Dogs Can Smell the Stress on Us, Scientists Say

You may think you’re able to hide your stress, but a new study suggests dogs can sniff it out. 

Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast carried out experiments using four dogs and 36 people and concluded that canines seem to be able to smell stress in human breath and sweat. Despite the small sample of pups, the results are intriguing, with the scientists noting that their work could have implications for training service and therapy dogs. “The research highlights that dogs do not need visual or audio cues to pick up on human stress,” Clara Wilson, a doctoral student in the school of psychology at Queen’s, said in a statement. “It also helps to shed more light on the human-dog relationship and adds to our understanding of how dogs may interpret and interact with human psychological states.”

For a new study that appears in the journal Plos One, researchers had human participants attempt to solve a difficult math problem and recorded their heart rate, blood pressure and self-reported stress levels in the process. They then took samples of the subjects’ sweat and breath and had trained dogs smell the samples within hours of being collected.  The dogs were cued to differentiate an individual’s stress sample from their relaxed sample and were able to do so in 675 out of 720 trials, or with about 94% accuracy. 

It’s long been suggested dogs are able to detect stress in humans, perhaps through visual cues, but the authors believe their results show our keen-nosed furry friends can also detect a change in compounds produced by the human body when responding to stress.  The study relies on the assumption that the difference dogs are able to sniff out between an individual’s breath and sweat samples really are associated with stress, and not some other factor the researchers didn’t control for. It would now be good to see these results replicated in other, larger studies. 

In addition to the research possibly impacting the training of service dogs, perhaps there could also be potential applications for creating new colognes that double as dog repellents: “Eau de Anxiousness,” coming to a department store counter near you this holiday season.

Tags:

bobbi-brown listed on couponmatrix.ukcrocs listed on couponmatrix.ukthe-cotswold-company listed on couponmatrix.ukhaven-holidays listed on couponmatrix.ukmamas-and-papas listed on couponmatrix.uknicholson-s-pubs listed on couponmatrix.uk
bobbi-brown listed on couponmatrix.ukIf only the creme de la creme of cosmetics will do, treat yourself to a Bobbi Brown beauty haul. Featuring high-quality, luxury makeup, this collection is a favourite of celebrities and makeup artists with each product guaranteed to give your beauty bag a boost. Use a Bobbi Brown discount code from us on an award-winning foundation stick, shimmery illuminating powder or intensive skin serum, and elevate your look to designer status while keeping your bank balance intact.
crocs listed on couponmatrix.ukSince giving the human foot some sole in 2002, Crocs has used the galosh-inspired design as a springboard from which to move into the world of sneakers, boots, high heels and wedges. So with your choice of style made, be sure to grab a Crocs discount code for extra savings.
the-cotswold-company listed on couponmatrix.ukThe Cotswolds are famous for their rolling hills and gentle meadows; a picture postcard image of what the English countryside is meant to look like. This idyllic setting inspired the founders of The Cotswold Company to create the rugged, rustic, practical and beautiful range of furniture and accessories. Pick up your Cotswold Company discount code and easily transform any room in your house into the Englishman-or-woman’s country house of your dreams. With beautiful oak, pine, and painted furniture and accessories for every room, you’ll be living like a Lord or Lady in no time.
haven-holidays listed on couponmatrix.ukPlan the perfect family holiday with Haven. A relaxing getaway doesn’t have to cost the earth - discover incredible UK destinations with Britain’s favourite holiday provider! Make the most of a Haven discount code to save on a vacation the whole family will love - with 37 holiday parks across 16 brilliant locations, there’s a great escape to suit any season. If you’re wanting to embark on an unforgettable family retreat, Haven also has loads of fun-filled family sports and activities to keep the kids entertained for the whole trip!
mamas-and-papas listed on couponmatrix.ukWelcoming a fresh face to the family is always a little less daunting with Mamas & Papas, a brand with three decades of experience in creating everything new parents could want or need. From quality clothing to specialised strollers and baby baths, use a Mamas and Papas discount code to pick up every baby essential for less. Whether you’re going to be a new parent or adding another member to your family, every baby starts off in safe hands with Mamas & Papas.
nicholson-s-pubs listed on couponmatrix.ukPutting passion in pubs as far back as 1873, Nicholson’s know their way around a pouring tap and how best to complement it with some stellar pub grub. Stocking a varied palette of British craft beers alongside numerous wine vintages and spirits to sample, some Nicholson’s Pubs vouchers can go a long way towards cutting the cost of your accompanying meal or bagging two tipples for the price of one.