Why Is My Dog Barking at the Wall?

If your dog is barking or staring at the wall, it’s usually one of two things: They hear pests hiding inside, or they’re dealing with a medical issue such as canine cognitive dysfunction. Older dogs are more prone to the latter. If your dog fixates on one spot, pests are the likely culprit. But if they wander and growl at different areas, a medical problem may be to blame. Here’s how you can tell what’s going on with your dog and what to do next.

Reasons your dog might be barking at the wall

While there are plenty of supernatural reasons people consider to explain why their dog is staring or barking at a wall, it’s much more likely that they hear mice or other animals — or that they have an age-related medical condition. 

Whatever the cause, it’s important not to ignore unusual behavior in your pet. Here are three reasons why your dog might be barking at the wall, as well as some behavioral clues.

They hear something inside the walls

Dogs have superior hearing compared to humans, especially when it comes to high-frequency sounds. Although humans often hit their limit at 20kHz, dogs can detect high-frequency noises up to 100kHz. So, with their incredible hearing capabilities, it’s no wonder they can pick up sounds inside our walls. The most common things they might hear? Rodents. But other intruders besides mice and rats can find their way into your home — squirrels, raccoons, termites, bees, and even ladybugs have been known to reside inside the walls of homes.

How can you tell if your dog is using their excellent hearing to find an infestation? Watch their body language. Are they staring at one section of the wall intently as if listening? Do they tilt their head while focusing? Use your senses, too. You can press your ear against the wall to listen better. Even if you don’t hear squeaks, you might still notice the gentle scratching sounds as they walk or move around.

Here’s what to do: If your pet is barking because some uninvited guests have taken up residence in your walls, you’ll find the behavior will cease soon after they are removed. Call a humane pest-control company to safely relocate your visitors.

They’re reacting to something outside

Another reason your dog may bark at the wall is that they sense something going on somewhere outside. Maybe dogs are barking in the distance, or the pool guy is doing his work, or birds and other animals are walking around in your yard. Just because they’re looking at the wall doesn’t mean that’s what has their attention. Dogs have incredible hearing and can pick up sounds from far away.

How can you tell if your dog is staring at a wall because of something outside? Watch their eyes and body language: Are they bright and excitable, tail wagging, or are they fixated on where a squirrel’s favorite hangout is? These clues can help you figure out if your dog’s mind is in the wall — or beyond it.

Here’s what to do: To reduce sounds from outside the home, try closing windows, turn on calming background noise, or redirect them with a toy or treat. Sometimes they just need a distraction.

They have canine cognitive dysfunction

If your dog is older and staring or barking at a wall, or getting stuck in odd places, they could be suffering from canine cognitive dysfunction. Sometimes known as “cognitive dysfunction syndrome,” this condition is similar to dementia in humans. Senior dogs may develop symptoms of cognitive dysfunction around nine years of age or older. 

Other signs of cognitive dysfunction include staring into space, getting lost at home, becoming overly clingy or especially avoidant when they weren’t before, having accidents indoors, restlessness, pacing, or an increase in fear.

Although there is no cure for cognitive dysfunction, there are plenty of ways to improve your elderly dog’s well-being, happiness, and sense of security in their twilight years.

• All dogs benefit from a consistent routine. Knowing when they go out, when you’re at home, and when it’s time to settle in for the night is reassuring.

• Try to ensure that your dog’s waking and sleeping hours are kept as consistent as possible. This helps to reduce night-time confusion.

• Keep your dog’s food, water, and bed in easily accessible positions and avoid moving them. Similarly, try to keep furniture in consistent locations.

• Factor in more supervised potty breaks into your routine, which can help decrease the number of accidents inside.

• Take short day walks at a slow pace, letting your dog move at a comfortable gait. Allow your dog to sniff and take their time exploring new smells. Avoid evening walks, as they are more prone to sundowning.

• Mental stimulation is essential. Simple games such as hiding treats and stuffing Kongs or snuffle mats with treats can help activate your dog’s brain and make them feel less anxious.

• Speak with your vet about simple changes to diet, medications, and supplements that can help keep your dog happier and calmer in their final years.

Here’s what else to do: Anytime your pet exhibits strange behavior, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment just to rule out any medical concerns. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from cognitive dysfunction, make sure that you get the advice of a qualified veterinarian who can help you both make the most of life together in the coming years.

Commonly asked questions

Why is my dog barking at nothing in my room? Is it a ghost?

No, it’s very unlikely that your dog is actually seeing a ghost. Ghosts are invisible. But in all seriousness, if your dog barks at night, look for other clues. Consider setting up a camera to watch them, and check their body language to see what they’re concerned about. The most common reasons for barking at nothing include light reflections, medical issues, pests, and alerting you to something going on outside.

Why is my dog sitting in the corner, staring at the wall?

It’s uncommon for a healthy dog to sit in a corner staring at a wall, but this behavior is often a sign of a medical issue called cognitive dysfunction. If you notice your dog doing this, it’s crucial to consult your vet and get your pup a health check-up.

Why is my dog looking at the wall and growling?

If your dog is staring at a wall and growling, they might have cognitive dysfunction. If you’ve ruled out pests, reflections, and other noises as the cause of their frustration, consult with a vet for advice.

Why is my dog barking at nothing at night?

Dogs bark for a reason, whether it’s day or night. If your dog is seemingly barking at nothing during the night, this could be due to hearing something outside or inside the walls, or they might have a medical condition. To identify the cause of their nighttime barking, watch for other behavioral clues. And if you’re unsure, consult a professional, such as a veterinarian or dog trainer.

References

Cason, Krystle. “If These Walls Could Talk: Bugs in Your Walls - Bug House Pest Control.” Bug House Pest Control, 9 Aug. 2024, bughousepestcontrol.com/if-these-walls-could-talk-bugs-in-your-walls.‌

Cohen, Aly. “Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.” Www.vet.cornell.edu, www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/cognitive-dysfunction-syndrome.

“How Far Away Can Dogs Smell and Hear?” Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology | University of Adelaide, set.adelaide.edu.au/news/list/2020/06/09/how-far-away-can-dogs-smell-and-hear.

‌Michael. “How to Recognize and Treat Canine Dementia.” Kinship.com, 2023, www.kinship.com/dog-health/canine-dementia-signs-symptoms-treatments. Accessed 25 July 2025.