Why Is My Dog Sniffing The Air And Looking Up? Your dog may be sniffing the air and looking up because they’re just curious about their surroundings, but there could be other reasons too, like the need to investigate or being nervous. Or maybe your dog is sniffing the air and looking up because of hunger, or a desire to meet another dog! Here are ten potential reasons your dog might be sniffing the air and looking up.
1) Investigating
Your dog’s incredible sense of smell is always working, even when you can’t see what they’re smelling. When they sniff the air and look up, they’re trying to figure out what’s going on. They might be investigating a sound they heard, or trying to find the source of a strong smell. If you see your dog doing this often, it’s a good idea to take them for a walk more often so they can explore and get some exercise. You should also work on training exercises that require concentration to stop any destructive behaviors like digging and chewing.
The stress hormone cortisol will cause your dog to produce an unpleasant odor, especially in males. Dogs that are understimulated may spend hours looking around and sniffing the air if they don’t have enough mental stimulation like regular walks with their owners or opportunities to play with other dogs. It may also indicate a medical condition like anxiety or seizures which need medical attention from your veterinarian as soon as possible.
2) Nervous
Your dog may be sniffing the air and looking up because they’re nervous. Maybe they sense something is off or they’re just not used to their surroundings. If you think your dog is nervous, try to put them at ease by offering them a treat or toy and speaking in a calm voice. If their behavior continues, it may be best to consult with a vet or animal behaviorist.
3) Under Stimulated
Understimulation is often the root cause of many behavioral problems in dogs. If your dog is left alone for long periods of time, they may start to become understimulated. This can lead to them becoming anxious, bored, and destructive. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help prevent this from happening. First, make sure your dog has plenty of toys and chew items. Second, take them out on walks or play with them every day so that they have something to do while you’re gone. Finally, teach them how to stay busy when left alone by giving them some food puzzles like a Kong Wobbler or hiding their favorite toy around the house so that they’ll have fun finding it on their own!
4) Hearing Something
One potential reason your dog is sniffing the air and looking up is that they’re hearing something. Dogs have much better hearing than humans, so it’s likely that they’re picking up on a sound that we can’t even hear. If your dog is alert and has their ears perked up, it’s a good indication that they’re hearing something. Another cue to look for is if your dog is staring in the direction of the sound. If you think your dog is hearing something, try to see if you can figure out what it is. If there’s nothing there, it could be a sign that your dog is nervous or understimulated.
5) Smelling Food
- If your dog is sniffing the air and looking up, it’s possible they smell food. Dogs have a much better sense of smell than humans, so if there’s something edible nearby, they’ll be able to smell it.
- If your dog is food-motivated, they may be more likely to beg or steal food when they catch a whiff of something delicious.
- If you’re cooking something special or you’ve recently been to a barbecue, your dog may be able to smell the remnants of food on your clothing or in the air.
- Your dog may also be able to smell food that’s not readily available to them, like when you’re eating out of reach or in another room.
6) Sniffing Another Dog
If your dog is sniffing another dog, it’s probably because they’re trying to get to know them. Dogs have amazing senses of smell, and they use sniffing as a way to learn about other dogs. If your dog is being friendly, then there’s no need to worry. But if your dog is being aggressive, you may want to intervene.
7) Canine cognitive dysfunction
One potential reason your dog is sniffing the air and looking up is canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). CCD is a degenerative brain condition that affects older dogs. Symptoms include disorientation, confusion, changes in sleep patterns, and difficulty with basic commands. If you think your dog may have CCD, talk to your veterinarian about treatment options. Keep in mind that not all symptoms of CCD are physical; many are behavioral. Changes in appetite, energy levels, mood, or personality can be signs of cognitive impairment as well.
8) Natural Instincts
One potential reason your dog is sniffing the air and looking up is that they’re investigating their surroundings. This is a natural instinct for dogs, who rely on their sense of smell to learn about their environment and the people and animals in it. If your dog is normally well-behaved but suddenly starts sniffing the air and looking up, it could be a sign that they’re feeling nervous or understimulated. Maybe there’s something going on that’s outside of their usual routine, like a new person in the house or a move to a new home. Alternatively, they could be hearing something that you can’t hear, like another dog barking in the distance. Or, they could simply be smelling something delicious that you can’t smell, like food cooking in the kitchen.
9) You Have Something On Your Face!
Your dog is trying to tell you something. When dogs sniff the air and look up, they’re usually trying to communicate something to their human. If your dog is looking at you and then sniffing the air, they might be trying to tell you that you have something on your face!
Another sign that your dog is trying to communicate with you is when they stick their nose straight up in the air. This usually happens as a dog gets older and has trouble seeing, hearing, or smelling. When your dog loses their sense of smell, it becomes more difficult for them to sniff out food and find things around them. It’s common for dogs to put their head up in order to locate where something is coming from, even if it’s just food. Some dogs will lift their nose into the air because they are understimulated and want something exciting to happen.
10) Dental problems
Dental problems are one of the most common reasons why people have to give up their pets. They’re also one of the most preventable. That’s why it’s important to get your pet’s teeth checked by a veterinarian at least once a year, and to brush their teeth regularly at home.
Conclusion
There are a number of potential reasons why your dog may be sniffing the air and looking up. They could be investigating a noise they heard, or smelling something delicious. If your dog appears to be understimulated, they may also be looking for something to do. In some cases, dogs may sniff the air and look up when they’re feeling nervous or afraid. If you’re unsure why your dog is exhibiting this behavior, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.
