It’s not uncommon for pet parents to find their dogs staring at the wall, seemingly fixated on nothing. Nevertheless, this can be unsettling for owners. There are several possible reasons your dog may be exhibiting this odd behavior. Read on to learn where this wall staring may be coming from and what, if anything, you should do next.
Super senses
Dogs have much stronger senses of smell and hearing than humans. There is a chance that staring at the wall could signal that your dog is picking up on something you aren’t. Perhaps they’ve sniffed out a mouse infestation in your home before you’ve found it. In that case, call the exterminator and give your clever detective dog a treat!
Picked up a habit
It’s also possible that your dog has developed a compulsive behavior. Much like spinning, tail biting, barking, or chewing, staring could simply be a habit that your dog has picked up. If this is the case with your pup, this probably isn’t the first time you’ve caught them staring and it likely won’t be the last. These behaviors also tend to worsen over time. Fortunately, simply staring at the wall is harmless. Take note of the frequency with which your dog does this behavior to see if it’s indeed compulsive.
Sundowning with age
Like humans, as dogs age, they may exhibit signs of cognitive decline. Staring at the wall or into space, wandering aimlessly, pacing, and general disorientation are all common in senior dogs with declining cognitive function. Typically, these behaviors occur in the evening, therefore often referred to as sundowning, and your dog may otherwise behave quite normally during the day. If this sounds like your dog, you aren’t alone—pet parents are increasingly seeing a cognitive decline in their canine companions as dogs are receiving improved care and living longer compared to previous generations. It’s all just part of the aging process.
Your dog may also be less enthusiastic about getting attention or greeting people, and you may notice that their sleep schedule is out of whack. Sleeping more during the day, coupled with restlessness and agitation in the evenings and overnight, may mean your dog is experiencing sundowning. Typical of cognitive decline, sundowning is characterized by both a disrupted sleep-wake cycle and notable stress at night, which can manifest in barking, panting, pacing, and other concerning behaviors.
Understandably, seeing your dog visibly stressed can be difficult for pet parents. On top of that, disruptive behaviors like pacing and barking at night can also negatively impact your sleep, your dog’s sleep, and the sleep of your family and neighbors. No one wants sleepless nights followed by grumpy mornings that make you resentful of your pup. Fortunately, there are things you can do to support your dog with these issues when you understand the reason for these behaviors.
How can CBD + CBDA help?
ElleVet’s CBD + CBDA is extremely effective in providing dogs support for cognitive function and both situational and general stress. If you are noticing wall staring, pacing, panting or any other behaviors that might signal a mental decline in your aging pup, ElleVet’s CBD + CBDA products can help address these imbalances and offer cognitive support, which is important for carrying out everyday activities and maintaining a good quality of life.
If there’s one thing doctors and veterinarians will agree on, it’s that stress in any form is not good for you or your pet. ElleVet’s CBD + CBDA chews, soft gels, and oils can help put your dog’s mind at ease, not only helping them have a comfortable and calm sleep through the night but also managing their stress levels so they feel less agitated. In addressing your dog’s short-term and or long-term stress, ElleVet’s CBD + CBDA can lead to improved overall well-being. And we all want a happy, relaxed, and well-rested pup!
If you notice that your dog stares at the wall regularly, or that the staring is accompanied by other changes in behavior, you should consult your veterinarian. For any questions about ElleVet’s CBD + CBDA products or how CBD can help your canine friend live their best life, give us a call (844-673-7287) or send us an email ([email protected]). We are here to help.
