: 10 Ways to Improve Your Relationship With Your Dog

6. Time

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While dogs don’t wear watches, they have an uncanny sense of time. This is likely due to their ability to recognize patterns and routines. For example, they often know when it’s time for a walk or when their owner will return home. Some studies suggest they use changes in light and scent levels to measure the passage of time.

Read Next: 10 Surprising Things Dogs Hate that Owners Don’t Know

7. Danger

brown dog with mouth open
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Dogs can sense danger in various forms, from intruders to natural disasters. Their acute hearing and smell enable them to detect unusual sounds or scents that might indicate a threat. Many dogs also have a strong instinct to protect their owners, making them alert to potential dangers in their environment.

Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog is Definitely Mad at You

8. Electromagnetic Fields

beige dog staring
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Some research suggests that dogs can sense electromagnetic fields. This might explain why they sometimes act strangely around electronic devices or during thunderstorms. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it’s clear that dogs perceive the world in ways that are beyond human capability.

Read Next: 10 Common Misconceptions about Dog Behavior

9. Human Intentions

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Dogs are exceptionally good at reading human intentions. They can pick up on subtle cues, such as body language and facial expressions, to understand what a person is about to do. This ability is why they often seem to “know” when you’re about to take them for a walk or leave the house.

Read Next: 10 Everyday Things That Hurt Your Dog’s Feelings

10. Death

Senior man and dog having eye contact
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Dogs have been known to sense death, either in humans or other animals. This could be due to their ability to detect changes in body chemistry or subtle shifts in behavior. Many stories describe dogs staying close to people who are near the end of their lives, providing comfort and companionship during their final moments.

Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog is Healthy Owners Need to Know

Conclusion

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Dogs possess extraordinary senses that allow them to perceive the world in ways we cannot. From detecting seismic activity to understanding human emotions, their abilities showcase the depth of their connection to the environment and the people around them.

These skills not only make them fascinating animals but also highlight their value as companions and protectors. By understanding and appreciating what dogs can sense, we deepen our bond with these remarkable creatures and gain new insights into the world they experience.

Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog Thinks it’s the Boss

Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog Considers You to be its Best Friend

A man making eye contact with his dog
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Are you wondering if your furry friend sees you as more than just a provider of food and belly rubs?

As social creatures, dogs form strong bonds with their human companions. And they have unique ways of telling you ILY.

Want to know if you’ve hit BFF status with your pup? Below are 10 signs your dog considers you its best friend!

10 Signs Your Dog Considers You to be its Best Friend

Read Next: 10 Myths About Dogs Your Should Stop Believing

australian-shepherd
Photo by Indi Friday on Unsplash

Dog owners know what it’s like to be constantly bombarded with advice, tips, and stories from fellow pet parents. 

Some of these pieces of information are helpful, while others have been passed down through generations but have little truth to them. 

Over the years, I’ve heard countless myths about dogs—some that even I believed until I dug deeper. 

Understanding what’s true and what’s simply misinformation can make all the difference in how we care for our dogs.

In this article, I’ll debunk 10 common myths about dogs that you should stop believing right now.

10 Myths about Dogs You Should Stop Believing

Read Next: 10 Things Your Dog Will Never Forgive

shih-tzu
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Dogs are often praised for their loyalty and endless love, but even the most forgiving dogs have limits!

There are certain things they won’t forget, and understanding these “unforgivable” moments can make all the difference in your bond with them. 

You can create a more beautiful life for your furry companion by tuning in to what bothers them most, So, here are 10 things your dog will never forgive—no matter how hard you try to make it up to them!

10 Things Your Dog Will Never Forgive

This article was originally published on The Discerning Cat.

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