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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be slightly concerned for DH's health as our dog keeps sniffing him?

178 replies

thethirdmrsdewinter · 23/05/2019 16:44

DH is outwardly healthy. Late-forties, fit and strong, no known current health issues. No recent changes, except that for the last month or so, our dog keeps sniffing/pawing one specific area of his abdomen.

DH first pointed this out to me - I think he thinks it's odd but unconcerning. A few times each day (and that's just when I'm there) she stands up against him and really sniffs this spot, a few inches to the left of his navel, occasionally gently pawing at it. There is nothing to be seen on the skin.

Last night when he took a shower I watched dog retrieve the t-shirt he'd just taken off, put it on the floor and sniff/paw the part of it that'd been on the bit of skin she sniffs. It made me feel uneasy, to be honest - she's never even taken a smelly gym sock from the laundry basket before now, and it seems strange to me that she's taking an interest in such a seemingly boring patch of skin.

So, am I being really stupid giving this any headspace whatsoever? Genuine question, and would actually be quite happy to be told yes, as I can worry a bit obsessively sometimes.

OP posts:
JustHereforHarriet · 24/05/2019 07:25

LightDrizzle Ours is a Springador (Springer/ lab cross)

stucknoue · 24/05/2019 07:29

Go to your gp, it's been reported before that dogs have diagnosed illness and can detect diabetes. In his late 40's the later is not that unlikely.

UrsulaPandress · 24/05/2019 07:34

My dog never used to come upstairs to the office where I work but one day started following me and would refuse to leave my side. I was diagnosed with breast cancer a few months later. The people at the clinic were very interested when I told them.

MrsMozartMkII · 24/05/2019 07:41

I hardly need to repeat what everyone else had said. Only I wouldn't be lightly badgering my DH, I'd be telling him to shift his arse along to the doc soonest. In know it's his body etc etc etc, but bullocks to that when there's a potential issue. If it turns out to be nowt then happy days.

SignOnTheWindow · 24/05/2019 10:24

This thread is amazing. I had no idea this was so common.

Hope your DH is ok, OP.

UtterlyUnimaginativeUsername · 24/05/2019 10:45

Gosh. Now I want to get a dog!

SerenDippitty · 24/05/2019 10:51

I think it’s well documented that some dogs can tell when their owner is about to have an epileptic fit, and indicate to the owner so they can get toa place of safety.

Dogs are amazing.

CustardySergeant · 24/05/2019 11:12

It makes you wonder how many lives could have been saved because of early detection if they had had a dog, doesn't it?

randomsabreuse · 24/05/2019 11:15

Our lab definitely knew when DH had cancer. Also was well aware of the chemo and really confused when it once got delayed a day due to a supply issue. Their noses are amazing!

SqueakyPigs · 24/05/2019 11:20

Hope it’s nothing to worry about when he does get checked out OP!

ispepsiok · 24/05/2019 11:36

My husband had a small whitehead spot on his knee and the dog wouldn't stay away from it, it was actually the start of a pretty nasty staph infection which has required 6 weeks of antibiotics so far, 6 nights in hospital and a pretty big surgery.

CookPassBabtridge · 24/05/2019 11:57

Our cat knew when my dad was dying of cancer, she wouldn't eat for months apart from a couple of treat biscuits a day. He died and within the hour she was wolfing down any food she could find.

user1498572889 · 24/05/2019 12:23

Another one who thinks a visit to the GP is in order.

Getthepetwet · 24/05/2019 12:24

100% get him to see the doctor and if necessary pay private for a scan. Dogs can sense things we simply can't, and it does sound like your dog knows/thinks something is up. It could be something minor, so don't panic, just get him to to doctors. My dog knew I was pregnant before I did. Two of them suddenly became really clingy and would constantly want to be touching my stomach. And on walks, completely out of character my eldest dog started growling at other dogs and people. I was worried he was ill, as he'd never acted like this. I took him to the vet, and it was the vet who, after checking him over and finding nothing, but witnessing his clingy ott behaviour towards me, mentioned he could have picked up on some hormonal changes, and could I be very early stage pregnant. I took a test which was negative, a week later period was late, so took another which came up positive, so he "knew" way before anyone! He also started acting strange the day I went into labour. Kept panting, and howling, wouldn't leave my side, and 8 hours after his weird behaviour started, my waters broke and I went into spontaneous labour at home. Dogs are amazing at sensing things. Please get your DH to the doctor, if only for peace of mind. X

4legsandawaggytail · 24/05/2019 16:06

On many occasions now pet dogs with no training have alerted their owners thus way. When it has been investigated by a medical professional a problem has been found. If it was me I'd trust the dogs nose and have it checked out ASAP. Especially if this has been going on for some time. Many owwners have been saved by their dogs this way. healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2014/09/18/pet-sixth-sense.aspx

Halloumimuffin · 24/05/2019 17:17

Dogs can also be used to detect C.diff infections!

UserX · 24/05/2019 17:35

Dogs are great! But before you jump straight to cancer, have a whiff of your DHs belly button. Sometimes it gets pretty rank in there especially if it’s a proper “innie” and I can imagine it would be hard for a dog to ignore.

BollocksIsTheWord · 24/05/2019 17:49

Aww this has reminded me of when I was pregnant, only a few weeks, and our GSD pup was about 10 months old and started laying next to me on the sofa with his head resting on my stomach, which he had never done before. I was amazed.

PerfectionistProcrastinator · 24/05/2019 17:54

The very reason that dogs are used in service is because they can sense/smell things that we cannot. They quite literally save lives. I’d never underestimate that.

Agree with everyone else here, best to get it checked out.

Grumpelstilskin · 24/05/2019 18:13

My dogs did the same to my mother when we visited, very much sniffing her chest and getting bit anxious. She was due for a mammography that year anyway but went earlier. It was an extremely aggressive cancer and caught in time.

TheDarkPassenger · 24/05/2019 18:46

My friends dog who was always terrified of everyone started to come and sit at my feet and get mad if people came near me. It was so weird!!

Then I found out I was 12 weeks pregnant and he did it throughout my entire pregnancy. Once the baby was out he didn’t give a fucking toss about me anymore and went back to hiding when we’d go round.

I would absolutely see a gp I’m glad you’ve convinced him to!

UrsulaPandress · 24/05/2019 18:47

Aren’t dogs wonderful.

PotteringAlong · 24/05/2019 18:53

Has he booked an appointment today?

jackstini · 24/05/2019 19:19

Do it
The worst that can happen is he finds out he's healthy!

Our old dog (RIP) Sad predicted all pregnancies, 1 mc and liver disease

mamaofboyzz · 24/05/2019 21:00

This is so strange! I would tell him to go and get checked tho!