How Dogs Use Their Noses to Track Scents Underwater
Dogs are known for their remarkable sense of smell, but what many people don’t realize is that their abilities extend beyond land—they can even detect and follow scents through water. This superpower is made possible by their ability to pick up tiny scent particles that float and gather on the water’s surface, allowing trained dogs to aid in search and rescue efforts near rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water.
While humans rely on vision as our dominant sense, dogs experience the world primarily through smell. Their noses contain up to 300 million olfactory receptors (compared to our 6 million), and a specialized organ called the vomeronasal organ helps them analyze scent signals in incredible detail. When it comes to tracking underwater, dogs don’t actually dive in and sniff beneath the surface. Instead, they pick up the scent particles released from submerged items or people that rise with water currents or float to the surface.
Search and rescue teams have learned how to harness this skill by training dogs to detect human scent across a range of challenging environments, including water. In fact, dogs have been successfully used to locate people in lakes, rivers, and even during flood emergencies. These scent detection dogs typically work from boats, sniffing the air above the water and alerting their handlers when they detect something unusual.
The conditions have to be just right—factors like water temperature, current, wind direction, and even how long the scent source has been underwater can affect the dog’s success. But when the timing aligns, dogs can become crucial assets for recovery and rescue efforts in difficult-to-access aquatic areas.
This skill isn't limited to only large working breeds, either. While breeds like German Shepherds, Bloodhounds, and Labradors are commonly used for scent work due to their drive and natural ability, scent training can benefit dogs of all types. Understanding and tapping into your dog’s natural instincts—like their drive to follow a scent—can help strengthen your bond and even reduce behavioral issues by giving them mental stimulation and a sense of purpose.
As we continue to recognize the incredible capabilities dogs bring to various roles in society—from therapy and emotional support to disaster response—it’s yet another reminder of how deeply connected they are to our wellbeing and safety. Scent tracking, even through water, is just one more way that dogs show us their dedication and loyalty.
By spotlighting these skills, we hope to not only honor the dogs doing this important work but also inspire our community to better understand and appreciate the incredible talents their own dogs might possess.