Do dogs know when we are sick?

Posted on 25. Feb, 2010 by Annvi in Barkin' Doggie Bloggie, Interesting Dog Tidbits

“A dog is not “almost human” and I know of no greater insult to the canine race than to describe it as such.”  ~John Holmes

Another hectic week in the barkin’ doggie household.  I had the flu. grossness.  Whenever I am sick or down, I always wonder if my dogs know/understand.  Can dogs really pick up on our behavior- changes in our behaviors?   I have heard of stories of dogs not leaving their owner’s side when their owner is sick.  Zeus hates it when Tobiah and I get into a heated argument.  He hides in a corner and sulks.  It always makes us feel bad. He totally picks up on something- not sure whether it is our raised voices, body languages, or what.

Many believe dogs can sense changes in our emotional and/or physical well-being.  Some believe it is because dogs can identify changes in our behaviors, while others consider it is because of the dog’s heightened sense of smell.  Scientific data is still unclear as to how and if a dog can really sense when we are ill.

I really want to believe that my dogs are concerned about my well-being at all times.  However, who really knows?  There are times when I have been upset or in a sour mood and Rocky just pounces on me- because he is hungry or wants to go outside.  I mean, totally inconsiderate of my moodiness or maybe it is because he thinks I need to get over myself.  lol.  who knows.

What I do know is that for a week and a half, my two crazy boys haven’t been exercised enough.  They didn’t whine or jump on me to take them out.  They waited patiently at the foot of our bed and slept while I slept all day.  Maybe…they do know when I am sick.  Or maybe they weren’t sleeping well at night because of all my coughing. 

Cheers and Happy Barkin’!

Annvi and Tobiah