10
Loading video...
By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Dogs may not be able to communicate verbally, but they can sympathize in their own way—and one even seems to feel his owner's pain.
In a viral TikTok video, Oatie Meal can be seen copying his injured owner who was elevating his knee after an ankle surgery. SamiJo, 30, told Newsweek that her boyfriend had been "hit by a car" and, on the night of his operation, Oatie Meal started to copy him.
It turns out dogs do know if their owner is sick, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Canines can sniff out illnesses such as cancer and diabetes as their powerful noses are able to detect a change in their owner's scent.
Read More
Woman Adopts Rescue ‘Labrador Retriever,’ Shocked at What She Actually Gets3 min read
Internet Not Prepared for How ‘Guard Dog’ Reacts to Halloween Decorations3 min read
Dog Saved From Slaughter Truck in China Wins Pet of the Week4 min read
In September 2022, the owner of a Jack Russell terrier revealed how the dog sniffed out her father's brain cancer, long before it was diagnosed. The terrier spent two years licking the man's head and a neurologist later found a tumor in that exact spot.
...
In the viral clip of Oatie Meal, which has been watched more than 253,000 times, the injured man can be seen sitting on the sofa with one leg on a pillow. Oatie Meal is next to the man's head with his leg also elevated.
The on-screen text explains that the "dog sensed his pain & copied him so he wouldn't feel alone."
SamiJo, from San Diego, California, told Newsweek that Oatie Meal hadn't received extra-special treatment since faking his injury as he is "already the most spoiled dog in the world."
She added: "His currency is love, so he's getting plenty of that!"
The video captioned "Do dogs understand?" has racked up over 31,000 likes since September 23.
Dogs can also understand body language and read their owner's emotions. So, if an owner is usually active but suddenly needs to lie down a lot, the dog will know something isn't quite right.
The AKC says it isn't uncommon for a dog to give a sick owner their full attention while they are ill. This certainly seems to be the case for Oatie Meal and other owners who shared their experiences in the comments section.
One user wrote: "Yes they know! I broke my ankle last year and my little fur baby wouldn't leave my side."
"Your dog knew. He didn't want to feel bad," posted another.
Another commented: "They truly are the best nurses and keep your spirits up while you heal."
Update 10/04/23 10:15 a.m. ET: This article has been updated to change the dog's name.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines