If Your Dog Won’t Stop Sniffing There, It Could Mean Something You Never Expected (2 of 2)

One woman from Illinois described how her usually well-mannered dog became obsessed with pressing his nose against her lower abdomen. At first, she was mortified, brushing it off as unwanted behavior. But when it didn’t stop, she mentioned it to her doctor. Tests later revealed she had early-stage ovarian cancer. “I owe my life to that dog,” she said tearfully. And her story isn’t unique. Across the country, there are countless accounts of dogs alerting their owners to illnesses they didn’t know they had.

Of course, not every awkward sniff means a medical crisis. Sometimes your dog is simply curious. The area carries strong natural odors, and dogs are biologically wired to investigate scents. It can also be a sign of affection, or a way of gathering information about your mood and health. After all, to a dog, scent is language. Still, when the behavior is sudden, persistent, or feels unusual, it might be worth paying attention.

Imagine this: You’re sitting on the couch, your dog hops up, and instead of curling into your lap, he shoves his nose into your lap with unusual determination. It’s embarrassing. It’s annoying. But maybe—just maybe—it’s also the most important warning you’ll ever receive.

Experts advise paying attention to the context. Has your dog suddenly started focusing on that area more than usual? Do they seem restless, anxious, or insistent about it? Coupled with any other unexplained symptoms—pain, fatigue, or changes in your health—it might be worth a trip to your doctor.

So the next time you feel that hot flush of embarrassment when your furry best friend sniffs where they shouldn’t, pause for a moment. Laugh if you must, but remember: your dog isn’t trying to humiliate you. They may be trying to protect you in the only way they know how.

And if you ask the people whose lives were saved by their dogs’ uncanny sense of smell, they’ll tell you the same thing—sometimes the most awkward moment of all is actually a blessing in disguise.