Does your dog know if you are sick?
Have you ever noticed that when you’re not feeling well, such as with a flu or cold, your dog seems like they know that something is wrong?
Know that you are not the only one with this thought! Many believe that a canine’s “sixth sense” is responsible for this perception. However, there are actually other explanations.
Could your dog have smelled something different? Or perhaps noticed a change in your emotional state? Keep reading to find out more!
Dogs can Smell Illness
Your dog’s sense of smell is extremely powerful! And they sense smells in a different way than us humans.
The human body is basically a complex cocktail of hormones and chemical reactions that produce odors easily detected by dogs.
Scientific studies have proven that dogs can even distinguish identical twins by smell alone.
So, if some illness changes the chemistry of our bodies to a different smell than what our dogs are used to, it is very likely that they will react differently.
Many dogs are even trained to detect diseases such as diabetes or cancer. Thus, it is to be expected that they are able to know if something in our bodies is different through their sense of smell.
Read More: How to Raise a Confident Puppy?
Dogs Understand Body Language and Changes in Routine
If, for example, you don’t go to work on a certain day of the week or stay in bed at times that your pup is not used to, he will surely know that something is up.
Signs such as frequent sneezing, a runny nose, or gastrointestinal problems are signs your pup can easily identify.
Read More: How to Read Dog Body Language
Dogs can Understand Human Emotions
In addition to being able to interpret our body language, dogs can also understand our emotions. They can “hear” your mood through your tone of voice and react accordingly.
When you are sick, you might not have as much excitement in your voice and your pup can easily notice this change.
Read More: How to Tell Your Dog’s Age?
Why do Dogs Comfort Sick People?
Does your dog know if you are sick? Yes!
When dogs know that we’re not at our best, why do they react in a way that seems to comfort us?
It all depends on the dog’s personality and how you reward your pup for curiosity.
When you are sick, it’s normal for your dog to approach you to understand what’s going on. If you reward him with a hug or affection in these situations, he will surely come more often to receive a hug.
In addition, your pup can also get closer to you to cheer you up. After all, seeing you discouraged or gloomy is something different for him. No wonder they are considered our best friends!
Dog Walker Astoria
If you require help providing socialization opportunities for your dog and you live in Astoria, you can enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with Buster and Whiskers. We offer daily 1-hour Socialization Walks. If your pup is under-socialized, we will work with them to help desensitize them and get them ready for our Group Socialization Walks. You must live within our Astoria coverage area. In addition, your dog must be up-to-date on all required vaccinations. Laying a strong foundation in socialization is the best gift you can give your pup for a long and happy life together!
Buster and Whiskers is The #1 Dog Walking Service in Astoria, NY. If your dog needs more exercise or social interaction, enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with us. Contact us for a professional and reliable Dog Walker in Astoria! Follow us on Instagram!
