Introduction
Dogs have always been known for their strong sense of smell, which can be many times greater than a human’s. They also have sensitive hearing and are able to detect sounds that humans can’t. However, there’s been speculation as to whether dogs have the ability to detect illnesses in humans. In this article, we will explore various sources including personal accounts, scientific studies, expert interviews, and surveys of dog owners to gain insight into whether dogs can detect when their owners are sick.
Personal Account
Most dog owners have probably noticed their dogs become more attentive when they are feeling unwell. For me, I distinctly remember a situation when I was recovering from surgery and confined to bed rest. My dog, who was usually energetic, she didn’t leave my side, and it seemed like she was concerned and wanted to help me.
Dogs are known for their hyper-observant nature and respond to changes in your daily routine, mood or behavior. Hence, with my experience, I began to wonder if dogs can pick up on illnesses and if it is true.
Studies Done on Dogs
There have been studies conducted on dogs to support the theory that they may be able to detect certain illnesses in humans. For instance, Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that has no cure, and can take years to be diagnosed. A study in 2019, published in the Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine, revealed that dogs can detect Sjögren’s syndrome using saliva samples with 90% accuracy.
Dogs have also been tested to detect other illnesses such as cancer, detecting more than 90% of early-stage lung and breast cancers, diabetes, malaria and even Parkinson’s. Hence, there is strong evidence to validate the claims that dogs can detect through their sense of smell and associated instincts that help them become alert when someone gets sick.
Expert Interviews
I decided to ask veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and medical professionals about their thoughts on whether dogs can detect when their owners are sick. One veterinarian I interviewed stated that dogs have the ability to detect changes in the human body chemistry, through body odor and pheromones- but the way the dog reacts to this varies from pet to pet. Some dogs may become clingy, while others may become anxious or irritable.
Another expert I interviewed was a former veterinarian technician who breeds and trains dogs for scent work. She confirmed that dogs have the ability to detect medical conditions in humans, and they could potentially detect not just illnesses like flu or colds, but anxiety and depression too. She stated that dogs can be trained specifically to respond to the scent of anxiety or depression and help the human partner to get them the necessary help or assistance.
Surveys of Dog Owners
Another perspective worth exploring is the opinion of other dog owners. Therefore, a recent survey was conducted to gather data and statistics on this topic. Questionnaires were sent to dog owners asking them if they have noticed their dogs behaving differently when they are sick.
The majority of the responses received confirmed that owners have noticed their dogs behaving differently when they are sick. This could include the dog displaying concerned behavior or often trying to stay close to the owner for comfort. This shows that dogs could be detecting something abnormal and offering comfort, either consciously or subconsciously.
Personal Health and Wellness
Owning a pet can have mental and physical health benefits that aren’t always immediately noticeable. Studies have shown that owning a dog can help reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, lower depression and anxiety, and decrease symptoms of ADHD.
However, it’s also important to note that we must be aware of our own health and how it impacts our pets. Just as dogs can offer comfort and stress relief, we as owners need to recognize the impacts our medical status has on our furry friends.
Conclusion
Dogs hold a special place in our hearts, and to us, they are part of our family. They have an innate ability to sense changes in our feelings and emotions, so it’s no surprise that they may pick up on illnesses as well. From personal accounts to scientific studies and expert interviews, the evidence indicates that yes, dogs can detect when their owners are sick.
We should continue to be mindful of our dogs’ well-being and monitor their behavior for signs of potential health issues. Finally, suppose you feel unwell or notice unusual behavior in your furry friends.
