Your Dog Heard Something Strange
Dogs have very different hearing capabilities than humans, so it’s possible your dog heard something strange you aren’t aware of. Your dog likely will begin to stare as if he saw something in the direction where he believes the sound was coming from. The dog’s stare might feel creepy but there is probably a good reason behind it.
A dog can hear about four times the distance that humans can, so while their sight isn’t nearly as good as people, their hearing highly outweighs ours. If your dog is looking like he saw something, he likely heard something way off in the distance that you are unable to hear. While these sounds might not really be strange to you, your dog could be picking up on higher frequencies that you are unaware of.
Your Dog Has Fly-Snapping Syndrome
Your dog could have fly-snapping syndrome, which is when your dog suddenly begins to snap in the air a few different times while still looking straight ahead. Your dog will focus his gaze in front of him and he will act like he sees something, even though there is nothing in the area. Veterinarians believe this is caused by a neurological disorder, such as a partial seizure or epilepsy. It’s possible that fly-snapping syndrome is hereditary and is a result of canine epilepsy.
This behavior could be caused by eye problems such as vitreous floaters. Your dog could have floaters in his eyes and the black spots he sees he is mistaking for a fly. Compulsive behaviors are also thought to be a cause of fly-snapping syndrome, and could occur as the result of lack of socialization,being left in small rooms, or possible physical abuse in the past.
Why does my dog act like he sees something?
An eye issue where debris enters the eye can make canines see spots all around them where the debris is stuck. … Among other things, vitreous floater, as well as vestibular disease, that makes dogs feel like their world is upside down, also have the capacity to give dogs what we believe to be hallucinations.