As a pet parent, I have often wondered just how much our dogs truly understand when we talk to them. While there is no real way to know for sure, I have always believed they hear far more than we give them credit for.

If you are still on the fence, Ceili the Shih Tzu might just make you a believer.

This little sweetheart had not been feeling her best and was dealing with an upset tummy. Her dad tried to help by offering a bland meal, but Ceili was not impressed. The organic white rice and venison sitting in front of her clearly weren’t what she had ordered, and she wasn’t having it.

Luckily, Mom had the camera rolling because what happened next is one of those blink-and-you-miss-it moments that dog parents often wish we could have captured.

You can see the instant mood shift in an Instagram shared by @ceilithepuppy on January 26.

Ceili seemed to think she was feeling well enough for her regular meal, so she was holding out for something better. Her dad softly explained that the bland food was to help her stomach settle, but she remained unconvinced. Until he casually mentioned one word that she clearly understood.

The moment he said “vet,” Ceili’s attitude changed completely. Without hesitation, she started eating, as if she had suddenly decided the meal was delicious after all.

Related: Adorable Shih-Tzu Pretends He Can’t Hear Until Mom Says ‘Treat’

It is hard not to laugh at how quickly she made that decision. While it is well known that many dogs recognize certain words, the timing of Ceili’s response makes a solid case that she knew exactly what was being discussed and what was at stake. As a pet parent, I have watched my dogs pick up more than a few words over the years, even learning to recognize phrases we thought we had cleverly hidden.

Based on the comments, Ceili’s reaction struck a chord with many other dog parents as well. One viewer joked, ” She said, you know what, on second thought it’s actually not that bad,” while another added, “Classic Shih Tzu behavior.””

Most importantly, Ceili’s mom, Meghan, shared that she is feeling much better now, which made the entire exchange even sweeter to watch. You can see her lounging in her mom’s lap in this Instagram shared on January 31:

Why Vets Often Recommend Bland Diets for Dogs With Upset Stomachs

According to VCA Hospitals, bland diets are commonly recommended for dogs experiencing digestive upset because they are easy to digest and gentle on the stomach. Simple foods like plain white rice, paired with a lean protein, can help soothe the gastrointestinal tract while giving it time to recover. These diets are typically temporary and are used to help dogs return to normal eating once symptoms improve.

For Ceili, that bland meal was not exactly appealing, but it served an important purpose. And while the “vet” may have been the deciding factor in getting her to eat, the result was what mattered most: a pup on the mend and a moment that perfectly captured just how perceptive our dogs can be.

If nothing else, Ceili’s quick change of heart is a reminder that our dogs are always listening, even when we think they are not.

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Feb 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.