Strange behavioral patterns are common among different breeds of dogs. Whether your dog is tiny or huge, expect a lot of unusual habits.
Some dogs chase their tails; other dogs eat dirt. Some dogs attack the vacuum cleaner; others like to dig holes. There’s no telling what your canine friend is going to do next!
By now, you must be trying to recollect the weird actions you’ve noticed your dog doing. You’re probably wondering, “Why does my dog stare at the wall?”
Here are some of the reasons why your dog might be acting up:
1 – Compulsive Tendencies
Like humans, dogs could also get compulsive disorders. This is usually a result of boredom.
It could also happen due to hyperactivity. You need to be aware that dogs need a daily source of energy release.
Try not to keep your dog stuffed up in a house or an apartment. It’s time to reconsider your living conditions and your daily routine with your furry friend.
This could also be your dog just asking for some of your undivided attention, which is also very normal for dogs. They’re attention seekers by nature, after all.
Solution
Spend more time with your canine friend. Take them out on more walks. Buy them more toys. Take them on an outdoor adventure. Get them new treats.
You could also try an engaging activity that’s beneficial for both of you. For example, teach them a new trick.
The more you tire out or exhaust your canine friend, the less bored they’ll be throughout the day. Most dogs suffer from hyperactivity.
As their owner, you should invest your time in keeping them stimulated. But if you tried all the suggestions above with no luck, you should consider taking your dog to get a checkup.
2 – Hunting an Insect
Ever wondered what dogs are supposed to be doing in nature? They’re natural-born hunters!
If your dog is staring at the wall, they’re probably watching some little insects. This is a casual daily activity for most canines. They like to keep themselves busy.
You could actually enjoy your dog’s useful leisure activity. They could help you find out if you have any unwanted creatures lurking around your home.
Keep a close eye for the specific place that your dog won’t stop staring at. Don’t turn a blind eye to what they’re trying to tell you.
Solution
Your dog might get the urge to eat the insects they see. Some insects are safe for consumption, while others could cause them to catch some serious diseases.
It’s better to teach your dog to ignore the bugs they see, or you could teach them only to look at them but not to eat them.
If you notice that your dog is getting diarrhea, it might be because they ate an insect. The same thing applies to vomiting.
If your dog gets any of those symptoms, it’s better that you arrange a quick visit to your vet.
3 – Dementia or Alzheimer’s
Did you know that dementia and Alzheimer’s are both common among senile dogs? They’re known as CDS or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome.
Your dog’s patterns will tell you a lot about whether they could have CDS or not. They could stare, get stuck in corners, or stop playing like they used to.
Depending on their case, dementia and Alzheimer’s could cause your dog to forget you. This could also happen with other members of your family.
Apart from staring at the wall, your furry friend could start to pee and poop in irregular places. Try not to get too mad at them, it’s not their fault.
Solution
Your vet is the only person who can confirm whether your dog has CDS or not. If you notice any of the above symptoms, you need to rush your dog to your local vet.
Rest assured, there’s a solution for every problem. We advise you to take immediate action. You should be able to slow down the severity of your dog’s illness with the right instructions.
4 – Seizure
Seizures are common among many dogs. Not all seizures affect the whole body, though; some of them only affect the eyes.
Those are called focal epileptic seizures. You need to notice if your dog is staring or chasing something that’s not there.
This means that they’re losing control over their eyes. If you can’t get their attention, it’s because they’re unable to snap out of it.
If you suspect that your dog is going through an eye seizure, don’t panic. Here’s what to do to save your furry friend.
Solution
Calm down, take a deep breath, and take your pet to the veterinarian right away.
They’ll be able to identify the problem in no time. They’ll tell you exactly what caused it and how to handle it on the spot.
They’ll also be able to tell you how to prevent it from happening again.
5 – Head Pressing
Is your dog standing a little bit too close to the wall? Are they having a hard time looking anywhere else?
It’s normal for dogs to stick their heads to some walls. You shouldn’t worry too much about it.
Yet, in some cases, this could be a sign of liver dysfunction. With excess levels of ammonia, your dog could be experiencing a feeling that’s close to being drunk.
Focus your efforts on pinpointing the problem as early as possible. You’ll be able to prevent it from becoming more complicated.
Solution
It’s best to get a professional opinion on this subject. Consult your vet.
They’ll probably ask you to bring your dog in for blood tests. These will tell you if your dog’s liver is facing any problems.
With the right medication plan, your dog will be back in perfect shape in almost no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 – Are there more reasons why my dog stares at the wall?
The answer is yes. There are so many reasons your dog could be aimlessly staring at the wall.
These reasons can include brain damage, depression or despair, or even a rare disease.
Your furry friend could also be suffering from an infection in their nervous system. They could be dealing with a form of poisoning as well.
It’s better to consult a professional so they could help you determine what the problem is. It’s also recommended that you act fast in case of serious illness.
2 – Is staring at the wall a sign of a stroke?
The answer is no. Dogs can get strokes, but staring at the wall is not a symptom of a canine stroke.
If you’re suspecting that your dog is having a stroke, call your doctor right away. They might need to be taken to the animal hospital immediately.
3 – Should I leave my dog unattended when staring at an insect?
The answer depends on your dog’s behavior. Some dogs like to get close to insects and eat them; others just look from a distance.
Most insects are harmless. Most of them aren’t poisonous for dogs.
But, in the case of bees, the situation is different. If your dog only stares without getting close to the bees, then it’s completely fine.
If your dog tends to get the urge of eating the bees, then no. Don’t leave them unattended.
If you wish to do so, you should teach them not to associate with the bees. They can watch but they can’t play.
Bees or wasps could sting your canine friends. You’ll need to immediately rush to the vet if this happens.
It’s dangerous for a dog to get stung by these flying creatures. They tend to release their poison into the dog’s blood.
4 – Does it have to mean anything when my dog stares at the wall?
The answer is no. Sometimes, dogs just like to act abnormally to get your attention.
Your dog could be in perfect shape and still stare into nothingness. This also depends on your dog’s character.
Funny enough, some dogs get lost inside their heads. Like humans, they also have a broad imagination.
Final Thoughts
Let’s agree on one thing, dogs are weird, and that’s exactly why we love them.
As a pet owner, you might have ended up here just because you’re overly anxious, which is completely fine; we all worry about our furry best friends.
Your dog’s behavior will tell you a lot about their health and their illnesses. You can find out a lot about dogs just by observing their daily activities.
In most cases, you’ll be able to prevent serious damage from happening. All you need to do is stop panicking and take your dog to a professional. Don’t listen to other people’s experiences. Cases tend to vary from one dog to another.
Your vet’s opinion should be the words you live by, and hopefully, nothing serious will come out of your dog staring at the wall.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems and over 10 years of experience working in IT. I have a wife and two children and love taking them to the zoo to see all the animals. I grew up with dogs and fish and now have two dogs and two cats. I’ve also played guitar for almost 20 years and love writing music, although it’s hard to find the time these days.