As dog owners, we've all seen our dogs reacting to various things they may hear or see: barking at an approach near the door, jumping due to loud noise, or excitedly waiting for that recognizable sound of their treat bag. What does it mean, though, when your dog looks around like something is there that you cannot see? It may sound ghostly or freaky, but this behavior is far more normal than you could imagine and might be related to several probable causes.
Possible Causes for Your Dog's Frantic Behavior
The Dogs have an immense power of concentration due to heightened senses, primarily when it deals with hearing and smell. A dog can detect the range of sounds from up to 80 feet away and possess a smell approximately 10,000 times more powerful compared to humans. It may also be that your dog hears or smells something that you cannot, from a distance-a stray animal, an intruder, or any smell coming from outside-sitaring or suspiciously acts at a wall.
Attention Seeking Sometimes, dogs behave badly because they want attention. If your dog has learned that a certain behavior-a frantic look around, for example-prompts you to interact with them, then they will continually do this behavior in order to get your attention. It could be as simple as them wanting playtime or affection.
Hallucinations The hallucination can be a symptom of some sort of brain illness or injury. Seizures and similar conditions may cause your dog to see things that are not even present. Strange kinds of behaviors can result from hallucinations, such as frantic looking and uncoordinated movements. You will need to see a veterinarian for an examination if you suspect your dog is hallucinating.
Canine Dementia (Cognitive Disorder) Similar to human dementia, dogs may also suffer from cognitive dysfunction with increasing age. It may result in confusion, memory loss, and changes in behavior such as disorientation or apparently seeing things that are not present. Cognitive dysfunction is quite common in older dogs, approximately 68% of dogs above the age of 15 years. Unfortunately, there's no cure, but a vet can help manage the symptoms.
Fly-Snapping Syndrome Fly-snapping syndrome comprises snapping in the air by the canines as if trying to catch something that is not even present. The probable links are given to brain issues, seizure problems, gastrointestinal diseases, or even compulsive disorders. In case your canine snaps continuously in the air or shows some other abnormal signs, it's better to consult a veterinarian for further investigation.
Seizures Another cause of odd behaviors in dogs is seizures. Seizures are not always dramatic; some dogs have "silent" seizures, where they appear disoriented or stare blankly into space. Other signs may include frantic behavior, excessive barking, or chasing their tails. These can be related to epilepsy or other underlying ailments, so you should seek veterinary care if these symptoms are observed.
Nystagmus: Nystagmus is a condition wherein the dog's eyes involuntarily move. It is more common in older dogs but also can be caused by trauma, toxicity, and other health issues. The involuntary movements of the eyes may give the impression that your dog is following something invisible. Nystagmus can also cause problems with balance, so it is crucial to seek veterinary attention if you suspect your dog is suffering from this condition.
What Should I Do If My Dog Acts Like He Sees Something I Can't?
If your dog is acting strangely or frantically, first, you should not panic. The more worked up you become, the more anxious your dog will be. Think about changes in your home, such as furniture rearrangement or new routines, that may cause such behavior. If you can't find any environmental cause for this behavior, then it could be neurological.
Have a veterinarian go over your dog in detail. Not all such conditions are curable, but many of them can be maintained when properly taken care of. Doing this early will give your dog the best chance at a comfortable life, especially if neurological issues come into play.
Conclusion
This is a frantic manner of looking around, and if your dog is doing it, there is something wrong with him that he needs to see. Whether it is heightened senses, some medical problem like canine dementia or seizures, or quite something else altogether, the behavior should be curtailed with proper veterinary care. The earlier you do it, the better quality of life your dog will have. Never compromise on his health and well-being, and when such unusual behavior presents itself, always seek professional advice.
