Weird Things Your Dog Might Sense That You Can’t, Based on Real Stories and Science

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Did you know that there are weird things your dog might sense but you can’t? You probably heard some stories of some dogs staring and barking in a direction even if there is nothing there, or them predicting when someone is about to collapse. We compiled a few of those stories, and some will be based on science, and others will just be based on the experiences of dog owners.

Dogs Might See Spirits or Ghosts

Have you ever seen a dog bark at a random empty lot or stare at the abyss? A lot of people have experienced this phenomenon with their pets. Some people actually believe that they can see spirits or ghosts.

While there are no scientific pieces of evidence supporting these claims, it is undeniable that dogs have a lot stronger senses than we humans do. It is totally understandable and reasonable to expect that they might be sensing something we can’t pick up. Such as them reacting to various sounds or smells that we have not noticed.

14 Incredible Things Your Dog Can See and Hear That You Can't!
14 Incredible Things Your Dog Can See and Hear That You Can't!

Read more: Wag!

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Dogs Might Predict Natural Disasters

There are dogs that act erratically when a natural disaster, such as storms and earthquakes, is about to happen. They try to hide in a corner, bark extensively, or even seem nervous and cry.

Scientists tell us that it is not because they can predict the future if a natural disaster is about to happen. It is because they have a stronger sense of smell than human beings, up to 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive, and their hearing can also detect sounds at higher frequencies and longer distances.

Read more: Bustle

They Can Hear Sounds We Can’t

Weird Things Your Dog Might Sense That You Can’t, Based on Records or Science 2

Dogs have amazing hearing, so much that they can hear things we couldn’t pick up. So sometimes when you are hiking or just walking outside, your dog might suddenly stare or run in a random direction, it is most likely that they heard someone, like a footstep or whispers.

This is also one of the reason people thinks that they sense something spooky or paranormal. Just because we humans couldn’t keep up with their senses, does not mean that whatever they notice is from out of this world. It could be the case, we all don’t know, scientists have not confirmed this in any type of studies.

Read more: Psychology Today

They May Detect Illnesses

Weird Things Your Dog Might Sense That You Can’t, Based on Records or Science 3

Did you know that service dogs or other types of trained dogs can sense when their owners are about to have some medical issues? This is also because of their noses. They have the ability to sniff out changes in human hormones.

In the time that your chemical structures in your body change, including fluctuations in hormones and certain medical conditions, trained dogs will be able to notice. Their sense of smell is one of the top reasons we have chosen to survive together with their species for thousands of years.

Dogs Can Sense Emotions

Most domesticated dogs are already so adept at reading human emotions. They can tell when we are happy, sad, or scared, and they will act in response to our emotional state, too. If we get happy and they notice, they will be excited along with us. If they read that we are feeling down, then they might cuddle closely.

Their strong bond and history with humans have been so sharpened over thousands of years of coexistence that now they can pick up on our emotions easily, and sometimes even better than other human beings.

The Science Behind Dogs' Incredible Sense Of Smell
The Science Behind Dogs' Incredible Sense Of Smell

Author's Final Thoughts

Whether it’s sensing ghosts, natural disasters, illnesses, or reading our emotions, dogs are more aware of the world than we realize. Their amazing senses not only make them man’s best friend, it also allow them to perceive things and experiences differently than us. What do we know? Maybe they can really sense ghosts, right? Let us know what you think!

Read more: Here’s How Far You Can Really Drive After Your Gas Light Comes On — It’s More Than You Think

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Christian Ashford

Christian Ashford is a writer and researcher at Webpreneurships.com, a tech, information, and media company dedicated to publishing educational, informational, and curiosity-driven content. With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree and experience in academic research, he combines technical expertise with a passion for exploring knowledge about the world and beyond. For over 13 years, Christian has researched, written, and edited hundreds of articles on science, history, business, technology, human origins, and more.