Introduction: Panic attacks and dogs

Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or anxiety that can strike without warning. They can be debilitating, making it difficult for people to carry out their daily activities. Dogs are known for their loyalty, companionship, and ability to perform tasks that benefit humans. But, can they detect panic attacks? If so, how can this skill be used to improve mental health therapy?

The science behind a dog’s sense of smell

Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell that is far more powerful than that of humans. They have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to the six million that humans have. This means that dogs can detect scents that are 1,000 times weaker than humans can. Their sense of smell is so acute that they can detect certain odors in parts per trillion.

Can dogs detect changes in human behavior?

In addition to their sense of smell, dogs are also sensitive to changes in human behavior. They can pick up on subtle cues such as changes in body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions. For example, if a person is anxious, their body language may be tense, their voice may be shaky, and their facial expressions may be strained. Dogs are able to detect these changes and respond accordingly. They may become more attentive, offer comfort, or even alert their owner to potential danger.