Animal behavior experts discuss pet stress and scent detection

Experts provide insights into animal behavior, specifically regarding how pets respond to human emotions and physiological changes.

Veterinarian Julie Hunt notes that telling a stressed dog to ‘calm down’ can be counterproductive, as the command may increase pressure on the animal's amygdala. Instead, dog trainer Mia Enos Gray suggests using specific physical cues and short, distinct commands like ‘go to your bed’ or ‘calm’ to establish a clear signal. Using a physical anchor, such as a mat, can help reinforce these behaviors through positive reinforcement.

Regarding the ability of animals to sense human illness, scientific research suggests that while animals cannot ‘predict death,’ they can detect physiological changes through scent. Dogs, in particular, have highly developed olfactory senses that allow them to distinguish molecules in breath, sweat, or urine. While some studies show dogs can recognize odors associated with certain conditions like epilepsy or specific tumors, researchers note that the current quality of evidence is insufficient for using animal scent detection in formal clinical practice.