Results indicated that not only can dogs detect Covid faster, but they can also do so in a non-intrusive manner – so no need to swab your throat or nose
Dogs can detect Covid-19 faster and more accurately than a PCR test, a new study shows.
Researchers looked at the ability of canines to recognise the virus and its variants, even when they are obscured by other viruses, like those from common colds and flu.
More than 400 scientists from over 30 countries contributed to the study as well as 147 scent dogs, according to the findings published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine.
After analysing many studies covering both field and clinical experiments, Professor Dickey and Junqueira found that dogs who are trained to sniff out scents are “as effective and often more effective” than antigen tests.
A total of 53 dogs were trained to sniff out Covid scents, while 37 were not and scientists found that the dogs that were not trained were in some cases “slightly superior” to those that were pre-trained.
“The previously untrained dogs have the advantage that they are not as prone to indicating on scents other than the Covid–19 associated scent,” the paper said.
The results indicated that not only can dogs detect Covid faster, but they can also do so in a non-intrusive manner. This means you won’t need to put a swab in your throat or nose.
How can dogs detect the virus?
This essentially comes down to the dog’s highly evolved nose with its ability to sense out smells quicker.
Dogs possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to about six million in humans. And the part of a dog’s brain that is devoted to analysing smells is about “40 times greater” than humans. Canines also have ‘neophilia’, which means they are attracted to new and interesting odours
And so, with all these enhancements, dogs can detect very low concentrations of odours associated with Covid infections.
“They can detect the equivalent of one drop of an odorous substance in 10.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools,” Professor Dickey said. “For perspective, this is about three orders of magnitude better than with scientific instrumentation.”
Scientists also found that in some cases, the animals were also able to detect the virus in pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, “whose viral load was too low for conventional tests to work.”
Professor Dickey has said that dogs can also differentiate Covid and its different variants in the presence of other respiratory viruses. This included the common cold or flu.
“They’re much more effective. In fact, one of the authors that we quote in the paper commented that the RT-PCR test is not the gold standard anymore. It’s the dog. And they’re so quick,” he added. “They can give you the yes or no within seconds if they’re directly smelling you.”
How was the study conducted to see if dogs can really detect Covid-19?
In some studies, the dogs gave a person a quick sniff, sitting down to see if the person has Covid. In another study, the dog was given a sweat sample to smell for a few minutes.
The press release has said that scent dogs, such as beagles, basset hounds and coonhounds are the ideal candidates for sniffing out the virus, given their “natural tendencies to rely on odours to relate to the world.”
But the studies which the researchers analysed showed a variety of dogs were up for the challenge and were able to sniff out the Covid odour. With a few weeks of training, puppies, older dogs, purebred and mixed breeds, both male and female were able to sniff such odours out and “all performed admirably,” the Eureka Alert press release said.
Although there has been success with dogs detecting such viruses, researchers believe there are still many challenges with using dogs for medical diagnoses.
“There’s quite a bit of research, but it’s still considered by many as a kind of a curiosity,” said Professor Dickey.
In conclusion, Professor Dickey and Junqueira said after reviewing the studies, believe that scent dogs deserve “their place as a serious diagnostic methodology that could be particularly useful during future pandemics, potentially as part of rapid routine health screenings in public spaces.”
“Perhaps, most importantly, we argue that the impressive international quality and quantity of COVID scent dog research described in our paper for the first time, demonstrates that medical scent dogs are finally ready for a host of mainstream medical applications,” they added.
“15 Years Later: A Heartwarming Moment as a Dog Celebrates its First Birthday with a Cake and a Tear of Joy”
The aging dog had been a loyal companion to its owner for 15 years and a significant part of their life. The owner wanted to show gratitude for the dog’s unwavering companionship and decided to throw it a memorable birthday party. The party preparations were filled with anticipation and thrill, as the owner carefully selected decorations such as colorful balloons and streamers to create a joyful ambiance. A large banner flaunted on the wall, proudly announcing “Happy Birthday to our beloved companion!”
With a wildly wagging tail, the dog watched in pure joy and excitement as the celebration in honor of its existence unfolded. It was beyond thrilled that its owner had invited close friends and relatives who had witnessed its unwavering loyalty and attachment to its human over the years.
The scent of delicious snacks wafted through the air, tempting both the guests and the furry friend in attendance. The host had gone above and beyond to offer an array of tasty treats that catered to both human and canine taste buds. Plates were piled high with mouth-watering food, and a one-of-a-kind dog cake stole the show, complete with crunchy biscuits and a single candle.
As the time came to cut the cake, cheers and well-wishes filled the room. Surrounded by loved ones, the dog soaked up the warmth of the attention showered upon it. With a gentle paw, the pup even helped guide the knife, playing an active role in this special moment. The cake was divided and enjoyed, a thoughtful gesture symbolizing the bond between the dog and its human companions.
Throughout the day, the pooch relished the love and affection lavished upon it. It was treated to affectionate cuddles, indulgent tummy rubs, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude. The dog was filled with a deep sense of satisfaction, aware that its mere presence had made a difference in the lives of those around it, just as they had left an indelible mark on its own being.
The festivities carried on throughout the night, with fun and entertaining activities that brought smiles and happiness to all those in attendance. Despite being older and moving at a slower pace, the dog fully immersed itself in the festivities, cherishing every moment with pure joy. It seemed as though all of its troubles and worries had vanished, replaced with an overwhelming feeling of contentment and belonging.
As the party drew to a close, the dog cozied up next to its owner’s feet, overwhelmed with a profound sense of pleasure and adoration. Tears of happiness sparkled in its eyes, a testament to the depth of its emotions. This was a moment 15 years in the making, a celebration of its very existence, and one that would forever be etched in its memory.
In the end, it turned out to be more than just a regular birthday celebration. It was an occasion to commemorate the unwavering love that a dog has for its owner. It was a tribute to the enduring affection, loyalty, and happiness that a beloved pet brings into our lives. Moreover, it served as a gentle reminder to the elderly dog that it was still valued and that its journey had been exceptional.
As the night drew in, the dog drifted off to sleep, wrapped in a cocoon of love and gratitude. In its slumber, it relived the day’s events, the laughter, and the shared moments of joy. A smile crept onto its snout as it realized that it had borne witness to a remarkable milestone: a birthday bash that celebrated a lifetime of cherished memories.
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