How Does My Dog Know I’m Leaving

Have you ever noticed the smell of rain, or the smell of a hot, humid day? Have you ever paid attention to the smell of the air as you walk to your car in the morning, and how different it is from the way the afternoon air smells on your way home? Dogs can. Dogs notice aromatic changes in the air at all times of the day. Believe it or not, that’s actually how they tell time.

What does that mean?

Dogs have an entire section of their brain dedicated to smell that is about 40 times larger than ours. Their noses have upwards of 300 million olfactory receptors, essentially giving them a nasal superpower. With this super power, they are able to detect even the slightest change in hormones – or general scent – within their owners. So, they can sense the change in smell based on the time of day. To them, 3am smells different than 2pm. You smell different in the morning than you do at night.

So… they smell time?

Essentially, yes. Because of their nose strength, they are significantly more sensitive to the way different parts of the day smell so they essentially smell time. Dogs are also creatures of habit and associate certain scents with certain actions. If you brush your teeth every morning or bathe before going to work, your dog is going to associate those scents with your departure. Similarly, if you wear a certain cologne for work and a different one for date night they will associate each one with their respective actions. Compare it to how your dog might get excited when they see you grab their leash; to them, the leash means it’s time for a walk. To them, the smell of the diesel from the school bus means its 3:15 and the kids are home. Get it?

How Do I Help My Dog Cope?

If you notice your dog getting antsy during your morning routine, then there are a few options. Of course, you can’t just turn off their nose and it’s pretty much impossible for you to eliminate “time odor” from the air. Try some calming music to ease their anxiety as you get ready for work, and make sure to reassure them before you leave. If you’re more worried about their boredom than you are of their anxiety, then you try out some puzzle toys to engage them while you’re gone. If all else fails or you want to make sure they’re well socialized, dog boarding or doggy daycare is a great option.