One of the strangest things I've ever seen was how our late Taffy had a specific toy she shook at her "Momma" for different aliments... and how she did it.
She always waited until Miss Emily was sound asleep and then would carefully sort through the toy pile and select the correct talisman.
Carefully pad up to the bed, climb up stealthily, shake the toy, and lie down and gnaw on it.
There was one for colds, one for flu-- another for toothaches... one for feminine ailments, one for joint problems.
If something new developed, she'd pick a toy she had never before used.
We called it "Dog Shaman Mode"-- shaking her Ju-Ju bag at you.
It suggests not only treatment, but diagnosis.
Did she always use the same toy for the same condition?
You should have sent her to medical school.