A new study has revealed that dogs might actually be able to ‘see’, as well as smell, with their highly-sensitive noses.
A team of vets, including Dr Philippa Johnson from Cornell University in New York, conducted a number of MRI brain scans on a range of different dogs. They discovered that the pathways in a dog’s brain may be linked in an entirely different way to any other species.
The findings of the study appear to suggest that a dog’s smell and vision are connected in a way which implies that they may use scent to work out where things are.
This may be why certain blind dogs can play fetch even though they can't visually see the ball.
The research, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, is the very first piece of evidence that such a connection between a dog’s nose and their sight exists.
Pip Johnson, assistant professor of clinical sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine, says, “we've never seen this connection between the nose and the occipital lobe, functionally the visual cortex in dogs, in any species."
When humans first enter a room, we use our vision to work out where everything is, from the door, to a table, to where other people are in a room. Dogs, on the other hand, are now believed to be using the part of their brain that deals with smell to interpret their environment and how they are orientated within it.
This may be reassuring and comforting news for owners of dogs with incurable eye diseases, Pip confirms.
13 dog paddling pools to buy now
This portable pool can be popped in the back of your car for trips away, so your dog can enjoy a swim on holiday. It comes with four PVC protective covers in case of any damage to the bottom of the pool . Top tip: always ensure your dog’s nails are cut before they jump inside!. There’s also a hair brush in this set, so you can groom your pooch once he’s back on dry land. It’s available in three sizes.
A splash pad is a great way to keep your dog cool and entertained in a heatwave. This design can withstand seriously hot weather and has a soft base to ensure extra comfort for your pup. The sprinkler pad just needs to be plugged into a garden hose to work, and you can adjust the water pressure and the spray height from there.
With a fun doggy design, this foldable paddling pool from Amazon is designed for dual use and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Another perk is that the bottom of the pet pool is non-slip, which provides safety for use.
This fold-out dog paddling pool is great for medium to large dogs who need to cool down on a hot day. It is quick and easy to pop-up and comes with built-in drainage holes. Great for traveling and staycations, it's made using durable PVC material which prevents punctures.
This dog paddling pool is both pet and child friendly. It's made from extra-tough PVC, so it will stay secure while your dog is playing around without the edges collapsing. It also features a built-in drain valve that you can attach your hose directly to, making it super-easy to fill and empty, plus it won't cause any unnecessary water damage to your lawn. The non-slip bottom will help keep your pet and child safe while splashing around, too.
This super strong large shallow pool, complete with comfort grip handles, is brilliant if you're after a stronger option. Made from eco-friendly materials, it is suitable for all sizes of dogs and totally phthalate free.
A shallower version on a traditional paddling pool, this dog splash pad has a built-in sprinkler to delight and cool both pets and children. To use, plug the inflatable splash pad into a standard garden hose to fill with water. As it is inflatable, you must trim your dog's nails before use and make sure they do not bite it.
This dog paddling pool from Argos provides a space where pups can swim, as well as giving them a cool and refreshing area to chill out. Excellent for playing, this pool is durable, collapsible and easy to fold away after use.
This outdoor pet pool has been made from animal-friendly PVC and can be folded away with ease after use. Whether you have a large dog or smaller breeds, it's the perfect way for pups to cool down during the summer months.
This dog paddling pool is very simple to use. You can put it up, take it down and store it away quickly, making it perfect for smaller gardens. It is made using a galvanised spring steel frame that pops up and down in seconds, without tools. It also features a mesh pocket and is made from durable double-wall polyester.
This foldable dog paddling pool comes in multiple sizes so you can choose the right one to match your pet. The side walls are made using fortified plastic and medium density fibreboard, preventing water spillage and punctures. It comes in its own bag with handles, making it transportable and ideal for travel.
This dog paddling pool from Wayfair is advertised as being suitable as a grooming area, too, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. When being used as a paddling pool, it has a drainage hole. It is foldable and easy to carry.
Ellis Cochrane is a Freelance Contributor for House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, covering everything from expert tips and tricks, to gardening advice, product roundups and the newest properties to hit the market. Ellis has been writing about homes, interiors and gardens for four years now, and her work has also been published on Ideal Home, Prima and Elle Japan. Over the years, Ellis has also written at a number of publications such as Cosmopolitan, Tyla, Daily Express, Expert Reviews UK, Stylist and IndyBest, covering beauty and style, TV and films, books and celebrity news. Ellis studied at the University of Strathclyde, where she completed a Joint BA Hons Degree in English and Politics. Follow Ellis on Instagram at @ellistuesday.
