K9 Heroes: How Dogs Are Assisting in the Battle Against COVID-19
Written on
K9 COVID-19 Detection: Our Canine Allies
Dogs have long been known for their ability to improve our mental well-being, manage blood pressure, and even detect serious health conditions like cancer and Parkinson's disease. It's no surprise, then, that these remarkable animals are now stepping up to assist in combating the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
In light of their extraordinary sense of smell, researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Durham University have initiated a project to train a select group of dogs—specifically Labrador Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels—to sniff out COVID-19.
France is also joining the effort, with the National Veterinary School in Alfort training eight Belgian Malinois shepherds for similar purposes.
The training involves having the dogs smell sweat samples from individuals confirmed to be infected with the virus. These specially trained dogs can detect various molecular changes that occur in our bodies as they respond to the virus.
An innovative aspect of the training involves using jars with funnels that enhance the scent, allowing the dogs to utilize their 300 million olfactory receptors efficiently.
What scent does the coronavirus carry? That's a question only dogs can answer. Previous studies have shown that canines can identify when a person is unwell based on subtle scent changes.
The tiny sweat droplets produced when our bodies fight a fever play a crucial role in training these "Pawndemic Prevention Squad" members. Fortunately, since pets don’t transmit the virus, they are ideal for detecting symptomatic individuals when traditional testing may be impractical or unreliable.
Imagine yourself at an airport after a long flight, waiting in line for passport control. Now, picture the addition of extra swab tests, bringing complications and potential contagions. Instead, envision dogs roaming around airports, hospitals, and schools, offering a more efficient detection method.
While some might consider this overly optimistic, there's reason to believe many of us would welcome such innovations.
The Role of Dogs in Detection
With much still unknown about COVID-19, and the World Health Organization working to determine if asymptomatic individuals can spread the virus, canine detection could provide a non-invasive testing alternative with potentially higher accuracy than conventional methods.
These dogs are often referred to as "biological detection tools," but they represent much more than that. The connection between humans and dogs has existed since prehistoric times, when wolves recognized the benefits of forming bonds with humans.
Over countless generations, we have shared experiences—hunting, playing, and enjoying each other's company—creating a partnership that might one day revolutionize the air travel industry and improve our lives significantly.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the emotional support dogs, service dogs, K9 officers, and "Medical Detection Dogs" worldwide who are training to assist us in these challenging times.
The potential is vast; let’s focus on the positives!
Learn how specially trained dogs can detect COVID-19 with remarkable accuracy, showcasing their incredible olfactory skills.
Discover how a company trains dogs to sniff out COVID-19, demonstrating the innovative ways dogs can help in the fight against the virus.