To ensure your dog’s well-being, it’s important to observe their behaviour and consult with a veterinarian. Understanding why dogs hide when they’re sick can help provide them with the proper care and support they need to feel better.
Reasons For Hiding
Dogs may hide when they’re sick as an instinctual survival mechanism or as a way to protect themselves from predators. This behaviour can indicate various health problems, including physical discomfort, anxiety, or a more serious illness.
Instinct from the Wild
Even though our dogs are safe inside our homes, their instincts kick in at certain times. One of these times is when they get the urge to hide when they’re feeling sick. Sick animals at home can often be found taking comfort behind couches, under beds, in closets, or even in the corner of the garage.
In the wild, sick animals are at increased risk of being preyed upon. They have lower energy levels and don’t feel well, so they can’t defend themselves. They attempt to hide in an effort to protect themselves. Even though they have nothing to worry about in our homes, this is a hardwired instinct that is meant to keep them safe. So if your pet doesn’t feel well and is hiding from you, don’t take it personally!
They Want Alone Time
People often want to be left alone when they aren’t feeling well, and dogs are similar! They just want to be alone in a comfortable spot to relax and sleep.
Fear and Anxiety
Dogs have a tendency to hide in small, dark places when they’re fearful or anxious. This is especially true if they hear loud noises, like thunderstorms or fireworks. Not feeling well may increase their anxiety, and dogs find comfort in trying to relax in small, dark places.
Is Hiding a Problem?
Hiding isn’t uncommon, and it’s not a problem as long as it isn’t excessive. If your dog is hiding more than usual, you’ll want to monitor him closely for any signs of illness. If you suspect your dog is sick, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Signs of Illness in Dogs
Lack of Appetite
Most dogs enjoy eating. In fact, we often have to slow our dogs down and prevent them from eating too quickly. When dogs are sick, one of the first signs is a lack of appetite. Sometimes picky dogs won’t eat for a day or two. If your dog is usually a chowhound and suddenly isn’t eating, you may want to consider a trip to the vet.
Change in Thirst
Similar to how most dogs eat consistently, most dogs drink pretty consistently. Depending on the dog, they may drink more or less when they’re sick. However, dogs with upset stomachs may not want to drink at all. Any abnormal change in your dog’s water intake could be a sign of illness.
Bathroom Problems
If you notice any kind of change in how your dog goes to the bathroom, that could be a sign that something is wrong. It’s obvious that a dog with diarrhoea isn’t feeling well, but other signs may be less obvious.
Vomiting
One of the obvious signs that a dog doesn’t feel well is when he vomits. Sometimes dogs will eat something they shouldn’t and vomit. Vomiting more than once or vomiting very large amounts is cause for concern.
If your dog is urinating more than usual, that could be a sign of a medical condition like Diabetes or kidney disease. On the other hand, if your dog is struggling to urinate, that is likely due to a blockage. Any kind of urinary blockage is an emergency and could be fatal if not treated promptly.
Excessive Licking
Dogs lick and groom themselves regularly, but if they are licking themselves more than usual, it could be a sign. When dogs have an upset stomach, they will often lick their lips. Dogs licking themselves obsessively could also become a problem because they could leave sores.
Lethargy
Just like in people, when dogs don’t feel well, they become lethargic. They aren’t comfortable and don’t want to move around a lot. Dogs can become lethargic for a variety of reasons ranging from easily treatable conditions to serious diseases. If you notice a change in your dog’s energy level, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Posture
Dogs that are in pain will often hold themselves in weird postures. This could mean arching their back, or it could mean that they are stretching frequently. If your dog doesn’t seem like he can get comfortable, it’s best to contact your veterinarian immediately. Often times posture changes are associated with abdominal pain, which could be caused by serious conditions.
Conclusion
When dogs are sick, they often hide in an attempt to make themselves comfortable and to be alone. If you notice your dog is hiding while exhibiting any other signs of illness, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
