--- title: "Can Dogs Smell Cancer?" id: "195466" type: "post" slug: "can-dogs-smell-cancer" published_at: "2022-11-14T14:30:00+00:00" modified_at: "2026-02-27T19:42:09+00:00" url: "https://petlandmerrillville.com/can-dogs-smell-cancer/" markdown_url: "https://petlandmerrillville.com/can-dogs-smell-cancer.md" excerpt: "Dogs have helped humans out over hundreds of years. From rescuing people, to tracking missing persons, to detecting bombs, to herding sheep. One of the most amazing abilities that dogs are also known for is their ability to detect certain..." taxonomy_category: - "Tips & Tricks" --- [Home](https://petlandmerrillville.com/) / [Blog](https://petlandmerrillville.com/blog/) / [Community](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/petland/) / **Can Dogs Smell Cancer?** [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) # Can Dogs Smell Cancer? November 14, 2022 · 3 min read · Petland Merrillville, IN [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandmerrillville.com) Dogs have helped humans out over hundreds of years. From rescuing people, to tracking missing persons, to detecting bombs, to herding sheep. One of the most amazing abilities that dogs are also known for is their ability to detect certain types of cancers in people. Recent studies have confirmed that certain trained dogs may be able to detect cancer in people about 40% of the time. Although this is very far from being perfected, it does go to show just how amazing dogs are. ## **How do Dogs Detect this?** Dogs have an incredible sense of smell. Our fur-legged friends have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their nose. To compare, the average person only has about six million olfactory receptors, making a dog’s nose forty times more sensitive than our noses! This is why dogs are commonly used in search and rescue missions, as they can trace a human scent for miles. When a dog smells, it actually smells in 3D. Their nose has been an amazing tool for their survival for thousands of years and continues to be their number one sense. ## Do All Dogs Smell Cancer? Untrained dogs do not have the ability to recognize cancer. Dogs that have this ability require a lot of training and testing. Currently, dogs that are trained to detect cancer are only being trained in a trial process. There is still much more research that needs to be completed before dogs can be used as a medically reliable detection source. Enjoying this read? You'll love our puppies. Adorable, vet-checked pups looking for their forever homes — available now. [Meet our puppies](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/) ## Will Doctors Use Eventually Dogs to Detect Cancer? It is very unlikely that a dog will be used as the only way to detect cancer, especially with all of the modern technology that exists today. It has not been fully determined whether dogs can be reliably trained to smell cancer at this point in time. At least not on a consistent basis. Proving that this method of cancer detection is accurate enough to use very well could be many years away, if ever. Even if we do reach the point where a dog can accurately detect cancer, it would be very difficult to train a dog to communicate what they have smelled without further testing being administered. ## **What Types of Cancer do Dogs Pick Up On?** - Breast cancer and lung cancer can at times be detected by sniffing the breath of patients. In these studies, it is thought that the dogs sensed biochemical differences in the exhalation of subjects with diagnosed cancer and subjects with no known cancer. - Bladder cancer and prostate cancer are also forms of cancer that certain dogs can pick up on, by sniffing the urine of patients. - Colorectal cancer has been detected by dogs too, by sniffing patients’ exhaled breathing and their stool samples. - Ovarian tumors can be hit on, by sniffing patient tumor samples and blood samples. - Cervical cancer is also a type of cancer that a dog is capable of finding, by sniffing patient biopsy samples. Although this type of cancer detection is a long way from being fully trusted, it is just another example at how amazing dogs are. Hopefully one day our fur-legged friends will be able to detect diseased as well as they currently assist humans in various other things. [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandmerrillville.com) Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies* Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below. [Browse all puppies](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/) - Coming Soon 7 views Petland Merillville, IN ## [Kini - Female #9049](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-9049/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717) - Coming Soon 9 views Petland Merillville, IN ## [Wendy - Female #9048](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/boston-terrier/boston-terrier-9048/) ### [Boston Terrier](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/boston-terrier/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717) - Coming Soon 6 views Petland Merillville, IN ## [Caleb - Male #9047](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-9047/) ### [Dachshund](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717) - Coming Soon 5 views Petland Merillville, IN ## [Hobbs - Male #9046](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-9046/) ### [Dachshund](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717) - - Coming Soon 7 views Petland Merillville, IN ## [Rachael - Female #9045](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/shih-tzu-9045/) ### [Shih Tzu](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717) - Coming Soon 8 views Petland Merillville, IN ## [Pepper - Female #9044](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-9044/) ### [Cavalier King Charles Spaniel](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717) - Coming Soon 7 views Petland Merillville, IN ## [Maximus - Male #9043](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/pomeranian-9043/) ### [Pomeranian](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717) - Coming Soon 11 views Petland Merillville, IN ## [Male #9042](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/chihuahua/chihuahua-9042/) ### [Chihuahua](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/chihuahua/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717) - - Coming Soon 12 views Petland Merillville, IN ## [Male #9041](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/chihuahua/chihuahua-9041/) ### [Chihuahua](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/chihuahua/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717) - 92 views Very Popular Petland Merillville, IN ## [Sunny - Female #9038](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/beabull/beabull-9038/) ### [Beabull](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/beabull/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717) - 99 views Very Popular Petland Merillville, IN ## [Louie - Male #9037](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/french-bulldog/french-bulldog-9037/) ### [French Bulldog](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/french-bulldog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717) - 107 views Very Popular Petland Merillville, IN ## [Henry - Male #9035](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-9035/) ### [Dachshund](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717) Loading more pets… You've reached the end. Still looking?### We can find you the perfect pet. Tell our pet counselors what you're looking for: breed, gender, color, anything. No extra cost, no obligation. [Start a Special Order](https://petlandmerrillville.com/special-orders/) #### **Related** Articles [View All Articles](https://petlandmerrillville.com/blog/) - [https://petlandmerrillville.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) [Blog](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [Understanding Puppy Body Language: What Your Pup Is Telling You](https://petlandmerrillville.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) In this articleHow can you tell when your puppy is relaxed?What does a puppy’s playful body language look like?How can you recognize… October 1, 2026 - [https://petlandmerrillville.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) [Blog](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [The First 5 Commands Every Puppy Should Learn](https://petlandmerrillville.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is one of life’s… September 1, 2026 - [https://petlandmerrillville.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) [Blog](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [Finding the Perfect Puppy: A Breed Comparison Guide](https://petlandmerrillville.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) In this articleStart with Your Lifestyle, Not Just LooksMeet Five Popular Breeds and Their Best MatchPetland Helps Beyond Puppy DayYour Perfect Match… August 1, 2026 - [https://petlandmerrillville.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) [Blog](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [Your Dog’s Summer Job Would Definitely Be…](https://petlandmerrillville.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) In this articleDifferent Breeds, Different Summer CareersWhy Understanding Personality MattersThe Best Summer Job of All? Being Your Dog Stay connected via Google… June 1, 2026 - [https://petlandmerrillville.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) [Blog](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog-2/) · [Pet Store](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/pet-store/) · [Petcare](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/petcare/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) · [Veterinary](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/veterinary/) ## [Myth Busting: Why Petland is a Good Choice When Bringing a Puppy Home](https://petlandmerrillville.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) In this articleWhy Where Your Puppy Comes From Truly MattersLet’s Talk About the Concerns You May Have HeardWhat Makes Petland a Trusted… May 1, 2026 - [https://petlandmerrillville.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) [Blog](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog-2/) · [Petcare](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/petcare/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) · [Veterinary](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/veterinary/) ## [AKC Registration With Health Testing: What Every Future Puppy Parent Should Know](https://petlandmerrillville.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) In this articleWhat Is AKC Registration?What Is Health Testing?How AKC Registration and Health Testing Work TogetherHow Petland Supports Responsible BreedingHelping Families Find… April 1, 2026 - [https://petlandmerrillville.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) [Blog](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [Spring Fever, Fur Real: What Happens to Your Dog’s Personality When Winter Ends?](https://petlandmerrillville.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) dog behavior changes in spring March 1, 2026 - [https://petlandmerrillville.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [Bringing Home Your Dream Puppy: How Petland Financing Makes It Possible](https://petlandmerrillville.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is often a heart… February 1, 2026 - [https://petlandmerrillville.com/understand-dog-love-languages/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/understand-dog-love-languages/) [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [The Love Languages of Dogs (Yes, They’re Real!)](https://petlandmerrillville.com/understand-dog-love-languages/) In this articleYes, Dogs Have Love Languages, Just Their Own VersionThe Five Love Languages of DogsWhy Knowing Your Dog’s Love Language MattersFinal… February 1, 2026 - [https://petlandmerrillville.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [New Year, Happy Dog: 10 Healthy Habits to Kick Off 2026 With Your Pup](https://petlandmerrillville.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. A new year brings fresh routines, renewed energy…… January 7, 2026 - [https://petlandmerrillville.com/petland-puppy-ethics/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [The Ethical And Welfare Implications Of Buying From Petland Explained](https://petlandmerrillville.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is a big, emotional… January 1, 2026 - [https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [12 Ways Puppies Remind Us What The Holidays Are Really About](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. The holidays sparkle a little brighter when there’s… November 30, 2025