Do you think dogs can sense when you're sick?

britishbandit · 02-07-2006, 12:41 AM

This is fascinating to me. And yes, I do think dogs can sense when you are sick. Whether it be a cold or flu, or something more serious, I really think they know something is wrong. I am always amazed at PJ and Tysa when i'm not up to par. They almost seem to be considerate...LOL. Their behaviour changes, they stop messing around as much as normal (they get a wee bit hyper sometimes), and getting into things I really don't want them getting into. I've recently been having some pretty aweful health problems, and at times I am curled up in a tiny ball on the couch just trying to get past the crazy bout of pain. PJ and Tysa will lay by the couch right in front of me, content to just rest while I am. With the occasional head lift, and tilt, they put thier moist noises right up to my face resting on the couch, not actually getting up. A quick stare and a soft little kiss, they'll stare again for a minute they lay back down. They also seem more protective of me and their surroundings, and any noise from outside they immediately check out with some low growls and come straight back to "guard me"...LOL. Now these aren't the rottis i'm used to..haha. If someone comes across the yard, they are usually hyper to see people, wag their tails (or should I say stumps?) and give a few WOOFS of excitement. If I am on the couch watching a show, they'll jump up there with me, or nose me to tell me it's time to go outside or to play. And those hard bones and kong toys really don't feel good pushed into your jaw..LOL. But when I'm sick or not feeling well, they change. As young and usually fairly hyper dogs, it is one heck of a transition, especially since my pain comes on and off on a day to day basis.
Now don't get into thinking I'm a couch potato...LOL. I only watch a few shows faithfully each week, and to be honest prefer to be on the computer at GP than watching the tube. I'd just rather stick out my pain on the couch rather than my bed (as the doggies are not allowed on the bed). Just wondering how many of you have canine buds that you think can sense when you are sick, and what they do (or don't do)that makes you believe it?

linnie · 02-07-2006, 01:16 AM

I most certainly do believe they know when we need extra comfort.
I was in a car accident and emma was my faithful companion I couldnt move without her by my side making sure everything was ok

DOGS ROCK

Shadowkins · 02-07-2006, 03:52 AM

I agree competely, dogs have a natural way of sensing pain in others. My Shadow knows when my arthritis is driving me insane or if I am battling a flu bug...he is always there watching over me. Especially, with my arthritis...he will lick the spot until I tell him "enough"...it's like he is trying to make the pain go away. Our canine friends are much more in tune with us then we are with them,jmo. Sure is nice to know someone care when you're feeling low, doesn't it.

***Cassiepeia*** · 02-07-2006, 03:56 AM

I believe we smell different when we're sick, as well as the obvious behaviour changes, two things dogs pick up extremely well. So yes I too know they know when we're ill.

Quote:

DOGS ROCK

I agree Linnie.

Cass.

HarleysMom · 02-07-2006, 04:13 AM

I too agree that they can sense when we are sick or upset--its amazing what animals can do.

okpik · 02-07-2006, 06:46 AM

My friend trains service dogs.
there is a host of different types.
some sense seizures coming on and warn master.
I heard a story recently maybe it was here where dogs now can sense cancer as well.

My dogs comfort us even after a bad coughing spell when we have the flu. I believe.

IceyBlueSibes · 02-07-2006, 07:44 AM

I agree that dogs know when we're sick.

The girls and Sarge will sleep all day with me. Sarge becomes very protective of me. They will get a good romp here and there, but they will mostly sleep. They become extremely affectionate and want to cuddle up with me on the couch.

I just got over a cold this weekend... was sick all last week. They all laid on the couch with me, napping all day and just being lazy!

bigdoglover · 02-07-2006, 08:02 AM

Elite won't leave my side....laying beside me, not crowding, just providing that comfort and support. Max is the same way....usually he lays on me, but if I'm sick, he will lay beside me. They are very gentle, and not pushy. Elite will get up and give me a good sniff to make sure I am ok.

Yes, DOGS ROCK.....but we knew that, right? LOL

britishbandit · 02-07-2006, 09:37 AM

I agree, DOGS ROCK!! LOL
They really do comfort me when i'm not well, and it's something I never take for granted. When I am feeling good, they get all the love and attention I can give them, everything they truly deserve.

mrsgrubby · 02-07-2006, 10:03 AM

My hubby suffers from bad migraine headaches alot. Our past rottweiler Alexi would take such good care of him when he was sick.

IceyBlueSibes · 02-07-2006, 12:11 PM

I came down with a really bad virus last year... around August or September, and it caused me to have SEVERE head pain. I'm not talking headaches... head pain, it was the worst. Anyways, we had Lilly then, and she knew I wasn't feeling well. My mom came over to put a bag of ice on my forehead, and Lilly came over to me, and laid right across my stomach and looked at my mom like "Can you leave her alone please? She's not feeling good" LOL Not aggressive, just asking Mum nicely.

The home she's in now, my mom's friends aunt (blegh LOL) is very very sick. She is on oxygen constantly, has lung cancer, etc. Smoked all her life, and still does... So anyways... She sometimes willl have trouble breathing. One time she was unable to get to her oxygen, and Lilly was there visiting, so Donna started having trouble. Lilly ran out of the room, got Melissa (my mom's friend) and lead her to the room. Melissa went and got Donna's oxygen... and all was fine. I have seen Lilly sense muscle spasms in her face (they're very painful). Lilly became very uneasy and just kept staring at her face. Next thing you know, she had a muscle spasm.

I wanted so bad to have her certified as a medical assistant dog. She would have done wonderfully with it.

Barrett · 02-07-2006, 01:09 PM

If Bailey knows I am sick, she doesn't care. She still wants to play fetch, tag, make me hold her rawhides for her while she chews on them ...etc! I don't get any extra snuggles or doggy kisses from her. She will still jump up and down in circles under her leash and whine, begging for a walk. Lucy is calm and easy going anyway and is always content to lay on the couch with me and watch tv. Bailey will do a tap dance on my head and make me get up.

BellFounder · 02-07-2006, 01:38 PM

Isnt there a study going on where dogs can smell cancer? I think we do smell different when we are sick and dgos are worried by the change in smell and stick by us because THEY dont like it. As much as i would like to think its out of concern for our welfare i have to be practical - and practicality tells me they are concerned for them, not for us.

linnie · 02-07-2006, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IceyBlueSibes

I agree that dogs know when we're sick.

The girls and Sarge will sleep all day with me. Sarge becomes very protective of me. They will get a good romp here and there, but they will mostly sleep. They become extremely affectionate and want to cuddle up with me on the couch.

I just got over a cold this weekend... was sick all last week. They all laid on the couch with me, napping all day and just being lazy!

Awwwe what self sacrificing dogs you have

( just joking)

linnie · 02-07-2006, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellFounder

Isnt there a study going on where dogs can smell cancer? I think we do smell different when we are sick and dgos are worried by the change in smell and stick by us because THEY dont like it. As much as i would like to think its out of concern for our welfare i have to be practical - and practicality tells me they are concerned for them, not for us.

I have read about that bella.
I do think they have concern of a sort though not like humans ( at least not like humans are supposed to have

)

Or maybe is just that they pick up on our emotions.
We did have a debate subject a while ago on this I think

02-07-2006, 12:41 AM	#1 (permalink)
britishbandit Rottweiler Mum Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Windsor, ON Posts: 4,185 Rep Power: 180	Do you think dogs can sense when you're sick? This is fascinating to me. And yes, I do think dogs can sense when you are sick. Whether it be a cold or flu, or something more serious, I really think they know something is wrong. I am always amazed at PJ and Tysa when i'm not up to par. They almost seem to be considerate...LOL. Their behaviour changes, they stop messing around as much as normal (they get a wee bit hyper sometimes), and getting into things I really don't want them getting into. I've recently been having some pretty aweful health problems, and at times I am curled up in a tiny ball on the couch just trying to get past the crazy bout of pain. PJ and Tysa will lay by the couch right in front of me, content to just rest while I am. With the occasional head lift, and tilt, they put thier moist noises right up to my face resting on the couch, not actually getting up. A quick stare and a soft little kiss, they'll stare again for a minute they lay back down. They also seem more protective of me and their surroundings, and any noise from outside they immediately check out with some low growls and come straight back to "guard me"...LOL. Now these aren't the rottis i'm used to..haha. If someone comes across the yard, they are usually hyper to see people, wag their tails (or should I say stumps?) and give a few WOOFS of excitement. If I am on the couch watching a show, they'll jump up there with me, or nose me to tell me it's time to go outside or to play. And those hard bones and kong toys really don't feel good pushed into your jaw..LOL. But when I'm sick or not feeling well, they change. As young and usually fairly hyper dogs, it is one heck of a transition, especially since my pain comes on and off on a day to day basis. Now don't get into thinking I'm a couch potato...LOL. I only watch a few shows faithfully each week, and to be honest prefer to be on the computer at GP than watching the tube. I'd just rather stick out my pain on the couch rather than my bed (as the doggies are not allowed on the bed). Just wondering how many of you have canine buds that you think can sense when you are sick, and what they do (or don't do)that makes you believe it?

02-07-2006, 01:16 AM	#2 (permalink)
linnie tibbie girl Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 3,051 Rep Power: 174	I most certainly do believe they know when we need extra comfort. I was in a car accident and emma was my faithful companion I couldnt move without her by my side making sure everything was ok DOGS ROCK
	__________________ Caution...Dogs can leave footprints on your heart

02-07-2006, 03:52 AM	#3 (permalink)
Shadowkins Shadowkins Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Saskatchewan,Canada Posts: 2,728 Rep Power: 131	I agree competely, dogs have a natural way of sensing pain in others. My Shadow knows when my arthritis is driving me insane or if I am battling a flu bug...he is always there watching over me. Especially, with my arthritis...he will lick the spot until I tell him "enough"...it's like he is trying to make the pain go away. Our canine friends are much more in tune with us then we are with them,jmo. Sure is nice to know someone care when you're feeling low, doesn't it.
	__________________

02-07-2006, 04:13 AM	#5 (permalink)
HarleysMom Wrinkles In The Way Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 191 Rep Power: 64	I too agree that they can sense when we are sick or upset--its amazing what animals can do.
	__________________ Mom to Harley flashy fawn Boxer boy, Dozer brindle Bulldog Boy,Oliver--DSH Cat, Angel- DLH Cat and 2 beautiful children

02-07-2006, 07:44 AM	#7 (permalink)
IceyBlueSibes Eyes = Mirror to the soul Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Jupiter, Fla. Posts: 7,828 Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 276	I agree that dogs know when we're sick. The girls and Sarge will sleep all day with me. Sarge becomes very protective of me. They will get a good romp here and there, but they will mostly sleep. They become extremely affectionate and want to cuddle up with me on the couch. I just got over a cold this weekend... was sick all last week. They all laid on the couch with me, napping all day and just being lazy!
	__________________ Sheiba, Denali, Ike, Nitro (Siberian Husky), Kelso (GSD x), Lugar (Boxer/Pit x), Willah (Shepherd/Husky x), Tibby, Cheech, Chong (Chihuahua), and any foster we have in the house! 9 Kitty cats!

02-07-2006, 06:46 AM	#6 (permalink)
okpik Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Under the morning shadow of the Blue Hills (MA) Posts: 73 Rep Power: 0	My friend trains service dogs. there is a host of different types. some sense seizures coming on and warn master. I heard a story recently maybe it was here where dogs now can sense cancer as well. My dogs comfort us even after a bad coughing spell when we have the flu. I believe.

02-07-2006, 08:02 AM	#8 (permalink)
bigdoglover Giant Schnauzers Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: West-Central Illinois Posts: 3,624 Rep Power: 179	Elite won't leave my side....laying beside me, not crowding, just providing that comfort and support. Max is the same way....usually he lays on me, but if I'm sick, he will lay beside me. They are very gentle, and not pushy. Elite will get up and give me a good sniff to make sure I am ok. Yes, DOGS ROCK.....but we knew that, right? LOL
	__________________ Glory and Greed will destroy the breed.

02-07-2006, 09:37 AM	#9 (permalink)
britishbandit Rottweiler Mum Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Windsor, ON Posts: 4,185 Rep Power: 180	I agree, DOGS ROCK!! LOL They really do comfort me when i'm not well, and it's something I never take for granted. When I am feeling good, they get all the love and attention I can give them, everything they truly deserve.

02-07-2006, 10:03 AM	#10 (permalink)
mrsgrubby Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,476 Rep Power: 146	My hubby suffers from bad migraine headaches alot. Our past rottweiler Alexi would take such good care of him when he was sick.

02-07-2006, 12:11 PM	#11 (permalink)
IceyBlueSibes Eyes = Mirror to the soul Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Jupiter, Fla. Posts: 7,828 Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 276	I came down with a really bad virus last year... around August or September, and it caused me to have SEVERE head pain. I'm not talking headaches... head pain, it was the worst. Anyways, we had Lilly then, and she knew I wasn't feeling well. My mom came over to put a bag of ice on my forehead, and Lilly came over to me, and laid right across my stomach and looked at my mom like "Can you leave her alone please? She's not feeling good" LOL Not aggressive, just asking Mum nicely. The home she's in now, my mom's friends aunt (blegh LOL) is very very sick. She is on oxygen constantly, has lung cancer, etc. Smoked all her life, and still does... So anyways... She sometimes willl have trouble breathing. One time she was unable to get to her oxygen, and Lilly was there visiting, so Donna started having trouble. Lilly ran out of the room, got Melissa (my mom's friend) and lead her to the room. Melissa went and got Donna's oxygen... and all was fine. I have seen Lilly sense muscle spasms in her face (they're very painful). Lilly became very uneasy and just kept staring at her face. Next thing you know, she had a muscle spasm. I wanted so bad to have her certified as a medical assistant dog. She would have done wonderfully with it.
	__________________ Sheiba, Denali, Ike, Nitro (Siberian Husky), Kelso (GSD x), Lugar (Boxer/Pit x), Willah (Shepherd/Husky x), Tibby, Cheech, Chong (Chihuahua), and any foster we have in the house! 9 Kitty cats!

02-07-2006, 01:09 PM	#12 (permalink)
Barrett dachshund Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Washington Posts: 2,758 Rep Power: 158	If Bailey knows I am sick, she doesn't care. She still wants to play fetch, tag, make me hold her rawhides for her while she chews on them ...etc! I don't get any extra snuggles or doggy kisses from her. She will still jump up and down in circles under her leash and whine, begging for a walk. Lucy is calm and easy going anyway and is always content to lay on the couch with me and watch tv. Bailey will do a tap dance on my head and make me get up.

02-07-2006, 01:38 PM	#13 (permalink)
BellFounder Collie girl Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 399 Rep Power: 83	Isnt there a study going on where dogs can smell cancer? I think we do smell different when we are sick and dgos are worried by the change in smell and stick by us because THEY dont like it. As much as i would like to think its out of concern for our welfare i have to be practical - and practicality tells me they are concerned for them, not for us.