Have you ever noticed your dog walking under plants or a tablecloth very slowly, almost as if in a trance? It can look strange, especially if you’ve never witnessed it before. This behavior is called trancing and is a pretty common dog behavior that in most cases is usually harmless. Here’s what to know about dog trancing:

What is Dog Trancing?

Dog trancing, or Trance-like Syndrome (TLS) is when dogs very cautiously walk under something hanging over them, like a tablecloth, low-hanging plants, or even curtains. It is almost as if they’re trying to sneak up on something and sometimes they even freeze.

Trancing is characterized by a hypokinetic gait. This means a slowed-down gait with very deliberate slowed footfalls. Some dogs may exhibit glassy or squinted eyes and flattened ears with their nose pointed to the sky.

Some people call it “ghost walking” or “weed walking” and it can be alarming if you don’t know what it is. This phenomenon can last a few minutes or up to almost half an hour. Dogs typically snap out of trancing if their owner calls their name.

Is Trancing a Type of Seizure?

To some, trancing can look like a seizure. In some cases, it might be true, but only because of an underlying health issue, like canine epilepsy. Knowing the characteristics of each is helpful when distinguishing between trancing and a seizure.

Characteristics of Dog Trancing

If you can quickly snap your dog out of this behavior, it’s not a seizure. Even if a dog is in a deep trance, they will have some sort of reaction when you try to get their attention. Their ears may twitch, or their tail might wag. Dogs that are simply in a trance will act perfectly normal before and after the trance.

Characteristics of Seizures in Dogs

However, if it’s a seizure, there will be obvious signs. There may be abnormal behavior before a seizure, like pacing or lethargy. Then, while in a seizure, the dog may run in circles, stare into space, or even convulse. After a seizure, it can take a dog hours to recover and return to their normal self. If you suspect your dog has had a seizure, be sure to call your vet immediately.

3 Potential Reasons For Dog Trancing

Although there aren’t always clear reasons for why does do this, there are a few different potential reasons why your dog might be trancing:

1. They Might Be Stressed

Trancing could be a type of self-soothing behavior. When dogs show signs of stress, they tend to find ways to soothe themselves. Some dog experts have theorized that the leaves or curtains feel good lightly touching the dog’s back. This feeling may help a stressed dog relax and feel better when stressed.

2. Your Dog Might Just Like It

If your dog isn’t stressed or doesn’t have anything else going on that would trigger weird behavior, your dog could be trancing just because they like the way it feels. There is always a chance it could still be triggered by boredom or a smell or a lack of focus.

But, if there are no signs of distress and your dog has their needs met, it could just be an activity they enjoy from time to time. As long as they don’t get into poison ivy or other irritants, it’s fine for them to trance from time to time.

3. It Could Be a Canine Compulsive Disorder

Some owners tend to think trancing is a behavioral issue or canine-compulsive disorder. This may be attributed to the fact that certain breeds, like Bull Terriers, are commonly known for trancing, as well as other compulsive disorders.

Some dogs who trance are more likely to exhibit other compulsive behaviors, like tail-chasing. However, an obsessive disorder isn’t always the reason dogs chase their tails. Similarly, trancing doesn’t automatically mean your dog has an obsessive-compulsive disorder. If they don’t exhibit any other unusual symptoms, there’s no cause for worry. It’s a normal phenomenon some dogs experience.

Should I Visit the Vet if My Dog is Trancing?

If you’re concerned by this behavior, it never hurts to talk to your veterinarian. A checkup can look for underlying causes like seizures or other neurological issues. If your dog doesn’t snap out of the trance quickly, has lethargy, or has other significant changes in behavior, be sure to mention these to your vet.

If your dog experiences excessive drooling, vomiting, unconsciousness, or muscle spasms, they will need to be seen by a vet immediately. These symptoms should never be ignored in dogs and could indicate metabolic problems or organ dysfunction.

This is just an overview of what to know about dog trancing. It’s a normal behavior unless your dog exhibits other unusual symptoms. But if everything seems normal, your dog just may be enjoying the bliss of zoning out for a bit!