Using sniffer dogs to detect COVID-19
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (358104)
Rockingham, Australia
January 13, 2022 5:51pm CST
Sniffer dogs have been used in a number of roles for a number of years. Now, they are being trained to detect COVID-infected people. Dogs are already used to find people infected with malaria.
Early results are very promising and, although larger studies are being undertaken, sniffer dogs are already being used in some instances. The dogs sniff sweat samples and don’t come into direct contact with people. Results are instantaneous and so far the dogs have a better strike rate than the RAT (Rapid Antigen Test).
Using sniffer dogs would be very beneficial for low-income countries with limited laboratory resources.
Photo is of a cute dog we saw in France. He doesn't look like he'd excel at COVID detection but I could be wrong.
24 people like this
23 responses
@DaddyEvil (152913)
• United States
14 Jan 22
@JudyEv Does that mean he looked bored? (I've never heard of "browned off".)
4 people like this
@oahuwriter (26773)
• United States
14 Jan 22
Interesting. Still prefer home test kits though. Feel sorry for the fur baby.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (358104)
• Rockingham, Australia
16 Jan 22
@oahuwriter I hope you'll get your free kits soon.
1 person likes this
@oahuwriter (26773)
• United States
16 Jan 22
@JudyEv
That's good! In America, home covid tests is really beginning to be the best. I went to the pharmacy to pick up my meds and I asked about the free covid test kits. It'll be on Jan. 19, but, they're not sure if how it'll be. President Biden is getting a site ready for distribution of free home covid tests & N95 masks. I'm waiting for that site. The kits & masks come via mail.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (192541)
• United States
14 Jan 22
Dog's noses are amazing. I know some can even detect cancer.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (149217)
• India
14 Jan 22
I thought only certain breeds are used as sniffer dogs
1 person likes this
@allknowing (149217)
• India
14 Jan 22
@JudyEv You have been quite explicit and clear leaving nothing to one's imagination in your post
1 person likes this
@DesirousDreamer (34776)
• Peoria, Arizona
14 Jan 22
that is actually really amazing and so helpful! We don't deserve dogs, but we should be grateful towards them because they really have changed things for us.
1 person likes this
@DesirousDreamer (34776)
• Peoria, Arizona
15 Jan 22
@JudyEv They seem to listen to communication than majority of humanity!
1 person likes this
@DesirousDreamer (34776)
• Peoria, Arizona
15 Jan 22
@JudyEv They seem to listen to communication than majority of humanity!
1 person likes this
@saytama (561)
• Friedrichshafen, Germany
14 Jan 22
If we take into account the fact that in some countries the test costs about 80 euros , we cost about 50 euros now they have made it a little cheaper about 30 , then the dog would have saved the situation , and I also heard that some people suffer asymptomatically
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (49983)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
14 Jan 22
They have highly developed senses of smell. Just think of all the dogs on 'walkies' who stop to check their p-mail.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (86813)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
14 Jan 22
That is a cute looking dog, That is interesting about the dogs and I hope this will be of help,
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (17228)
• Raurkela, India
14 Jan 22
They have to be careful as the virus enters through the nose. It's very likely that the dog may get infected while sniffing the sweat.
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (17228)
• Raurkela, India
15 Jan 22
@JudyEv That's very much possible. They have to vaccinate the sniffer dogs.
1 person likes this
@DocAndersen (54399)
• United States
14 Jan 22
my dogs would be so lazy! They would only sniff for covid if the person actually sat right in front of them
1 person likes this
@DocAndersen (54399)
• United States
15 Jan 22
@JudyEv that is a great question, they will do things for rewards yes.
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50970)
• Holiday, Florida
14 Jan 22
oh I just wish the whole mess would go away as I'm sure everyone else does. 
yes it's cute dog.
yes it's cute dog.1 person likes this
@FourWalls (76547)
• United States
14 Jan 22
Isn’t that cool? I read that they have dogs they’ve trained that can “smell” cancer, too.
Man’s best friend, indeed!!!!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (358104)
• Rockingham, Australia
14 Jan 22
Yes, that's true too. But kids with Type 1 diabetes can be about to have an 'episode' while they're asleep and the dog knows and goes and wakes the parents. I mean, it's just incredible. Beyond belief really - which is what 'incredible' means, isn't it? 
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40231)
• United States
14 Jan 22
That's pretty amazing that they're more accurate than the rapid test. I hope the dogs can't catch it or anything. I wonder if it's a specific breed of dog. That one in your photo is cute
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (358104)
• Rockingham, Australia
14 Jan 22
There seem to be a few breeds that excel at this kind of work.
@freelancermariagrace (28889)
• Philippines
14 Jan 22
Dogs really are incredible creatures!
1 person likes this
