Can dogs fake being sick? The Ultimate Guide

Signs that a Dog is Faking an Injury

If your dog attempts to feign an injury, they will demonstrate symptoms that they know prompt attention from their owner. This may be based on their own experience, or from witnessing the illness or injury of another pet.

Your dog may display symptoms consistent with lethargy; weakness, lack of movement, low interest in food or water, shaking, or whining. They may be clingy and unwilling to separate from you. If your dog is faking their illness, this will likely be inconsistent. When you are not around, or your dog believes they are alone, they may drop the act.

Similarly, if a dog is pretending to have an injury, they might be limping, with varying degrees of exaggeration. There may also be audible indications of distress, such as whining, crying, or howling. Again, watch out for consistency; owners who have experienced this with their dogs have noticed switching ‘injured’ legs, and symptoms miraculously disappearing when they believe they are alone. Behaviour may also improve in response to increased attention, and don’t forget to check their tail. If it’s wagging, they might be having a better time than they let on!

Of course, there is a fine line between deceptive behaviour and symptoms of a genuine injury. If you are in any doubt, monitor the situation carefully, but always err on the side of caution. It’s better to visit the veterinarian to confirm an Oscar-worthy performance than risk unnecessary injury or long-term complications. If your dog is afraid of the vet’s office, the threat of going inside may even prompt a rapid improvement in their symptoms!

Unfortunately, because of the sneaky pooch, its difficult to highlight exactly which body language they might be imitating. But, the likelihood is its something they have gotten attention for before. Look for these signs:

Other cues your dog may be giving to make you think they are ill are:

  • Refusal To Eat
  • Acting Lethargic
  • No Interest In Playing
  • Can dogs fake being sick?

    Did you hear about the dog that faked an illness to stop his humans from going to work? It might sound like the opening line of a joke, but it’s what really happened to the owners of a dog named Sully in Utah. Sully had developed what seemed like a hacking cough, but after investigation by a vet, he was found out. Sully had been faking the whole thing for attention!

    This is just one of many stories of doggy deception. Owners have also reported instances of their pets feigning a repeat injury after recovery, in order to continue receiving the extra affection they’ve come to know and love. There have also been countless occasions on which dogs have imitated the behaviour of their injured siblings, often with limited success.

    Animal behaviour specialists attribute these cases to a dog’s desire for attention. They make a link between the symptoms of an illness or injury, and the additional cuddles, treats, and affection that result. It’s a learned behaviour that they attempt to replicate to achieve the same outcome. Whilst deception may seem like an exclusively human behaviour, there’s evidence to show that our canine friends can be startlingly good actors!

    Can dogs fake being sick?

    Dogs are creatures of habit. They thrive on routine, and are usually good at making associations between an action and an outcome. Think about one of the first things they learn as a puppy in their new home; housetraining. As their owner, you will diligently take them outside at regular intervals, and reward them for positive behaviour. Dogs don’t understand the reasons why they need to answer the call of nature outside, but over time, they will make the association between asking to be let out, doing their business, and receiving positive feedback.

    When dogs sustain an injury, or witness one of their siblings recovering, they will notice that it leads to an increase in affection from their humans. They make a connection between the relevant symptoms and an outcome that they enjoy. Subsequently, dogs may replicate the behaviour they know will lead to extra attention.

    Resolving your dog’s phantom illness or injury may be as simple as providing 20 minutes of your undivided attention each day. Whether it be a walk around the block, a game of fetch, or a simple cuddle session, focusing on your dog will show him that he is still a priority in your life.

    If there has been a recent injury or illness, your pup may suffer minor relapses before the issue is fully resolved. However, if your vet cannot find any sign of the previous ailment, you may have a faker on your hands!

    First off: if your dog seems hurt or ill, he probably is. Canine instinct is to avoid showing signs of weakness, so take it seriously if something seems off.

    If it turns out your dog is putting on an act, consider what his motives might be. Have there been any major life changes lately? Longer hours at the office? A new relationship pulling away your attention?

    With that said, there are some crafty canines who seem to put on a cough or limp in order to score extra love and attention from their humans.

    Can your pet tell if you are sick?

    Science Behind Dogs Sensing When You’re Sick

    When we are sick, our happiness receptors and hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin reduce. Dogs can pick up on these small changes as well and they may even know you are getting sick before you become aware!

    My Dog Fakes An Injury!