5 ways dogs sense danger

You’ve probably heard that dogs are men’s best friends, and while that’s true, many people don’t know how dogs can act protective and sense looming danger. That’s why it’s essential to learn to differentiate between various aspects of dog behavior so you’ll know how to recognize the warning signs when dogs sense danger so you can take steps to protect yourself.

Some dogs are more sensitive to sudden noises and movements which also makes them seem more alert, but aside from that, dogs generally have a sixth sense that lets them know about danger.

So, these behavior signs are generally the sure tell-tall clues that something might be wrong and that you should pay attention to your pet.

1. Licking the disease away

Aside from sniffing, dogs also rely on their sense of taste, especially regarding illnesses.

According to some research, dogs can detect cancer and other diseases, such as low blood sugar and seizures.

Besides, since dogs aren’t good at communicating their issues, licking can be a helpful sign that your dog suffers from a specific health condition. Licking their legs and paws excessively can help you notice when something’s wrong, so if your pooch has been licking himself a lot, you may take him to a vet for further examinations.

2. Sniffing through trouble

Dogs are excellent sniffers mainly because their noses have millions of olfactory receptors. Unlike more visual humans, dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell, making them perfect for police searches and other risky work where the sense of smell is paramount.

But, in everyday life, dogs have a sense, combined with their smell, that can tell us when someone is up to no good. In that case, keeping a dog on a leash is essential, as he sometimes can get overprotective and impulsive and possibly even attack a person he deems threatening.

It’s essential to get a leash that can hold the dog, especially if he’s bigger, so make sure to check out all the quality dog supplies online, so you’ll know you’re choosing something your dog will feel comfortable with.

3. Barking from the bottom of their lungs

Barking is the first noticeable sign that something’s out of order, especially if you live in a home with a backyard.

Dogs are very protective of their owners and what they perceive as their territory (your household), so barking is the first step to alert their owners of possible intruders.

In many instances, these intruders can be a mailman or your regular visitors, but that doesn’t mean that barking shouldn’t be taken seriously, especially if it persists for a certain period.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that dogs use barking to communicate with other dogs, but in that case, you’ll notice the difference, as your dog will act less alert and more outgoing.

4. Running around wildly

Sometimes, dogs can feel the danger, such as gas leaking and possible poisoning that comes with it, and in that situation, it’s not uncommon for them to run around and try to notify others that something’s out of order.

Sometimes that danger can be innocuous, such as rain or storm, but in some areas more affected by extreme weather conditions, that can also be a hurricane.

So, if you see your dog running around, make sure to check the weather forecast before you start taking other measures.

If they’re aimlessly running around, they’re likely upset about something. Also, it’s essential not to ignore your dog; instead, make sure to keep him nearby, and if it turns out that there is no imminent danger, make sure not to scold him for acting on his senses.

5. Growling if feeling afraid or threatened

A dog’s growl is a sign that something terrible might happen.

As mentioned before, dogs can’t rely on communication with words to express their feelings, so a growl is the easiest way to show you their feelings, including fear and aggression.

Dogs usually growl at strangers, which is their way of saying “Go away!” so if you see your dog growling at other people, it would be good to leave or take steps to assess the situation so you can be sure everything’s fine.

Pay attention

Since dogs’ senses of smell and hearing are more developed than ours, it’s understandable they can be more sensitive to upcoming weather changes or outdoor noises such as car alarms or kids playing on the street.

Dogs are genetically conditioned to survive in the wild, so they’re so good at taking cues not apparent to humans and acting on them.

Finally, if you see your dog acting strange, it’s always recommended to make sure that everything’s in order, and in case it is, don’t forget to reassure your dog, so he’ll feel secure and relieved.

Sienna Penfold is a full-time mum and proud owner of two beautiful dogs, Coco and Hulk. She is passionate about her pets and writing and likes to share her experiences.