News Genetics

Genes might explain why dogs can’t sniff out some people under stress

Dogs had trouble finding people with a shorter version of a gene involved in stress management

dog sniffing grass

ALTERED ODOR  Being stressed or afraid may alter a person’s usual scent and throw dogs off the person’s track. People with a particular version of a gene may have a bigger change in odor when stressed, a study suggests.

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By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

BALTIMORE — Some police dogs may smell fear, and that could be bad news for finding missing people whose genetic makeup leaves them more prone to stress.