Weâd all love to think that our pups are sweet baby angels incapable of deceit. But are they, actually?
When I look into my dogsâ big round eyes, itâs hard to believe theyâd ever lie to me. But then, they see me eating a bowl of cereal and start whining like they havenât been fed for a week, and Iâll admit, I start to wonder.
Anecdotally, weâve all probably heard stories about dogs faking being sickopens in new tab for attention, but are any of them true? Is this a classic case of interpreting a very normal dog behavior through a not-so-accurate human lens, or do dogs really know how to yank our chains? I asked the experts to find out.
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Yes, dogs can fake illness or injury for attention – and they’re surprisingly good at it! As a veterinarian who’s examined countless “sick” pets, I’ve witnessed my fair share of Oscar-worthy performances from our four-legged friends While you should always take potential signs of illness seriously, understanding when your dog might be putting on a show can save you unnecessary worry and vet visits
The Unexpected Reality of Canine “Acting”
When my golden retriever Max started limping dramatically one afternoon, I rushed him to my colleague’s clinic (to avoid bias). After a thorough examination, blood work, and x-rays that showed absolutely nothing wrong, Max trotted happily out of the exam room without a hint of discomfort. The moment we arrived home? The limp magically reappeared when my partner came to greet us with concern.
This experience isn’t uncommon. Both veterinary experts and research confirm that dogs can and do “fake” certain symptoms to gain attention, sympathy, and rewards from their owners.
Which Symptoms Can Dogs Actually Fake?
Not all symptoms can be faked. Dogs don’t have the ability to manufacture a fever or produce diarrhea on command (thankfully!). However, they’re remarkably adept at mimicking these controllable symptoms:
- Limping/lameness – The most common fake symptom in dogs
- Coughing or sneezing – Especially when it gets immediate attention
- Unidentified pain – Yelping or showing discomfort when touched
- Loss of appetite – Until the treat bag appears
- Scratching or itching – When it’s previously earned sympathy
Dr. Richard Pitcairn, author of “Natural Health for Dogs and Cats,” explains that this behavior typically begins with a genuine symptom. The owner’s response is what encourages the dog to continue the behavior even after healing.
How Fake Illnesses Develop: Learning Through Reward
Dogs are masters of cause and effect. Here’s how the pattern typically develops:
- Your dog experiences a genuine health issue (like a real limp)
- You respond with extra attention, sympathy, and possibly treats
- Your dog recovers physically but remembers the rewards
- During times of stress, routine changes, or need for attention, they replicate the behavior
This is called “single event learning” – where one moment shapes their behavior going forward. Your sympathy, attention and treats become powerful rewards that reinforce the behavior.
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Faking It
First ALWAYS err on the side of caution. If your dog seems sick or injured consult your vet. That said, here are signs your dog might be putting on a performance
1. Inconsistency in symptoms
The most telling sign is inconsistency Your “limping” dog suddenly runs at full speed when they think you’re not watching or when something exciting happens These breaks in character are dead giveaways.
2. The treat test
If your dog is refusing food or seeming ill, try offering their absolute favorite treat. A truly sick dog will typically refuse even high-value foods, while a faker will often abandon their “symptoms” for a moment to gobble down the offering.
3. Situational symptoms
Pay attention to when symptoms appear. If your dog only limps when you’re watching, or their cough mysteriously appears when you’re having a conversation with someone else, they might be attention-seeking.
4. Recent life changes
Has your routine changed recently? New job with longer hours? New relationship? New pet? Dogs sometimes fake symptoms during times of change or when they feel they’re getting less attention than usual.
Real Case Studies: Dogs Who Fooled Their Owners
Case 1: Charlie’s Convenient Cough
Sarah noticed her beagle Charlie developed a concerning cough whenever she talked on the phone or had visitors. Yet during walks or playtime, the cough disappeared entirely. After ruling out medical causes, her vet suggested Charlie was seeking attention. Sure enough, when Sarah started scheduling dedicated daily play sessions, the mysterious cough vanished.
Case 2: Bella’s Suspicious Limp
After recovering from a sprained paw, Bella the labrador would still limp dramatically when her owner reached for the treat jar. The limp would mysteriously disappear during exciting walks or when chasing squirrels. Her owner realized Bella had associated limping with extra treats and attention.
Why Dogs Resort to Fakery
Dogs don’t fake symptoms out of malice or manipulation—they do it because it works! Consider what might be driving this behavior:
- Need for attention – The most common reason
- Anxiety or insecurity – During times of change
- Boredom – Insufficient mental or physical stimulation
- Past reinforcement – Previous rewards for similar behavior
Remember, your dog isn’t trying to “trick” you in a negative way—they’re simply using a strategy that has previously succeeded in getting their needs met.
What To Do If Your Dog Is Faking Illness
If your vet has given your dog a clean bill of health but symptoms persist, try these approaches:
1. Don’t reward the behavior
When your dog displays fake symptoms, avoid providing the attention they’re seeking. This doesn’t mean ignore them completely—just don’t make a fuss over the specific symptom.
2. Provide scheduled attention
Set aside 15-20 minutes daily for undivided attention with your dog. This regular, reliable interaction can reduce their need to seek attention through fake symptoms.
3. Increase mental and physical stimulation
Bored dogs are more likely to develop attention-seeking behaviors. Increase walks, playtime, training sessions, or puzzle toys to keep them engaged.
4. Create consistent routines
Dogs thrive on predictability. Maintain consistent feeding, walking, and play schedules to reduce anxiety that might drive attention-seeking behaviors.
5. Consider professional help
If fake symptoms persist despite your efforts, consult with a veterinary behaviorist who can help identify underlying causes and develop a treatment plan.
When To Take Symptoms Seriously
While some dogs do fake symptoms, it’s crucial to remember that most signs of illness or injury are genuine. Never assume your dog is faking without veterinary confirmation. Here are symptoms that dogs CANNOT fake and always warrant immediate attention:
- Fever
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Blood in urine or stool
- Swelling
- Weight loss
- Genuine respiratory distress
- Skin diseases or infections
When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian. It’s better to make an unnecessary vet visit than to miss a serious health problem.
The Psychology Behind Pet “Acting”
What’s particularly fascinating is that this behavior demonstrates sophisticated cognitive abilities. For a dog to fake a symptom, they must:
- Recognize that certain behaviors elicit specific responses from humans
- Remember this cause-and-effect relationship
- Deliberately reproduce the behavior when they want that response
- Understand when the behavior is most likely to work
This level of social understanding and cause-and-effect reasoning shows just how intelligent our canine companions truly are!
Can Cats Fake Illness Too?
Interestingly, cats are also known to fake symptoms for attention. Feline fakers often display:
- Changes in toileting behavior
- Excessive vocalization
- Exaggerated grooming
- “Mysterious” limping
Cats are perhaps even more skilled actors than dogs, as their naturally independent nature makes their bids for attention less obvious.
Final Thoughts: Appreciating Your Canine Actor
If you discover your dog has been putting on performances worthy of a Hollywood star, try not to be frustrated. Instead, see it as a testament to their intelligence and the strong bond you share. Your dog has learned what behaviors get your attention because your attention matters deeply to them.
By understanding why your dog might fake symptoms and addressing those underlying needs, you can help them find healthier ways to communicate with you. And next time they give you those sad eyes while mysteriously limping toward the treat jar, you can appreciate their clever (if transparent) attempt at manipulation.
Remember: Always take initial symptoms seriously, consult your vet when in doubt, and only after medical causes have been ruled out should you consider the possibility of a canine con artist in your midst.
Has your dog ever faked being sick for attention? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!
Theyâre not lying. But theyâre not not lying.
Science has shown that on some level, dogs do sometimes think about how to manipulate circumstances to their benefit. Animal behaviorist Mia Bonadonna cites a small 2017 studyopens in new tab published in Animal Cognition, which found that, as she puts it, âdogs may knowingly deceive uncooperative human competitors for high-value treats.â (The actual results of the study, as described opens in new tab by Smithsonian, are genuinely fascinating.)Â
Still, Bonadonna says, âI think an argument can be made that animals are not necessarily being willfully or maliciously deceptive. Rather they are active, perceptive learners that are more likely to repeat actions that result in a benefit for their survival.âÂ
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In other words, dogs probably donât âlieâ in the same ways (or for the same reasons) that people do. Itâs more likely that they figure out which behaviors reward material desires like food, toys, and attention and act accordingly.Â
Certified professional dog trainer Dae Grodin also does not believe that dogs are capable of deceit in the way that humans typically understand it. âI think dogs more or less think about what happens [when] they do xyz behaviors,â she says. âIn order to have emotions/actions like deceit, guilt, etc., there needs to be a higher level problem solving involved, along with emotional forethought.â
Although itâs rare, Grodin does believe that dogs might sometimes fabricate afflictions for attention. She met one such trickster years ago at the kennel where she worked at the time. The dog would behave normally all day, and then, when their parent came to get them, theyâd start limping. At first, the parent would get concerned and reward the dog with attention â but once they caught on, the afternoon limping charades finally stopped. Curious.Related article
You and your pup are on the same wavelengthâseriously.
Funny Chihuahua Fakes Injury So Mom Won’t Leave
FAQ
Can dogs fake sick?
Dogs don’t exactly know how to fake sick. Instead, they learn that doing certain behaviors can bring good results, like receiving attention from their owners. Cognitive science Prof. Colin Allen also said similar points as Sackman to Buzzfeed. Sullivan wasn’t deceiving his owners but he’s using his experiences based on a learned behavior.
What if my dog is faking?
If your dog is showing signs of illness or injury and you suspect he might be faking, give him the benefit of the doubt and consult your vet. If the vet cannot find a clear medical explanation for the symptom(s), it does not necessarily mean your pooch is faking.
Do dogs ‘fake’ illnesses to gain attention?
The idea that dogs may exhibit genuine symptoms of pain or sickness to gain attention is a common belief among many pawrents. Veterinarians, including Dr. Richard Pitcairn, author of Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, also support this concept, stating that it often begins with a real symptom.
Can dogs fake pain?
The video shows how dogs can fake pain. The Chihuahua in the viral clip pretended to be injured and howled at his mom. She pretended to fall for his act until she suggested they go for a walk, and he suddenly was healed. The video, shared on TikTok by the dog’s owner under the username Hermes_and_madi.
Can a dog cause itself to sneeze on command?
Most faker-Fidos can control symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, sniffles, or itching. However, dogs cannot mimic the majority of symptoms like fevers or inflamed skin. If your dog is sneezing or showing any signs of illness or injury, it’s best to give him the benefit of the doubt and consult your vet.
Can dogs pretend to be sick for attention?
Dr. Richard Pitcairn, who wrote the book “Natural Health for Dogs and Cats,” said via Wild Insights that veterinarians believe in this notion that dogs can pretend to be sick for attention. Its owner, in fact, might have reinforced the behavior. Pitcairn explains how this reinforcement likely happens.
How do I know if my dog is faking being sick?
For most illnesses, a loss of appetite is the key sign. If they’re still happy to take as many treats as you’ll offer, this may be pretend. History: If they’ve had some routine changes recently and could be in need of attention, this could definitely be forcing them into a fake!
Can dogs fake being hurt for attention?
Do dogs pretend to be sick to get attention?
How to tell if a dog is faking a limp?
Try observing your pup from a distance or through a window. A dog fake limping often drops the act when they think no one’s watching. Next, try the distraction test. Shake their treat bag or grab their favorite toy – those seeking attention often forget all about their “injury” in their excitement.