Is My Dog Seeing Things? Understanding Hallucinations in Dogs

If you've ever caught your dog staring into thin air, barking at a blank wall or suddenly spooking as if something invisible just brushed past them — you're not alone. It's one of those moments that makes you stop and wonder: Is my dog hallucinating?

Now, we know it sounds a bit far-fetched — but dogs, like humans, can experience sensory disturbances. While the idea of a hallucinating dog might sound dramatic, in reality, it could be anything from a perfectly innocent sniff of something we can't detect to a sign that something’s not quite right neurologically.

So how do you tell the difference? And what should you do if your dog seems to be acting like they’re seeing ghosts? Let’s break it down.

First Things First - How Dogs Experience the World 

Before diving into hallucinations, it’s good to understand how dogs actually see (and smell and hear) the world. Their senses work differently to ours.

• Nose first – Dogs lead with their sense of smell. It’s incredibly advanced — up to a million times stronger than ours.
• Super hearing – They can hear higher frequencies and more subtle sounds. So if they bark at “nothing,” it might be something you just can’t hear.
• Vision-wise – They’re great at spotting movement, especially in low light, but they don’t see colours the same way we do.

Because their senses are so finely tuned, they can easily pick up on subtle things we miss — and sometimes, that’s exactly what’s happening when they react to something ‘invisible’.

Is It Just Dog Behaviour or Something More? 

Dogs do a lot of weird and wonderful things that look odd to us. Some common quirks can seem like hallucinations when they’re actually pretty normal:

• Chasing shadows or lights – often a playful or learned behaviour.
• Barking at sounds we can’t hear – thanks to that super-sensitive hearing.
• Snapping at flies that aren’t there – sometimes just a bit of overactive play.

But if it’s happening more often, seems obsessive, or is paired with other changes — like restlessness, fear, or anxiety — then it could be a sign that something more complex is going on.

Signs That Might Suggest Your Dog's Hallucinating

Now, we’re not saying you should panic the moment your dog barks at the corner of the room. But if you notice a pattern or any of these signs, it’s worth paying attention:

• Staring or fixating on empty spaces
• Snapping at the air or reacting as if to an invisible insect
• Suddenly becoming anxious for no clear reason
• Following something you can’t see, especially with wide, darting eyes
• Pacing, panting, or repetitive movements with no external trigger

It’s not just about what your dog is doing, but how often it’s happening, and whether it seems linked to stress, fear, or illness.

When to Speak to Your Vet 

If your dog’s odd behaviour is happening regularly, is escalating, or just doesn’t sit right with you — it’s time to speak to your vet.

They’ll want to know things like:

• What exactly your dog is doing and when
• How often it happens, and if there’s a trigger
• Any other changes in appetite, behaviour or mood

They might carry out a physical exam to check for underlying issues. Blood tests can help spot infections or metabolic imbalances, and if needed, more advanced tests like an MRI may be used to look at the brain.

This might sound like a lot — but the aim is to rule out anything serious and get clarity on what’s going on.

What Could Be Causing It? 

There are a few possibilities, and the cause will determine how you manage it:

• Partial seizures or epilepsy – not always dramatic; sometimes just brief sensory changes
• Toxic exposure – certain plants, household items, or medications can cause neurological symptoms
• Cognitive dysfunction – a bit like dementia in older dogs
• Pain or discomfort – sometimes, underlying pain can cause odd or anxious behaviour

And in many cases, especially in younger dogs, it could be anxiety or over-arousal. Dogs can become fixated on things when they're bored, overstimulated or not mentally enriched.

What You Can Do To Help 

If your vet rules out anything serious, it’s often a matter of management — keeping your dog feeling secure, mentally stimulated, and supported.

Here are some things that can help:

1.. Create a calm environment
Noise, lack of routine, or overstimulation can make things worse. Give your dog a safe, quiet space to retreat to and stick to regular routines.

2. Offer mental enrichment
Games, puzzles, sniff walks and interactive feeders are great for keeping your dog’s brain busy and preventing boredom-based behaviours.

3. Use positive reinforcement
If your dog is reacting fearfully, stay calm, don’t scold them, and gently redirect their focus with treats or toys. Reward calm behaviour.

4. Work with a behaviourist
If anxiety or obsession is suspected, a qualified canine behaviourist can give you tailored guidance.

5. Keep up regular vet visits
If your dog is on medication or being monitored, stay in close contact with your vet to tweak things as needed.

The Final Woof 

Yes, dogs can experience hallucinations — and no, it doesn’t mean they’re broken or that they’re possessed! Often, it’s a symptom of something else going on, whether it’s neurological, behavioural or even environmental.

The key is to stay observant, document any patterns, and involve your vet early. The sooner you get clarity, the better you can support your dog and keep them feeling safe, happy, and understood.

If you ever have concerns, remember — Marleybones customers can access our free 24/7 vet helpline through your account for expert advice at any time.