As dog parents, we want to keep our canine companions in the best possible health. When our pup isn’t feeling well, we naturally want to do what we can to make them feel better. But what if they aren’t really sick? Can dogs fake being sick? It’s possible, and it’s important to understand why they might be doing it. In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential reasons why dogs fake being sick and the signs to look out for. We’ll also discuss what you can do to help your pup and ensure they’re receiving the best care possible.
Signs that a Dog is Faking an Injury
When your dog pretends to be hurt, they’ll exhibit symptoms that they know will draw your attention. This may be based on personal experience or seeing another pet get sick or hurt.
Your dog may exhibit signs of lethargy, such as weakness, inactivity, a lack of interest in food or water, shaking, or whining. They may be clingy and unwilling to separate from you. This is probably going to be inconsistent if your dog is fabricating an illness. Your dog may stop acting out if they think they are alone or if you are not present.
In a similar vein, a dog that is acting injured might exhibit varying degrees of exaggerated limping. There might also be audible signs of distress, like crying, howling, or whining. Once more, keep an eye out for consistency. Owners of dogs who have gone through this have reported that the ‘injured’ legs would switch and the symptoms would vanish when the dog thought they were alone. Increased attention may also result in better behavior, so remember to look at their tail. They might be having more fun than they’re letting on if it’s wagging!
There is, of course, a thin line between deceptive behavior and signs of an actual injury. If you have any doubts, keep a close eye on the situation, but always err on the side of caution. Instead of taking a chance on unnecessary harm or long-term complications, it is preferable to consult a veterinarian to ensure an Oscar-worthy performance. If your dog is afraid of the vet’s office, the threat of going there might even cause their symptoms to improve quickly!
Unfortunately, the cunning dog makes it difficult to pinpoint precisely which body language they might be copying. But it’s probably something they’ve already garnered attention for. Look for these signs:
Other signs your dog may exhibit that lead you to believe they are ill include:
It may sound like the start of a joke, but the owners of a dog named Sully in Utah actually experienced this when their pet pretended to be ill in order to prevent them from going to work. Sully had developed what appeared to be a hacking cough, but a vet’s examination revealed otherwise. Sully had been faking the whole thing for attention!.
This is just one of many stories of doggy deception. Pets have been known to pose as injured again after healing in order to continue receiving the extra attention their owners have grown to know and love. On numerous occasions, dogs have attempted to mimic the actions of their injured siblings, usually with limited success.
Animal behaviorists believe that these incidents result from a dog’s desire for attention. They draw a connection between the extra cuddles, treats, and love that result from an illness or injury. They try to replicate a learned behavior in order to get the same result. While it might seem that only humans engage in deception, there is proof that our canine friends can also be surprisingly skilled actors.
Dogs are creatures of habit. They enjoy routine and are typically skilled at connecting an action to a result. Consider the first skill they pick up as a puppy in their new house: housetraining. You will diligently take them outside on a regular basis as their owner, and you will praise them when they behave well. Dogs don’t comprehend why they must go outside to relieve themselves, but they eventually come to associate asking to be let out, going potty, and getting positive attention.
When dogs are hurt or see one of their siblings getting better, they notice that their owners’ affection for them increases. They draw a connection between the pertinent symptoms and a satisfying result. Dogs may then repeat the behavior they know will garner more attention.
Try to trick your cunning dog into disclosing his ruse. Try ignoring him for a moment to see if his symptoms mysteriously return, as most fakers do this to win your sympathy.
The dog learns that a minor symptom prompts you to rush to his side, ready to show him affection, much like learning to sit or shake in exchange for a treat. Then, even after his cold has passed or his sore paw has healed, he still sneezes. Pretty clever, huh?.
Your dog might experience brief relapses after a recent injury or illness before the problem is fully resolved. However, if your veterinarian is unable to detect any evidence of the prior condition, you might be dealing with a forger.
Give your dog the benefit of the doubt and take him to the vet if he displays any symptoms of illness or injury. Your dog may not be fabricating symptoms if the doctor cannot identify a clear medical cause for them.
Fortunately, dogs cannot mimic the majority of symptoms such as fevers, diarrhea, or inflamed skin, so how can you tell if your pup has a real problem or is just acting dramatic? The majority of faker-Fidos limp, cough, sneeze, sniffle, or itch, all of which are controllable symptoms.
What do dogs do when they want attention?
Your new puppy will likely jump up at you when you greet them, feed them, or leave them alone. However, as they get older, excessive begging, nudging, whining, barking, jumping on furniture, and bringing you toys may be signs of attention-seeking.
FAQ
Can dogs make themselves throw up?
A dog can self-inflict vomiting by doing certain things. Overeating, eating too quickly, doing too much exercise right after eating, motion sickness, stress, or worms are some additional causes of vomiting.
Can a dog fake a cough for attention?
For a dog, faking a cough is a learned behaviour. When they begin to link the cough with your love and attention as their owner, the fake cough emerges. Your dog will do anything to get your sympathy and cuddles because it sees your attention as a potent reward.
Can dogs pretend to be hurt?
It turns out that dogs can learn to pretend to be injured. When they want attention or to get what they want, they learn to pretend to be hurt or in pain. Perhaps your dog refused to leave the dog park, so you sternly ordered them to come.