Could Dogs Be Used to Protect Cancer Patients From Coronavirus?

The dog-sniffing brigade was rolled out on a trial basis in Helsinki Airport in Finland. These trained dogs may be able to smell COVID traces on travelers' skin. The travelers swap their skin using a wipe; then the swab is put in a jar and given to the dog to smell. Incredibly, it takes the dog only about 10 seconds to determine if the person flying is positive for COVID-19.

Doggy Launch in Finland

The program launched last week in Helsinki. And following the dogs' conclusive results, travelers are asked to take an official COVID-19 test to determine the canine conclusion's accuracy. The Helsinki Airport shared in a Tweet: "Covid-19 dogs started their work today at the Helsinki Airport at arrival hall 2B. Dogs have been trained to detect the coronavirus from the test wipes given by the testperson. Service is voluntary and primarily targeted for passengers arriving from abroad."

Covid-19 dogs started their work today at the Helsinki Airport at arrival hall 2B. Dogs have been trained to detect the coronavirus from the test wipes given by the testperson. Service is voluntary and primarily targeted for passengers arriving from abroad. pic.twitter.com/ieMLm0KuZY

— Helsinki Airport (@HelsinkiAirport) September 22, 2020

Anna Hielm-Björkman, who is a professor at the University of Helsinkin and specializes in equine and small animal medicine, told the Associated Press, "It’s a very promising method. Dogs are very good at sniffing. If it works, it will be a good [coronavirus] screening method at any other places.”

The four dogs being used at the airport in Finland also underwent training to look for diabetes, and even cancer.

Other countries, including the U.S., are studying the use of canines for COVID detection.

What This Means for Cancer Patients

Given the potentially weakened immune systems of some cancer patients, as a result of certain therapies, being vigilant during the pandemic is of particular importance. That's why these dogs can help. If the COVID-sniffing canines are used in a widespread way, it may mean greater protection for cancer patients who are traveling.

Dr. Hielm-Björkman also noted the possibilities of installing the dogs at other locales, for greater protection for all people  not just travelers. "If it works, it will be a good [coronavirus] screening method at any other places." She went on to list hospitals, elderly people's care homes, sports areas, and more, as other places the dogs could be used for their keen noses.

Protecting the Immune System

Keeping one's immune system strong is especially important right now. For cancer patients, urologist Dr. Stephen Freedland says there are some easy steps to take for cancer patients to boost their immune system. They include:

• A good sleep schedule
• Avoiding smoking tobacco
• Avoiding inflammation-causing foods (i.e. cookies, cakes, candies, sodas, etc.)
• Eating a diet rich in fruits, veggies, and lean meats
• Exercising at home or going for a walk

How Do Cancer Patients Boost Their Immune System During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Dogs and Cancer

While some dogs can smell cancer (in a recent study, beagles were able to sniff out non-small cell lung cancer in blood cells with nearly 100% accuracy), in general, dogs can't smell cancer on a human. People have for many years claimed that their dogs found their cancer, but the science to fully back those claims does not exist. Not yet, anyway.

Related: Yes, Some Dogs Can Smell Cancer, Study Finds. But They're Probably Not Going to Replace Screening Technology Anytime Soon.

One thing is for sure, though: These loveable, furry friends may be able to provide increased protection for all  including cancer patients  during the time of COVID-19. Man's best friend is also man's best protector, it seems.

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