Why does my dog freeze and stare blankly after being alert?

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! If Louie is otherwise acting normally (normal appearance regarding appetite, thirst, peeing, stools, walking, playing, and sleeping), it sounds like either a noise or a smell has his attention and may be activating his instinctive response to be alerted and cautious. Mice or other pests are common culprits as dogs can often smell or hear them through openings such as electrical outlets or light fixtures in walls. Strange behavior can also indicate early onset neurologic disease, so if nothing can be found that he may be looking for, please have him examined by your veterinarian, especially if he starts having any other abnormal behavior, trouble walking, trouble hearing, or other signs of neurologic disease. Here is a link containing some other clinical signs of forebrain disease for things to watch for: http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/neurological/c_multi_headpressing Hope this helps!

I'm a little concerned that these symptoms you report may be mild seizure activity. Especially if she does not really respond to you during the event. Circling can also be a symptom of something going on with the head (seizure or otherwise). If this has occurred more than once I would recommend a visit to your vet for a baseline neurologic exam and some blood work to rule out anything wrong with her blood sugar, electrolytes, or organ function. If you can catch an episode on video this can be really helpful so that your vet can determine if this is neurologic in origin. If determined to be neurologic in origin, then there are many things that can cause this, and further testing and/or anti-seizure medication may be needed. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

As long as she is behaving normally otherwise, you can monitor her at home. If the behavior persists or worsens, consider an exam with your veterinarian. The symptoms described could be due to old age changes. Your veterinarian may recommend blood work and a neurological exam to rule out medical causes. https://www.petcoach.co/article/4-signs-of-cognitive-dysfunction-in-dogs/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/aging-gracefully-6-things-to-know-about-canine-cognitive-dysfunct/

Hello, those may signs of seizure activity. These signs may be followed by other seizure like activity including trembling, facial twitching, and more disorientation. If these signs persist, then Copper should be evaluated by a veterinarian or a neurologist. He may need to have full bloodwork to rule out extra-cranial (outside of the brain) causes for seizures. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Hi there. This sounds more like a focal seizure, or some abnormal activity in her nervous system. Not responding to any stimulus indicates that her nervous system is overloaded and she cannot respond. The length of time the episodes are lasting is also concerning. I would recommend finding a veterinary neurologist to take her to. Your local vet may be able to make a recommendation. I would also try and take of video of her when she is having an episode to show the neurologist. I hope that helps and good luck with your pup. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, Unfortunately, I cannot see a video only a series of 3 pics and in that case I cannot give my opinion only based on the pictures. But I would suggest to consult a vet and during the consult bring with you to show the video. The reaction you are describing as being "in a trance" may indicate a neurological sign so she needs to be examined including neurological assessment to rule out neurological abnormality and if she is old (cannot see an age mentioning above) check for cognitive dysfunction.

It's possible there is something she is hearing, such as a rodent in the walls, neighbor, etc that is causing her to fixate on the spot. Trying to distract her with a treat or toy, or even soothing TV show may help. If she continues to fixate and a cause can't be found, seems in distress or pain, has other symptoms of illness appear, or doesn't settle down, having a vet checkup to rule out any health issues is always a good idea.