Animal Pheromones

While the debate rages on about whether pheromones actually play a part in human interaction, there is no such doubt when it comes to animal pheromones. Animal pheromones have been demonstrated in a number of areas in several species to perform various functions in the area of sexual interaction, aggressive behavior and territorial behavior.

In the animal kingdom, pheromones can be detected over long distances. For example, female dogs on heat are said to leave their pheromones attracting male dogs from a considerable distance away. In fact, the males are almost in a hypnotic like trance during this time and if you have experienced your dog react to a female in heat, it's almost a waste of time trying to communicate with them.

Animal Pheromones

So pheromones have been established as important triggers in the reproductive and mating instincts of animals. You know the effect it has on dogs. However, pheromones also play an important role in animals marking their territory. Again, the two animals we know best, dogs and cats are often seen marking their territories urinating in certain areas. In fact, when next you have the opportunity to watch two dogs interact and one urinates, watch the other. It will inevitably follow suit but will urinate over the top of the previous dog's effort.

Types Of Animal Pheromones

The deeper one gets into the study of pheromones the more interesting it gets. There are a number of different pheromones to consider. We've looked at pheromones used to attract the opposite sex. Did you know there are other types of pheromones to consider. What about alarm pheromones? For example, bees use what is known as an attack pheromone to alert others of the species when there is a present danger.

Then there are Releaser, Primer, Trail and Aggregation pheromones. But what about human pheromones? That is a whole new argument. The debate has raged on for some time now but while the marketplace is littered with numerous products claiming to be pheromone enhanced the fact remains, officially, we have no confirmation they actually exist in humans.

Yes, many positive studies have been conducted by scientists pointing to their existence in humans but until every one gets on the same page and agrees conclusively they exist in humans then we can only surmise they play a role in our day-to-day roles. My question is though... if we are part of the animal umbrella, shouldn't we also be considered in the same category when speaking of animal pheromones?