The cold or flu is unpleasant and inconvenient. Dealing with sniffles, coughs, and trips to the drug store is never fun. Wouldn’t it be great if your dog could sense when you’re getting sick? Well, it turns out they might be able to. Dogs have been known to detect illnesses like the common cold and more serious conditions like cancer.
Signs Your Dog Might Sense You’re Sick
Since dogs can’t communicate with words, they may exhibit certain behaviors to alert you to your illness. They might hide or act differently, whine or cry, bark excessively, or display erratic behavior. These signs could indicate that you should visit your doctor. Once you’re showing symptoms, your dog may try to comfort you by staying close, cuddling, and giving you extra attention.
It’s important to note that these signs don’t necessarily mean you have a simple cold or flu. Dogs have a remarkable sense of smell and can detect changes in our bodies, sometimes indicating more serious health issues.
Body Language
Here are some signs that your dog might exhibit if they’re trying to warn you of illness:
– Staring
– Barking
– Whining
– Sniffing
Other Signs
Here are some signs that your dog might show while trying to comfort you during your recovery:
– Snuggling with you
– Kissing you
– Staying close by
History of Dogs Sensing Sickness
While historically dogs haven’t been specifically used to sense illness in humans, they have been our companions and helpers for thousands of years. Dogs have aided us in staying healthy, hunting, gathering, farming, and protecting us from harm. So why not add detecting illnesses to their list of capabilities?
Science Behind Dogs Sensing and Signaling Sickness
Scientific research suggests that dogs have the ability to smell different types of cancer. Studies have shown that dogs can detect breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer by simply sniffing breath samples. This ability is likely due to their incredible sense of smell and their ability to observe human behavior and routines.
Training Your Dog to Sense Sickness
While you can’t train your dog to sniff out illnesses, there are incredible stories of dogs being trained as service dogs for individuals with health problems or disabilities. These dogs can perform tasks such as opening doors, retrieving items, providing comfort, or seeking help in emergencies. Such training is typically done by professional dog trainers and not something you can do at home. If you’re interested in service dog training, research reputable training programs and be prepared for the challenges it entails.
Conclusion
Next time you’re feeling under the weather, take comfort in knowing that your furry friend understands. Dogs have a unique ability to sense when their humans are sick, providing comfort and companionship during the recovery process.
“Dogs have a sixth sense for sickness, sniffing out illnesses before we even know they’re there.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Pay attention to your dog’s behavior: If your dog starts acting unusual, such as hiding, whining, or barking excessively, it might be a sign that you’re getting sick. Take note of any changes in their behavior and consider seeing a doctor if necessary.
2️⃣ Look out for signs of comfort: Dogs have a natural instinct to comfort their owners when they’re sick. If your dog starts snuggling, kissing, or staying close to you more than usual, it could be their way of trying to provide comfort during your illness.
3️⃣ Be aware of the potential seriousness: While dogs can sense common illnesses like colds and flu, they have also been known to detect more serious health issues, including cancer. If your dog’s behavior suggests that you’re sick, it’s important to consider the possibility of a more serious underlying condition and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Can dogs sense if we are sick?
– Yes, dogs have been known to sense if their owners are sick, including serious illnesses like cancer.
2. How do dogs show that they sense we are sick?
– Dogs may go into hiding, whine or cry, bark excessively, or act erratically as a way of alerting us to our illness.
3. What do dogs do to comfort us when we are sick?
– Dogs may offer extra snuggles, stay close to us, and give us extra kisses to provide comfort while we are recovering.
4. Can dogs detect other serious health issues besides colds and flu?
– Yes, dogs are capable of smelling out changes in our bodies and have been known to sniff out more serious health issues as well.
5. Can dogs be trained to sense illnesses in humans?
– Dogs already have the ability to sense illnesses themselves, but they can also be trained to be service dogs for people with health problems or disabilities. However, this training requires the expertise of skilled dog trainers.
