Dog Have An Internal Compass

The debate about how much dogs use their noses versus vision came once again to attention when a new study provided evidence that an entire mechanism may allow dogs to return to their starting point. It is called magnetoreception, or the ability to sense Earth's magnetic field and then use it to navigate, just like an internal compass. 

A dog can smell cancer, fear, time, COVID-19, owner's odors, and much more. It's just amazing. However weak, our human nose also has the ability to detect various chemical odors. But the idea of being able to sense the Earth's magnetic field is almost as incredible as the ability to have a 'Sixth Sense'. 

Did you know, that not only dogs but, birds, dolphins, turtles, honeybees, and mole rats are among the animals that have the same abilities? 

Researchers also found out that canine eyes contain cryptochromes 1, a light-sensitive molecule that reacts to the magnetic field. This molecule plays a role in the navigational abilities of these animals. Hence, allowing them to sense the magnetic field through a specialized visual system.  

This ability to be able to sense the Earth's magnetic field influences dog's behavior both in positive and negative ways. Sometimes, dogs get stressed due the environmental factors and may develop pain. In such a case, CBD for pets may help. 

That said, this ability makes the dog perfect for tracking and scouting purposes.