These surprising secrets will reveal a lot about your relationship with your floof ball!
We all know canines are intelligent animals, but have we given them enough credit for just how smart they truly are? Dogs have an uncanny ability to understand their pet parents on a level that even our closest friends and family might miss. They notice when you’re mad, sad, or suspicious.
They can even detect certain illnesses. So, I think it’s safe to say that dogs know more about your health and emotions than you ever suspected. Their powerful senses, combined with an unbreakable bond, allow them to pick up on things about us that no one else would be able to.
And by the way, your pooch sees right through the facade you put up for the world and knows the real you… without judgment. So today, let’s talk about the 11 surprising secrets you didn’t know your dog knows about you!
Surprising secret: They know when you’re not feeling good
You might not have known this surprising secret about dogs, but they can be trained to sniff everything from a migraine to a blood sugar drop. And in fact, there’s a growing number of epileptic patients who are getting canines that alert them to seizures before they happen.
In one Hawaiian hospital, canines were able to sniff urinary tract infections in paralyzed patients who couldn’t voice their symptoms. Some are even being taught to detect certain types of cancer by smelling distinct chemicals that cancer cells can emanate.
In certain studies, dogs were 88% accurate in detecting breast cancer, and 99% accurate in detecting lung cancer.
Surprising secret: Fido knows when you need to be protected
Have you ever noticed that when your spouse is away, your pup’s sleeping position is right next to your bed instead of their usual spot? Or maybe they come closer to you when you walk through a dark area at night.
Animal experts think that in the same way dogs guard their litter of puppies or food, they might be highly protective of their human or other family members. Canines can sense when you need protection and will become more vigilant if someone in the household goes missing.
Surprising secret: They know our fears
When we’re scared, our bodies perspire a series of hormones, one of which is adrenaline, which our pup’s powerful nose can instantly catch.
Another thing that happens when we’re afraid is that our bodies contract, stiffen, or prepare to defend themselves, which canines immediately catch. Dogs often mirror our emotions and get tense or nervous when we feel afraid or anxious.
Surprising secret: Your pup knows all about your sleeping habits… or lack thereof
Your pooch knows if you wake up for late-night snacks, toss and turn at night, or hit snooze a couple of dozen times in the morning. Whether watching from their bed or curling up at your feet, they’re fully aware of your sleep timetable.
If you’re agitated, they may even adjust their sleeping position to match yours, and if you oversleep, they have no issues with waking you up with a wet nose in your face.
Surprising secret: Dogs know when you’re going on a trip
We all know that most dogs have separation anxiety and hate it when you leave. So they’ve learned to pick up on all the clues when a departure is looming. You know what I’m talking about: Suitcases pulled from the closet or the way you plan a trip by always spreading clothes out on your bed.
Some pups even start to pant or shake because their anxiety spikes. Feel bad? Here’s a trick I learned: A study discovered that playing classical music for them when they’re alone can help them calm down.
Surprising secret: Your pup knows where you’ve been
Apparently, we humans are like sponges. We seem to pick up scents from everything we walk by or touch.
If you just visited the grocery store, your canine WILL smell the food you bought, the fish and meat counters, and maybe even the folks you stood next to at the checkout aisle. Dogs can smell something about 100 million times more subtle than the faintest smell we can pick up.
Surprising secret: Your pup knows about the secret snacks you think you’re hiding
You might think you’re being really smart and sly, but your pup knows exactly where you stash your middle-of-the-night snacks. Their snouts are powerful enough to detect that chocolate bar hidden at the back of the cupboard or the chips you think are safely stored in the pantry.
They’ll give you that “I know what you’re up to” look whenever you try to sneak a bite, hoping you’ll feel guilty enough to share, though you’re vet really doesn’t think you should!
Surprising secret: Dogs know when you love other pets
Believe it or not, a new pet or other animal in your home can make your dog anxious.
A study from the National Academy of Sciences proceedings discovered that when dog owners expressed caring behaviors towards another pet in the home, the dog would show signs of anxiety and stress.
So, if you add a new fur ball to your household, you’ll likely notice your pooch demanding a little extra TLC.
Surprising secret: They understand that children are more vulnerable
We already know that canines can be very protective because they have a strong instinct to guard their pack and family. But a surprising secret you should know is that our pups understand that children are members of their pack and that they’re the most vulnerable.
That’s why some canines bark aggressively when someone comes close to your baby stroller, and you should be careful if a stranger is playing with your kids while your dog is around. If your pooch believes your kid is in danger, they might attack to protect their family.
Surprising secret: They know all about your bizarre daily rituals
Maybe you dance while cooking, talk to yourself when no one’s looking, or have a distinct way of arranging your pillows at night. Whatever your eccentricities are, your canine has seen them all.
Unlike humans, though, they won’t judge! They accept you and your quirky habits as part of what makes you… well, YOU! Your pooch loves you just the way you are, even if that means watching you sing off-key or wear the same pair of pajamas for 4 days in a row.
Surprising secret: Dogs can detect when you don’t like someone
When you have negative feelings about a person, your dog can observe your body stiffen a bit, hear your breathing pattern change, and even smell the subtle pheromones your body radiates. So if your in-laws suspect that Fido doesn’t like them, it could simply be because you don’t really like them. Interesting, right?
The bottom line
Your dog knows you better than anyone else… and loves you despite the flaws you may have. They don’t care if you wore mismatched socks, had a bad day, or devoured an entire pizza by yourself. They see the real you, quirks, flaws, and all.
And they wouldn’t change a thing about you. Every snuggle, tail wag, and loving gaze says, “You’re perfect to me.” That’s the kind of unconditional love only a canine can give, and honestly, who needs anything else when you have a best friend like that?
Wanna repay the love? Spend as much time as possible with your fur baby, taking them on walks, regularly grooming them, and making sure they get nothing but the best when it comes to chow time!
So what do you think about all these surprising secrets your dog know about you? Let me know in the comments section. But don’t leave yet! If you liked this article, you’ll love: 16 Common Dog Myths You Think Are True
