Does My Dog Know That I Am Sick? 

We are clearly at the peak of cold and flu season! Have you ever been sick and noticed that your four-legged friend is showing extra affection? Perhaps they do not want to leave your side, or they give you extra kisses. If you answered yes, this is not just a coincidence! This may have prompted the idea that your dog may know when you feel blue. They can definitely tell when you are sick!

Your dog will make it evident that they can tell when you are not feeling well. They may seem extra cuddly and give you more love than they usually do. When was the last time you were sick, and you noticed your dog constantly trying to lay on the bed or couch with you? Your dog may also put their head in your lap or close to you. They are trying to comfort you as much as possible!

In addition, your dog may also be less “needy.” They may be less demanding of walks and playtime because they know you are tired and not feeling your best. Dogs are intelligent and pick up on cues while adjusting their behavior accordingly. Their main goal is to make you feel better by comforting you and lowering your stress levels.

Believe it or not, there is a science behind dogs sensing when you are sick. Did you know that when a person is sick, specific chemical changes in their body can be detected by a dog’s keen sense of smell? Dogs can detect VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that aid in the early detection of illness. Dogs can pick up on small changes and may know we are getting sick before we show the first signs of illness.

Yes, dogs know when you are sick! Your four-legged friend will also pick up your lack of energy. Remember that dogs can sense emotions and pick up on facial cues that let them know you are not yourself. The next time you are under the weather, let your dog comfort you. Look at it as a way for them to pay it forward for all the times you made them feel better.