General Question

josie's avatar

Can dogs smell withouth sniffing?

Asked by josie (30934points) April 24th, 2013

Dogs may get as much information from their olfactory sense as we do from our eyes. Smell is a big deal to a dog.

Their noses are wet, and convoluted which makes me imagine the molecules only have to land on that part in order for them to detect smell. Certainly, they sniff as well, but I figure that is just when they want to get a closer look.

Before we get cute, I am not talking about dogs who need a bath and smell bad.

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6 Answers

Response moderated (Writing Standards)
marinelife's avatar

Yes, they get a lot of scent information without sniffing, but sniffing helps them take in even more.

syz's avatar

They also “taste” smells in the Jacobson’s organ

Arewethereyet's avatar

If they have been rolling in poo yep they sure can small!! Sorry couldn’t resist!

josie's avatar

@Arewethereyet
Never hurts to read details

Arewethereyet's avatar

Oops sorry please forgive me

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