Weird Cat and Dog Behaviors That Stump Even Experts
Some of these episodes can go on for as long as 30 minutes and defy explanation.
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
Trance-like Syndrome (TLS) is an odd and relatively rare behavior in which affected dogs walk under something that brushes against them (e.g., tree leaves or a dangling piece of cloth) and appear to go into a trance
TLS is characterized by very slow, repetitive walking/pacing back and forth, sometimes with a glassy-eyed gaze, nose pointing to the sky; trancing dogs can be easily snapped out of their reverie
The behavior has been reported in a variety of breeds and mixes, but is most prevalent in sighthounds and especially, Bull Terriers
Trance-like behavior by itself appears to be harmless, however, if there are other concerning symptoms or behaviors that accompany it, a veterinary visit is in order
There are certain conditions that occur in both dogs and cats that are decidedly weird, almost defying description. In cats, one that comes to mind is hyperesthesia, which means abnormally increased sensitivity of the skin. A more descriptive layman’s term is “twitchy cat syndrome.”
In affected cats, the skin on the back ripples from the shoulders all the way to the tail, and sometimes up the tail to the tip. The movement is clearly visible in some kitties, but more difficult to see in others.
What many pet parents notice instead is the kitty suddenly jumping and turning toward her tail as though something back there is bothering her. This can even happen during sleep. The cat might also try to lick or bite at the area. Kitties with hyperesthesia also have muscle spasms and twitches, and tail twitching.
Trancing in Dogs
Equally curious is a condition that occurs in some dogs called Trance-like Syndrome (TLS), also referred to as “trancing,” “weed-walking,” or “ghost-walking.”1 Here’s how Joan Kubicek, contributor to the online magazine Bark, describes a pet parent’s introduction to this strange behavior:
“The first time you notice your dog slowly creeping beneath a low-hanging branch or a dangling tablecloth, head moving languorously side-to-side and a far-away look in his eye, you might worry that it heralds a seizure, or points to obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
But once the pup has performed this ritual repeatedly with no apparent ill effects to health (his) or property (yours), you may simply wonder what causes this hypnosis-like behavior.”2
According to Kubicek, experts believe TLS is typically a harmless canine behavioral quirk. It’s seen most often in Bull Terriers3 and sighthounds (e.g., Greyhounds and Salukis), but has been observed in several other breeds and breed mixes. Here’s handsome Pete the Bull Terrier with a demonstration:
And here’s a pair of gorgeous Greyhounds — one is trancing while the other looks on, thinking “What the heck?”
Trancing Appears To Be a Benign Behavior
Per Kubicek, according to experts, the movement dogs adopt while in a trance is called a “hypokinetic gait” characterized by extremely slow stepping with soft, deliberate footfalls. For some reason, the trigger seems to be a plant or fabric overhang at head- or back-height. Some dogs also adopt a sort of glassy-eyed gaze, with ears laid flat to their head, eyes squinted, and nose pointing toward the sky.
Often, these dogs stop their meandering and stand like statues for several seconds before moving again. Believe it or not, in some dogs an uninterrupted trance session can go on for a half hour! However, it’s easy enough to snap a dog out of her trance by simply calling her name, though she may be a bit annoyed at first.
Apparently, neither veterinarians nor canine behaviorists know for sure what causes TLS. It seems the light touch of something hanging above these dogs triggers feelings of pleasure and peacefulness. However, there are also experts who think the behavior is a form of canine compulsive disorder, because many dogs who do it also perform other neurotic behaviors.
The good news is that to date there’s no evidence that trancing by itself is connected to a neurological issue, nor does it signal that something’s wrong with your dog. However, if he’s having TLS and there’s also excessive drooling, vomiting, muscle spasms, unresponsiveness, or sudden unconsciousness, it’s important to seek veterinary help immediately.
Some or all of those symptoms occurring together can indicate a potential seizure disorder, organ dysfunction, or metabolic abnormalities that require diagnosis and treatment.
Bull Terriers, Tail Chasing, Trancing, and Autism
Perhaps because TLS is more prevalent in Bull Terriers than other breeds, along with tail chasing and episodes of sudden unprovoked aggression, researchers have considered the possibility that some dogs, like some humans, are autistic. Since autism is sometimes mentioned in connection with trancing, it’s worth considering.
A 2011 study looked at the problem of tail chasing in Bull Terriers.4 The researchers evaluated specific traits and DNA analysis of 132 Bull Terriers; 55 tail chasing and 77 control, and found that the behavior is more prevalent in male dogs and is associated with trance-like states of consciousness, as well as episodes of aggression described as “explosive, violent, sudden, and unpredictable, with little to no provocation and no typical warning signals.” The researchers observed that:
“Although tail chasing in dogs is commonly described as a compulsive disorder or partial seizure disorder, findings of the present study lead to another possibility. Males had a slight (8%) but significantly greater risk for developing tail chasing than females (Table 2).
Furthermore, tail chasing in Bull Terriers is closely associated with episodic aggression and trance-like behavior. In terms of the cluster of clinical signs and manifestations of tail chasing, it is speculated that this syndrome in Bull Terriers may have features in common with autism in humans.
Autism is also more common in males, is associated with explosive aggression, trance-like staring, and involves repetitive movements and self-injurious behavior. In addition, autism is characterized by autonomy, impaired social interactions, and obsession with objects.
Many owners of Bull Terriers with tail-chasing behavior describe their dogs as asocial, somewhat withdrawn, and abnormally preoccupied with objects, such as balls or sticks. Indeed, many owners use objects to redirect their dog from tail chasing, and the dog responds to the distraction with similar intensity.”
At the present time and until we have much more research on the subject, canine autism isn’t considered an official diagnosis. However, veterinary behaviorists have observed that many dogs with autism-like symptoms have underlying generalized anxiety that can affect every aspect of their lives.
If you suspect your dog is dealing with anxiety, you can learn about the signs and triggers in dogs, as well as what to do about them in my article 9 Lifesaving Ways to Help Calm an Anxious Dog.
Healthypets Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian or doctor. Dr. Karen Becker cannot answer specific questions about your pet's medical issues or make medical recommendations for your pet without first establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Your pet's medical protocol should be given by your holistic veterinarian.