Understanding Your Dog’s Signs
When it comes to doggos and how they’ll tell you that something is up, they tend to show signs of restlessness. If your dog is sniffing or hearing something different in the air (maybe it’s a tsunami, a hurricane, or a volcanic eruption), it’s likely they’re going to have a hard time staying calm. Your dog may be restless, antsy, anxious, and hard to settle down.
You can expect lots of barking, jumping, howling, whining, and even pacing and panting. It’s also possible that your pup will become more protective than usual. If you find that your restless pup is having a hard time leaving you alone, is trying to herd you, or is constantly trying to lick, sniff, or touch you, something might be up.
Historical Examples of Dogs Sensing Natural Disasters
There have been hundreds of recorded instances of dogs being the first to know when a natural disaster is going to strike. In fact, many people have noted animals acting strangely in the hours before a natural disaster.
One of the most famous examples of this occurred in the Chinese city of Haicheng in 1975, when unusual animal behavior seemed to predict a 7.3 magnitude earthquake. More recently, before the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, there are eyewitness accounts of dogs refusing to go outside, and numerous other species fleeing for higher ground well in advance of any waves arriving.
While there’s no scientific evidence to support the argument that animals have a sixth sense about natural disasters, their ability to hear and smell better certainly supports the idea that they can sense things sooner and to a better degree than we can. According to the US Geological Survey, animals are more likely to perceive earthquakes than humans due to the ability to feel the smaller P wave (compressional wave) that arrives seconds before the larger S wave (shear wave) arrives.
The Science of Dogs Sensing Natural Disasters
Dogs don’t really have a sixth sense when it comes to sensing natural disasters, but they definitely have heightened, acute senses that can help them determine something is wrong far before people can.
For starters, doggos can smell things that people cannot. The part of a dog’s brain that processes smells is about 40 times the size of ours. Additionally, dogs have over 300 million smell receptors on the surface area of their nose, and it’s estimated that their sense of smell could be as much as 100,000 times better than our own.
Their ears are nothing to scoff at, either. With 16 muscles in each ear, pups are better able to control the direction they perk their ears, almost allowing them to act as antennae to hone in on what sounds they’re hearing. They can hear and smell things from much greater distances, and break up smells and sounds in a way that we can’t, to determine what’s going on in the world around them.
The Science Behind Dogs Sensing Natural Disasters
Have you ever marveled at the idea of a dog sensing a natural disaster before it strikes, possibly saving lives? Dogs possess heightened senses that allow them to detect subtle changes in the environment, such as shifts in the air, alterations in scent, or variations in sound. These sensory abilities enable them to anticipate and react to impending natural disasters, often before humans are even aware of them. Let’s explore how dogs possess this remarkable capability and how you can interpret your dog’s behavior to recognize signs of an approaching calamity.
Training Your Dog to Alert You
Training your furry companion to alert you to potential natural disasters may seem like a daunting task, but you can help them communicate effectively by observing their behavior and building a strong bond. By paying attention to your dog’s body language and reactions, you can develop a deeper understanding of their signals when they sense something amiss. Consider establishing a specific signal with your dog to indicate when they detect unusual circumstances, similar to training them for other behaviors such as signaling when they need to go outside. Additionally, fostering a strong relationship with your dog through training and communication will enhance their comfort in expressing their emotions to you.
Additional Resources for Dog Training
If you are looking for professional guidance in training your dog to alert you to potential disasters or simply want to enhance your pet’s overall training experience, consider seeking help from a skilled dog trainer. A professional trainer can provide invaluable insights and techniques to support your efforts in interpreting your dog’s behavior and strengthening your communication with them. Booking an in-home training session with a reputable dog trainer can offer personalized support tailored to your dog’s unique needs and behaviors, enhancing the training process and strengthening the bond between you and your furry friend.