Answers That Stink
Is it true or false that dogs sniff each others butts to say hello? The answer is actually false.
Dogs have two anal glands in their rectums, which emit a strong scent. Dogs sniff each other’s butts in order to get a whiff of it. The aroma they smell gives them detailed information about the other dog.
The aroma emitted from a dog’s butt tells other dogs vital information about him. It tells his sex, health status and temperament. Therefore, on a first meeting, two unacquainted dogs know if they want to befriend each other or not. So what does that mean to us? It means we need to trust our dog’s instincts.
Interesting information, although I think I’ll stick to shaking hands. Anyone have any funny improper sniffing stories? I know you do, fess up. Give me a bark and share your story.
How is that NOT akin to saying hello? Lets see: saying hello — 1. can tell a person’s age and gender by the size and shape of the person 2. can tell the health status; dry brittle skin, healthy skin, prominent veins, is the person using a walker. 3. temperment of the person — many social cues are picked up when a person says “hello” to another person, is it a grumpy hello, a friendly hello, a courteous hello, etc.
I disagree and think that yes, sniffing butts can be related to saying “hello.”
Wow! I never knew that and that is very interesting because there is a lady that always walks her dog and i take Candi out to see him and they start sniffing each other in the rear but i agree and disagree because i also think it can kind of be a little “Hello!” because how else can they say hello? I mostly agree with Katie.
Well, sometimes (most of the time really) i stick my nose up by moms butt! I can only do it really good when she has a skirt on. You want to see your mom yip and jump??? Stick that cold wet nose up the back of her dress!!! heehee!!!
Mom knows it is just my way of checkin on her….she’s ok with that – although she does find it kinda weird.
Very cool! Makes sense
This makes sense, but it makes me wonder why dogs who know each other well still sniff each others butts? I take my dog to see my parents dog quite frequently. They already know they’re friends (my dog gets excited just when I mention the others name) – yet he still makes sure to get a good wiff each time he sees him (and vice versa). Seems to me that it’s also just a way of saying hello.