We all learned about the five basic senses in school — sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing. But what if we told you your dog has three more powerful “hidden” senses that play a huge role in how they experience the world?
At Happy Paws Hub, we’re not just passionate about pet products — we’re committed to helping UK pet parents better understand and care for their furry companions.
So, let’s dig into the three lesser-known senses in dogs, how they work, and why understanding them matters.
1. 🧠 Interoception – The Sense of Internal Feelings
Have you ever noticed your dog suddenly needing the toilet after a nap? Or pacing when they’re thirsty or hungry?
That’s interoception at work — the body’s ability to recognise internal signals like hunger, thirst, pain, temperature, and the need to go to the bathroom.
For your dog, this sense answers the question:
"How do I feel inside right now?"
🔸 During puppy toilet training, for example, your dog first needs to learn to recognise the internal feeling that signals the need to pee — before they can learn where to go.
🔸 A dog with weak interoceptive awareness may struggle with potty training, never feel full, or have difficulty responding to pain or stress.
🔸 On the other hand, heightened interoception might make some pups overly sensitive or surprisingly easy to train.
💡 Tip from Happy Paws Hub: If your dog seems unusually clumsy, reactive, or struggles with routines like feeding or toileting, it might be due to interoceptive differences. It’s not a diagnosis — but it’s something worth discussing with your vet.
2. ⚖️ Vestibular – The Sense of Balance & Spatial Awareness
Have you seen your dog run full speed across the garden, stop suddenly, and turn on a dime without falling? That’s thanks to the vestibular system — the internal sense of balance, movement, and direction.
The vestibular system lives in the inner ear and helps your dog:
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Stay upright and steady
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Know which way is up/down or left/right
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Move smoothly without falling or crashing
But sometimes this sense can become dysfunctional due to ear infections, certain medications, or neurological issues. Dogs with vestibular dysfunction may show:
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Head tilts
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Dizziness or unsteadiness
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Rapid eye movements
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Nausea or vomiting
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Loss of coordination
⚠️ Always consult your vet if you notice any of these signs. Vestibular symptoms can be scary — but with the right care, many dogs recover well.
3. 🐾 Proprioception – The Sense of Body Awareness
This one’s our favourite. Proprioception is your dog’s built-in GPS — it connects their brain with their muscles, joints, and limbs, helping them move accurately and confidently.
Think of it this way:
When you throw a ball, your dog knows exactly how to sprint, when to leap, and how to land safely — that’s proprioception in action.
It tells your dog:
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Where their paws are
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How much force to use
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How to adjust movement mid-run or mid-jump
🐕🦺 Dogs with proprioceptive issues may seem clumsy, walk with uneven gaits, bump into things, or appear slow to react.
These issues are often seen in older dogs, or dogs recovering from injuries or neurological conditions. Even something like a sore paw or weak joints can disrupt this system.
💬 So… Why Do These Hidden Senses Matter?
Understanding these “invisible” senses helps us be better pet parents. It allows us to:
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Be more patient with toilet training
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Recognise when clumsiness might not be “bad behaviour”
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Support dogs who get overwhelmed, anxious, or uncoordinated
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Improve quality of life through sensory-friendly play and activities
As Maya Angelou said, "When you know better, you do better."
🐕 How to Support These Senses
At Happy Paws Hub, we believe that every dog deserves enrichment beyond food and water. Here are a few ways to stimulate these hidden senses:
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Proprioceptive input: Use balance discs, tunnels, wobble boards, or even walks on uneven terrain
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Weighted backpacks: Gentle resistance can help dogs regulate their proprioception
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Puzzle toys & lick mats: Encourage awareness of hunger/fullness through mindful feeding
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Calm environments: Dogs with vestibular or sensory issues thrive with low-stimulation surroundings
🛍️ We’re always adding sensory-friendly products to our store — keep an eye on our New Arrivals section!
👀 Final Thoughts
Understanding your dog’s hidden senses is more than just fascinating — it’s essential to compassionate, informed pet care. It explains so much about behaviour, training, and wellness.
If you’ve noticed signs like:
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Clumsiness
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Stress with grooming or touch
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Difficulty with potty training
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Trouble adjusting to movement or new environments
...your dog may be trying to tell you something deeper.
Want to explore sensory-supportive products?
👉 Browse our collections at Happy Paws Hub — all items ship FREE across the UK.
💬 Let’s Talk!
Did you know about these senses before?
Have you seen these behaviours in your dog?
Let us know in the comments — we’d love to hear your story.
🐾 With love,
The Happy Paws Hub Team
[Your dog’s favourite online shop – proudly serving the UK] 🇬🇧
