The bond between dogs and humans has fascinated people for centuries. A popular belief passed down through generations suggests that dogs howl when they sense the death of a close person. This behavior has sparked various interpretations, some rooted in folklore, while others are examined from a scientific perspective, leading to the idea that dogs might possess a 'sixth sense' that allows them to predict death.
At its core, howling is a natural form of communication in dogs, inherited from their wolf ancestors. Wolves howl to mark territory, locate pack members, or alert others to danger. In domestic dogs, although the context has shifted, howling still serves similar functions, such as seeking attention or expressing distress.
Many experts agree that dogs are highly sensitive to human emotions. Eduarda Piamore, a technician in psychology, education, and canine and feline training, states that these furry companions have an exceptionally developed sense of smell, capable of detecting pheromones known as necromones, which are released when a person’s body is nearing death. These chemical signals, imperceptible to humans, could explain why dogs react to impending death.
Additionally, howling may be related to environmental factors. The high-pitched sounds of ambulance sirens often trigger howling in dogs. This could explain why they howl during accidents or when someone passes away, as they associate that sound with emergency situations.
Furthermore, howling reflects the confusion or stress of the animal in the face of a situation it does not fully understand but knows profoundly affects its human environment.
While there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that dogs predict death in a supernatural way, their acute sense of smell and ability to detect changes in human behavior could clarify why they respond to death. Instead of a 'sixth sense,' dogs likely use their developed olfaction and emotional sensitivity to perceive subtle signals that we do not detect.
Thus, dogs do not magically predict death, but their remarkable sensory capacity and emotional closeness to humans allow them to react to certain changes in their environment, which may include the proximity of death.