When my dog keeps looking up at the ceiling, I wonder if an angel or spirit is speaking to him. I know this sounds silly, but can’t dogs sense things that humans can’t?
Perhaps this is too far-fetched, but why else would my dog look up at the ceiling?
Unfortunately, veterinarians have crushed my spiritual reasoning, replacing it with more down to earth doggy habits.
Although it is not uncommon behavior, if you notice that your dog suddenly starts fixating on the ceiling it’s a good idea to try and find out why.
There are several reasons why dogs might suddenly raise their head to look up at the ceiling, or stare off at a wall or object:
Fly Snapping Syndrome
Fly snapping syndrome, or fly biting syndrome, is a neurological disorder that involves canine epilepsy-like symptoms or partial seizures.
Like humans, canines can develop eye floaters. Canine eye floaters can appear like moving black spots that your pet can mistake for a fly.
Thus, your canine friend can stare at nothing, and he may or may not then snap at the air.
Even though fly snapping syndrome is not well understood, veterinarians believe that this disorder may be hereditary.
Other fly snapping syndromes may be a result of being left alone in a small space or physical abuse.
Medically, another researched cause may have to do with problems within your dog’s gastrointestinal tract involving a digestive issue.
Vets only know that fly-snapping is definitely a symptom of an underlining medical disorder. Only a thorough examination can help determine the possible cause for staring up into the ceiling or staring into nothingness.
Research is continuing to take place in many canine issues including the fly snapping syndrome.
Your Bow-Wow Heard Something
Our doggies have amazing hearing. They can hear sounds beyond human hearing.
A dog’s sight is not as good as a human’s, but they make up for this with their amazing smelling ability and their long-distance hearing.
- Humans can only hear sounds that are measured below 20,000 Hz.
- Dogs, on the other hand, can hear sounds at a frequency of 47,000 Hz to 65,000 Hz.
- Dog whistles produce this range of sound that only dogs can hear.
When your dog suddenly looks up towards the sky or ceiling, it may simply be that they heard what you cannot.
They may have heard a bird flying overhead that is long gone by the time you’ve followed their gaze.
Your best friend may also be your watchdog for insects and pests.
When you see your dog staring at the ceiling, he might hear the patter of little feet belonging to critters in the attic: ants, mice, termites, squirrels, etc.
If your dog looks to the same area frequently, it may be worth checking to make sure you don’t have an infestation.
Dogs can also become bored without stimulation. When this happens, they can find a sound to focus on to keep themselves entertained.
Keep your dog mentally stimulated with Brain Training For Dogs
Dog Dementia
Similar to humans, as they age, they can suffer cognitive issues. When this symptom occurs, your dog can act strange, like wandering into a corner and standing there, becoming listless, and sleeping more during the day.
Unfortunately, cognitive problems are common in aging dogs. Dog dementia could be a reason some older dogs stare at the ceiling.
If staring at the ceiling occurs occasionally, there shouldn’t be any concerns.
But if this is a daily strange behavior in your canine friend, take them to a vet. There are medications and treatments that will benefit their health.
Compulsive Disorder
Consistently staring at the ceiling may indicate a compulsive disorder. Staring upwards could simply be a compulsive habit. This means that there can be a genetic penchant that is part of its gene makeup.
Compulsive behaviors include several different types of habits, for example licking and chewing on objects.
However, occasionally staring at the ceiling can be similar to what humans experience when diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder.
In dogs, this condition is known as canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
It is a slow-growing mental decline like dementia.
If your dog looking at the ceiling or becoming fixed on an object is a repetitious event, please take him to your vet to help keep him as healthy as possible.
Pain
Pain or anxiety experienced by your best friend is another possible cause when they stare at the ceiling.
Dogs let owners know when something is wrong when their body language changes. When owners leave their dogs to go to work or other activities, their dog may stare at the door they just exited. This is a sign of anxiety.
Canines are very good at hiding pain from their owners; or rather, we’re not very good at spotting it.
Similar to humans, more severe pain is demonstrative in dogs by whining, yelping, or making other vocal sounds. But without vocal sounds, they may also just start looking up at a ceiling with a grimaced facial expression that could denote pain.
When you look into their eyes, they may look wide-eyed or partially asleep. Take them to your vet if there are signs something might be causing them discomfort.
Day Dreaming
Just as staring could be a sign of anxiety or an illness, staring is also a sign in canines of being at peace.
Like us humans, dogs can experience a glaze-over moment because they are deep in thought. If, when you call their name when they are staring, they should immediately turn toward you.
Again, if this happens only rarely, your dog is okay: they are probably just thinking about the cute dog next door.
Final Thoughts
Your dog gazing at the ceiling now and again is a harmless occurrence. It is only of concern when this action takes place far more often than it should.
Some causes should be monitored and treated without delay. If this behavior is repetitive, see a vet as soon as possible so they can check for disease or injury.
Remember to give them as much information as possible; maybe even show them a short video of your dog looking up at the ceiling.
Dog Looking Up FAQs
Why is my dog closing his eyes and looking up?
If your dog is looking up with his eyes partially closed, you should definitely take him to a vet as soon as possible. He may have a corneal ulcer and be in a lot of pain.
Why is my dog looking up and barking?
If your dog is also barking while looking up, he's almost certainly hearing something and letting you know. You may have some kind of infestation in your ceiling and should investigate further.
Why is my dog looking up and sniffing?
Sniffing while looking up at the ceiling is another sign that he's sensed something there. Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and he's sniffing to get more information. There may be some critters that have made that area their new home so you should try and find out what he's trying to catch the scent of.
Could my dog be looking up at a ghost or spirit?
Anything's possible, and many people do believe animals have a better sense of the spiritual world, but I would definitely rule out more down to earth causes first, such as infestation or ill health. After you've eliminated these possibilities, you could try looking into the history of the building or taking your dog to somewhere known to be haunted to see if he senses anything.
