Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and are capable of detecting subtle changes in our body chemistry. When it comes to diabetes, dogs are able to detect a specific scent that is released when a person’s blood sugar levels drop dangerously low, known as a hypoglycemic episode or hypo.
The scent that dogs pick up on is caused by the body’s release of chemicals called ketones, which are produced when the body breaks down fat for energy in the absence of sufficient glucose. These ketones can be detected on a person’s breath, and dogs are able to detect this scent with their highly sensitive noses.
The reason why dogs lick their diabetic owners’ faces when they smell signs of a hypo is likely a learned behavior that has been reinforced through training. When the dog detects the scent of ketones on their owner’s breath, they are trained to perform a specific action, such as licking the person’s face, to alert them to the impending hypo.
Licking is a natural behavior for dogs, and it is often associated with showing affection or seeking attention. By licking their owner’s face, the dog is not only alerting them to the hypo but also seeking a response or acknowledgement from their owner. This behavior is reinforced through positive reinforcement, such as praise or treats, which encourages the dog to continue performing the alert behavior.
It is important to note that not all dogs are trained to detect hypoglycemia in their owners. Medical detection dogs undergo specialized training to develop their scent detection abilities and learn specific alert behaviors. These dogs are often trained to perform other tasks as well, such as retrieving medication or calling for help in case of an emergency.
The accuracy of medical detection dogs in detecting hypoglycemia can be quite impressive. Research suggests that these dogs are correct in their alert 83% of the time, which is a remarkable success rate. However, it is important to remember that dogs are not infallible, and there may be instances where a dog fails to detect a hypo or alerts when there is no actual hypo present.
The ability of dogs to detect hypoglycemia in their owners can have life-saving implications. By alerting their owners to an impending hypo, these dogs can help prevent potentially dangerous situations and allow their owners to take necessary action, such as consuming glucose or seeking medical assistance.
Dogs are able to detect the scent of ketones on their diabetic owners’ breath, which is released during hypoglycemic episodes. Through training and positive reinforcement, dogs learn to perform specific alert behaviors, such as licking their owner’s face, to notify them of a hypo. The accuracy of medical detection dogs in detecting hypoglycemia is impressive, but it is important to remember that they are not infallible. These dogs play a vital role in helping their diabetic owners manage their condition and stay safe.