New Sensory Function in Dogs: A Heat-Sensing Organ
New research
Exciting new research reveals a new sensory function in dogs! An ability to detect very weak heat radiation through the upper part of the nose. One never ceases to be amazed by the phenomenal sensory abilities of dogs. We humans have benefited from their sense of smell since ancient times, both in hunting and guarding. In more modern times, a dog's nose helps us track down criminals, find drugs, explosives, money, evidence, cancer, COVID, bark beetles, smoke, chanterelles, and truffles. In fact, we can teach a dog's persistent and focused nose to locate or warn us about a wide range of things.
The rhinarium sits on the top of the nose
But did you know that dogs can also detect extremely weak heat radiation with their sensitive noses? Recently, researchers have discovered an unknown sensory organ connected to your dog's nose called the "rhinarium." The rhinarium is located on the surface of the upper part of the dog's nose—an area rich in nerves equipped to pick up weak heat radiation.
Why are dogs' noses cold?
You might have noticed that your dog's nose is quite cold. If you photograph a dog's head with a thermal camera, you'll see that the nose is significantly cooler than the rest of the body. The nose's temperature is only 22-23 degrees Celsius (71.6-73.4 degrees Fahrenheit). Researchers puzzled over this phenomenon and speculated whether this cold organ could detect warmth.
Dogs and heat sensing: a simple experiment
To test this theory, researchers trained three dogs to understand that there was a treat behind a warm plate (31 degrees Celsius/87.8 degrees Fahrenheit) but not behind an identical, cooler plate. After the dogs had learned this, they presented both a cold and a warm plate 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) away from the dogs and let them choose. The idea was that the treat-seeking dogs would prefer the warm plate. As expected, the dogs mostly chose correctly and picked the warm plate even at a distance of 1.5 meters.
fMRI study confirms dogs' heat sensitivity
To delve deeper, they invited 13 new dogs and tested them in an fMRI scanner to see which parts of the brain were activated when the dogs were exposed to different stimuli. When the dogs experienced very weak heat radiation against their noses, a part of the brain responsible for processing sensory input was activated!
Hunting heritage: dogs' evolved sense of warmth
This is taken as evidence that dogs can feel weak heat radiation with the help of the rhinarium on the top of their noses. It is highly likely that this is something dogs have needed as original predators hunting for prey hiding in dense, dark forests. What do you think?
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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