The Power of Scent: How Pets Use Smell to Explore the World

By: Lauren Szyszka, Phone Department Supervisor
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When we step outside, we might notice the sunshine, flowers, or birds singing. But for our pets, the first and most important sense is smell. Their noses are like super-computers, gathering information we could never detect.

 

A Nose That Knows

• Dogs: up to 300 million scent receptors (we have about six million!)
• Cats: around 200 million scent receptors
• Both species also use a special tool called the Jacobson’s organ, which helps them detect pheromones and “read” chemical messages from other animals.
   

This means a quick sniff on a walk or a curious pause at the window isn’t just random — it’s your pet gathering important details about their world.
 

What Smell Means to Them

• Dogs: Smelling is their way of reading the news — who’s been there, what they were doing, and even how they were feeling.
• Cats: Scent helps them feel secure, recognize family members, and mark their space with confidence.
   

Try This at Home: Enrichment Ideas

Engaging your pet’s nose provides both fun and stress relief. Simple activities can make a big difference:

• Scent walks for dogs: Let them take their time sniffing along the way.
• Puzzle feeders or snuffle mats: Great for cats and dogs to “hunt” for food.
• Hide-and-seek games: Hide favorite toys or treats around the house.
• New smells to explore: Offer safe herbs like rosemary, basil, or catnip for a fun sensory change.
   

Why It Matters