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Can Dogs Help Sniff Out Coronavirus Cases?

April 7, 2020

We already know dogs can use their amazing sense of smell to sniff cancer in samples of blood, urine, sweat, saliva, and more. This led scientists to wonder: Can dogs help sniff out the corona virus? The charity Medical Detection Dogs has partnered with Durham University and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to see if dogs can sniff out COVID-19 patients.

If the digs are successful, they could be ready to start working in six weeks. If a dog sniffs someone as positive for COVID-19, they will then be given a follow-up test to confirm they are positive.

The AKC is here to help dog owners adapt to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Find answers to all your coronavirus concerns, plus at-home activity ideas, training tips, educational resources, and more at our “Coping With Coronavirus Covid-19” hub.

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