From sniffing out bombs and weapons to uncovering criminal
evidence, dogs can help save lives and keep the peace. Now, researchers have
uncovered how to improve dogs' smelling skills through diet, by cutting protein
and adding fats.
Such a diet, say the researchers, appears to help dogs
return to lower body temperatures after exercise, which reduces panting and,
thereby, improves sniffing.
The findings could change how detection dogs are fed and
boost their detection abilities, says Joseph Wakshlag, associate professor of
clinical studies and chief of nutrition at Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine.
Wakshlag, who collaborated with researchers at Auburn University, is presenting
the findings at the Companion Animal Nutrition Summit in Atlanta, held March
22-24.