do they know when we're sick?

• 12-13-2008 7:44 PM

  jenns Joined on 09-10-2007 NE New Jersey Posts 1,251 Points 10

  do they know when we're sick? Reply Contact Can dogs really sense if their owners are sick?  I am home today with the flu (so much for doing the xmas shopping!) and Zoe hasn't left my side all day.  As soon as I sit or lay down she will come over to me, lick my face and sit on me and snuggle.  Normally she takes turns between me and the dh (usually prefers the dh as there is more "cushion" ) but has chosen me all day.  Does she know? Zoe - 3 year old chocolate and tan miniature dachshund Zack - 1 year old toy manchester terrier Ally - 10 year old black and white domestic shorthair cat

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• 12-13-2008 7:47 PM

  In reply to jenns

  ron2 Joined on 09-10-2007 far north central Texas Posts 11,397 Points 595

  Re: do they know when we're sick? Reply Contact I think dogs smell when you are sick or not right. There are dogs who have alerted to an owners diabetic problem or what have you and get the attention of someone. I could see a time where a dog could be trained to hit a panic button when he/she smells an impending episode and the panic button sends a call to paramedics. The canine version of life call. "Help, I've fallen and I can't get up." In this case, "my human is collapsing from diabetes and you guys need to get here right now. Woof!"   The way you treat your dog in this life determines your place in heaven. - chukchi proverb

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• 12-13-2008 7:56 PM

  In reply to ron2

  calliecritturs Joined on 09-10-2007 Central Florida Posts 10,867 Points 3,330

  Re: do they know when we're sick? Reply Contact Sure they know!!  Their sense of smell is SO astute, trust me -- your dog knows what you had for dinner last night even if you didn't eat at home!!  True story -- back when we had Muffin the Intrepid (another Eng. cocker) and he had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor, I decided to start him with a vet who did acupuncture.  Muffin was deaf (had both ears removed previously because of ongoing infections and some major mega long-term ear problems) and so I always went to great lengths to communicate with him, and I wanted him to know this wasn't going to hurt him. I have been getting acupuncture for many years and I asked my acupuncturist if I could bring Muffin WITH me the next time I got treated.  Dr. Shin said fine so he came in with me and watched as she needled me.  When she took the needles out, he came up and wanted strongly to 'sniff' them and I told her to let him.  She held out a couple of needles and man -- he sniffed and SNIFFED and *****SNIFFED*****. Then he just sat down and looked up at me.  Dr. Shin just shook her head and said "WOW ... I wish *I* knew now about the 'inside' of you that HE now knows because of what he smelled on these needles!!" It's true -- they *know* things by scent that we don't even know CAN be known.

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• 12-13-2008 7:59 PM

  In reply to jenns

  misstrouble Joined on 09-27-2008 Fayetteville, NC Posts 2,446 Points 275

  Re: do they know when we're sick? Reply Contact I think they know. A few weeks ago, my Dad got his hand snashed pretty bad underneith the lawn mower(no worries, it was off). After he got un-stuck, Sam was at his side like glue....which is VERY out of charecter for Sam, he's a friendly dog, but he's more my dog. He just stayed with my Dad for about 20mins until my Dad could move his hand again, and then he was back to me. Meg

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• 12-13-2008 8:22 PM

  In reply to misstrouble

  Jewlieee Joined on 03-23-2007 MI Posts 7,307 Points 4,610

  Re: do they know when we're sick? Reply Contact Yep. There's so many stories of dogd who can sense seizures comong on and such. My own experience is with abbie. She has always been very sensitive and in tune to my skin. I have psoriasis (sp) and when it flares up, abbie will smell it and spend time licking that spot (ankles, elbows etc.) As if trying to heal it. Recently I got a wart on my finger (sorry gross I know) and she sniffed it out right away and tried to lick and bite (gently) it off. I have no doubt that if I got skin cancer, she would know it and focus on it.

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• 12-13-2008 8:23 PM

  In reply to jenns

  The V.I.P.'S Very Important Poodles Joined on 11-22-2007 Indiana Posts 87 Points 225

  Re: do they know when we're sick? Reply Contact I was sick after thanksgiving with food poising and Dijon my boy knew I was sick and would not leave my side. He tryed to take care of me the best he knew how. I know he loves me so much he is my sweet little boy and he just loves his daddy so much. If you had seen him you could tell just how much he could tell I was sick. I did not fell alone with him around ofcourse he could not feed me or nurse me but he sure did confort me. Chris The Poodle Daddy Dogs make the best people!!!   MS Tisha Lynn; Sir Elton Dijon

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• 12-13-2008 8:45 PM

  In reply to The V.I.P.'S Very Important Poodles

  jenns Joined on 09-10-2007 NE New Jersey Posts 1,251 Points 10

  Re: do they know when we're sick? Reply Contact Wow, its' amazing how much dogs can sense.  It makes me realize how inadequate human senses are!  And whatever she is doing to help me, is helping.  I seem to feel better when she is right there comforting me.  She's like my little nurse! Zoe - 3 year old chocolate and tan miniature dachshund Zack - 1 year old toy manchester terrier Ally - 10 year old black and white domestic shorthair cat

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• 12-13-2008 9:37 PM

  In reply to jenns

  Mookies Mom Joined on 06-01-2006 Western Michigan Posts 216 Points 0	Re: do they know when we're sick? Reply Contact I would say they definitely know. I've been sick with flu twice in the last couple of months and B has graciously let me opt out of the evening walk without so much as even a tiny broof. Usually he starts a full campaign for dog time about 5 p.m. When I was sick he was definitely a soul in sympathy! :)
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• 12-13-2008 9:42 PM

  In reply to jenns

  BCMixs Joined on 01-10-2008 Virginia Posts 1,761 Points 30	Re: do they know when we're sick? Reply Contact Some do, I think.  Indie even followed Milo around and comforted him by lying next to him constantly when Milo had his UTI and was down in the dumps.  He behaves that way towards the humans in the household who are sick or emotionally upset also.   Woobie couldn't give a crap and gives you the stink eye for not taking him out to do fun things.
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• 12-14-2008 4:09 AM

  In reply to BCMixs

  janetmichel3009 Joined on 11-28-2006 Beijing, China Posts 3,156 Points 360

  Re: do they know when we're sick? Reply Contact oh i'm sure they know. the question is, do they think it's big enough of a deal to "comfort" you. when i had twisted my ankle (or ONE of the times i have twisted it) last time moca almost got herself thrown out the window. i could only limp with the injured foot stretch far in front of me. moca wasnt crate trained at the time. (she lost that privilage after some housetraining relaps...) so when i came in the door, obviously i was sloooowly shoving my injured foot through the door. what does moca do? pounces on my foot full force! i swear you could hear me screaching and cursing 10 floors up! on the other hand when i am sick with the flu both of them are always rreeeeaaaallllyyy calm. that is way unusual. they can also tell when i have a fever and dont want them "cuddling" me, cause i'm hot. and when i need them to warm me up. that is the one time they are just awesome.... Janet

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• 12-14-2008 9:41 AM

  In reply to janetmichel3009

  ron2 Joined on 09-10-2007 far north central Texas Posts 11,397 Points 595	Re: do they know when we're sick? Reply Contact Sometimes when I am sick and just enough energy to stay in bed and not pass on, Shadow will lick my neck and rest beside me. The way you treat your dog in this life determines your place in heaven. - chukchi proverb
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• 12-14-2008 9:44 AM

  In reply to ron2

  Benedict Joined on 05-30-2006 England Posts 6,613 Points 870

  Re: do they know when we're sick? Reply Contact  I think so....I got hit by a cold at some point during the middle of the night and feel like something the cat dragged in today.  Ben has been very mellow and only left his duty post of keeping my feet warm to be taken for a walk by DH.  Kate - Dog.community Administrator Jokers to the right. www.lumosmaremma.com - a dog blog about raising a Maremma in a city.

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• 12-16-2008 1:29 PM

  In reply to Benedict

  shadowsgin Joined on 03-06-2007 N.W. Arkansas Posts 2,081 Points 425

  Re: do they know when we're sick? Reply Contact I strongly believe that our dogs know the difference between sick and just plain tired.  My question would be when do you take serious notice if they indicate a medical problem.  I know we are usually in-tune to what our pets do on a daily basis but would we recognize and understand if they were telling us, in their own way, there was a problem that needed to be addressed.  I have seen a few shows that dogs pointed out cancer and other medical problems way before it was diagnosed.  Would I be attentive enough to think; I should pay attention.  Or would I just say "Aw look how cute that is" and think it was something new they were trying.  Worse yet scold them for doing something they shouldnt.

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• 12-16-2008 1:43 PM

  In reply to shadowsgin

  Jewlieee Joined on 03-23-2007 MI Posts 7,307 Points 4,610

  Re: do they know when we're sick? Reply Contact   shadowsgin: My question would be when do you take serious notice if they indicate a medical problem. I really try to pay close attention to what Abbie is focusing on when she is sniffing and licking my skin. Her licking is more than just dog-human kisses or submissive behavior. She actually does hone in on my problem areas: ankles, knuckles, elbows, etc. If she starts to focus on something else, I can't help but wonder what she is sensing. I would never reprimand her.

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• 12-16-2008 2:29 PM

  In reply to jenns

  lisa4kids1pup Joined on 11-30-2006 Posts 470 Points 15

  Re: do they know when we're sick? Reply Contact I think they know...and they know when we're sad or upset.  My dog always stays a little closer to me when I'm sick for sure, and will come over and cuddle with me when I'm blue. I think cats have this too....many years ago, I had pneumonia.  I spent a lot of time lying in bed, sleeping.  I kept noticing my cat was with me a lot more than usual, but thought nothing of it until I woke up with him on my CHEST!  He had never slept on my chest since he was a tiny kitten!  He left occasionally to eat and potty, and would come right back and climb onto my chest.  It was like he knew right where the problem was...it was so strange.  He did that for a couple of days, and then settled in by my legs after that.  Man, I loved that cat.  He used to let me wear him around my neck like a shawl or something!!!  I've since developed terrible cat allergies, so no more inside kitties for me! Misty, collie mix age 2.5 & Kira, shep/husky/bc/malamute mix puppy

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