Does your dog sometimes seem to be barking at a wall? Are there certain parts of your house or your neighborhood that seem to make them nervous? If so, maybe you've wondered if your dog can see ghosts. Lots of pet parents think there's some connection between dogs and ghosts — that dogs can see or sense something people can't.
Let's take a look at why people think dogs can see ghosts and what might be at the root of dogs' mystifying behavior.
A Brief History of Dogs and Ghosts
If you suspect that your dog has a connection to the paranormal, you wouldn't be the first. In fact, cultures throughout history have considered dogs and ghosts to be closely linked.
According to Ancient History Encyclopedia, both the Tarascan and Aztec tribes of Mexico believed that dogs could see and would protect them against ghosts: "Both groups buried their dead with dogs who were thought to then serve the soul in the afterlife as both a guide through the underworld and as a protector against ghosts." Tarascans believed that a "spirit dog" would find bodies that hadn't been buried and lead that person's soul to the afterlife, so they wouldn't haunt the living. The Maya also believed in a spirit dog — in the underworld, they said the dog would help your spirit navigate to paradise. And in ancient Greece, people were thought to encounter a three-headed dog called Cerberus when their soul passed on to the other side.
Can Dogs See Ghosts?
Unfortunately, this is one of many unanswered questions humans have about dogs. To date, there's no evidence connecting dogs and ghosts — not to mention whether you believe the evidence for paranormal activity.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), however, many of dogs' seemingly unexplainable behaviors can be attributed to a combination of their heightened senses and the fact that, compared to humans, they're "more open to trusting what they feel and acting on those feelings accordingly." In contrast, we humans analyze everything we encounter; we're more suspicious.
The AKC also notes that dogs are incredibly attuned to things we might not notice — like changes in barometric pressure; faraway, high-pitched noises; subtle smells; and even objects or movements beyond our own field of vision.
All these senses enable dogs to notice activity we simply can't. Whether that activity includes the paranormal or not, though, remains to be seen.
Tasty Tips
Other Possible Explanations
The AKC suggests that if you've noticed your pet staring at the wall regularly and if you've ruled out the possibility of an infestation in the walls, it might be time to call your veterinarian. Staring at the wall can sometimes be a sign of a more serious issue, like canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome or partial seizures. If you notice your pet repeatedly exhibiting strange behaviors that may indicate that they're in pain or distress, definitely contact their vet.
Can dogs see ghosts? Right now, we don't have any scientific evidence to prove they do. But it is a fact that dogs are incredibly perceptive — more so than we often realize. Consider keeping a log of your dog's behavior and paying attention to patterns around the times when they seem to be attuned to sounds or vibrations you can't perceive. Perhaps you'll learn a bit more about your surroundings if you try to experience them from your pet's point of view.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Barley Dog Food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Hill's Science Diet Puppy No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports healthy brain, eye, muscle, bone & immune system development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Prescription Diet s/d Chicken Flavor Wet Dog Food
Support your dog's urinary health by helping dissolve struvite stones
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Small Bites Dry Dog Food
With hydrolyzed protein to help avoid adverse food reactions in dogs and promotes healthy skin
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Tailored nutrition for Small & Mini dogs with our special antioxidant blend for lifelong immune support
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock Meal & Insect Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Hill's Natural Jerky Strips with Real Chicken Dog Treats
Hill's Prescription Diet k/d with Lamb Wet Dog Food
Delicious clinically proven nutrition that helps protect vital kidney function and available in multiple wet forms & flavors to entice even the pickiest of eaters
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Low Fat Original Flavor Dog Food
Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Low Fat Wet Dog Food is great tasting low fat nutrition formulated to help settle digestive upsets for dogs that need a low fat formula. Fortified with Hill's breakthrough ActivBiome+ ingredient technology clinically shown to rapidly activate the gut microbiome to support digestive health and well-being.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Prescription Diet d/d Salmon Formula Wet Dog Food
Limited ingredient dog food to support your dog's food sensitivities
Hill's Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Dry Dog Food
Clinically tested nutrition formulated for multiple benefits: digestive health, weight management, blood sugar management and urinary health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Related articles
Dog Carrier Bags: What You Need to Know
Discover helpful tips for choosing the right dog carrier bag or purse for your tiny pup, including safety features to look for & when a dog purse is ideal.
Things to Consider When Adopting An Older Dog
Before adopting an adult dog from a local pet shelter, be sure to consider this list of questions to ensure you are ready to properly care for them.
Why Does My Dog Cover Their Face?
Are you wondering "Why does my dog hide their face?" Learn what your dog might be trying to tell you and whether you should be worried about the behavior.
Dog Park Rules: Do's and Don'ts
Learn about the dog park rules that make for a fun time at the park. Park outings are a fun way to socialize with your dog, but safety comes first.
Pyloric Stenosis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
Learn details about pyloric stenosis in dogs, including how serious of a health concern it is, common signs, how it's diagnosed and treatment options.
Can Dogs See Ghosts?
Learn possible explanations for your dog's mystifying behaviors. If you've ever wondered if your dog can see things you can't, this article is for you.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe While Hunting
If you're considering training your dog to help you hunt, follow these safety tips to make sure he stays out of danger.
Enlarged Spleen in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
An enlarged spleen in dogs can be potentially life-threatening, but the condition is treatable. Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment options.
Your Dog Ate Deodorant: What You Need to Know
Your Dog Ate Deodorant! What You Need to Know
Dog Boops! Does Your Dog Actually Enjoy Them?
Dog boops are all the craze on social media, but the booping nose gesture isn't just cute, it's also a great way to connect with your dog. Learn more...
Picking Up After Your Dog: Why It's Important
Picking up dog poop can be unpleasant, but there are lots of reasons it's important: local laws, bad smells, diseases and impact on grass are all factors.
Changing Dog Food for Your New Pup
Changing dog food isn't something you should rush into. Learn how doing so slowly can help your dog avoid digestive problems and adjust to his new home.
The Science Behind Your Dog and His Behavior
Discover how the field of dog science is giving us more and more insights into the inner workings of our furry best friends.
Can Your Dog Smile At You?
It may look like your dog is grinning, but can dogs smile for real? Learn about their facial expressions & whether their face can actually show happiness.
Dealing With a Dog Peeing on the Lawn
Discover why dead spots in your green lawn could be caused by dog urine, and learn steps you can take for getting your lawn (& dog) back into shape.
Why Do Dogs Like Belly Rubs? (And What If My Dog Doesn't?)
Why do dogs like belly rubs? Learn what your dog is really telling you when he wants a belly rub (and why other dogs may not want one).
Do Dogs Feel Guilt or Shame?
Does shaming your dog have a positive effect, or are you just encouraging more bad behavior? Learn more about how he interprets feelings of guilt & shame.
What Is Dog Yoga? (& How to Do it With My Dog)
Learn how dogs can benefit from yoga's mindful breathing, physical touch and guided movements, and how to get your dog involved in your yoga routine.
My Dog Is Scared of Men: What Should I Do?
If you've noticed your dog acting timid around men, you might wonder why. Learn what's behind this phobia & how to help them feel comfortable around men.
Caring for Your Deaf Dog: Communication and Safety Tips
A deaf dog may now live a quieter life, but he's still the active, loving pup you once knew! Discover how to care for and communicate with your dog.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.