Why dogs sniff butts

It is normal for dogs to greet each other by sniffing butts. The snuffle is more than a doggie hello. They are gathering social information about each other from chemicals called pheromones given off by their sweat glands.

A dog can sniff pheromones on another dog's butt and determine the sex, health, age, mood of the individual, whether a female is in estrus (heat) or pregnant, and no doubt much more.

It is embarrassing to meet a dog that greets you by sniffing your private parts, but it shouldn't be so surprising. You will know that they are just reading your pheromone signature. Marvel at what amazing messages they may be interpreting from your chemical autograph.

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