Why Do Dogs Growl at Nothing?

Dogs do some strange things, from a human perspective. They sniff each others' butts, after all. But while some of what our four-legged friends do is perfectly natural and harmless, other things may be cause for concern. If your dog growls at what seems to be nothing, there may be a perfectly harmless explanation, but head over to your vet's office anyway to report the behavior and get your pet a checkup.

  1. When Nothing is Something in Your Wall

    • Sometimes, when you think your dog is growling at nothing, she's simply aware of something you aren't. Mice, rats, other rodents, other small animals and bug colonies are all known to take up residence in house or apartment walls. Your dog can hear or smell these hidden squatters much better than you can, possibly prompting her to growl. If she tends to growl in the same room all the time, or even around the same wall, this may be what's going on. Watch for her to sniff around the wall and maybe even to stare, bark or scratch at it. Place a call to a local pest control agency to confirm or rule out your suspicion.

    When Nothing is Something Outside

    • "Nothing" can mean other things you're just unaware of, too. Most dogs like to keep an eye on what's going on outside the house. If they see a squirrel scampering across the yard, a cat strolling through the grass or another potential prey animal, they are likely to growl or bark. Also, if your neighbor walks his dog by, it might prompt a defensive growl from your pet. Or, there's always the unpleasant possibility the mice aren't only in your walls, and your dog occasionally sees one dart across the room. Then, some people believe dogs can sense the spirits of the dead as they float about in the room.

    Obsessive Compulsive Behavior

    • Dogs develop obsessive or compulsive behaviors for a variety of reasons. Often, it's due to boredom or anxiety. Dogs who weren't properly socialized or who are isolated or under-stimulated are more likely to develop these repetitive, purposeless behaviors. Growling is just one; barking, licking, pacing, spinning, fixations on particular objects and lots of other types of obsessive and compulsive behaviors exist. If increased interaction, stimulation and physical activity resolve the problem, this was likely what was going on. It may take some time to undo this sort of growling, though, so in the meantime, see your vet to make sure there's no underlying health concern.

    Canine Cognitive Dysfunction

    • Canine cognitive dysfunction is undoubtedly the most serious concern with a dog that growls at nothing. It's basically a dog's version of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. If your dog's in her senior years, there's a good chance this is your explanation. Your dog may also forget her way around or once-familiar commands, pace or wander aimlessly, stare blankly, soil the house, withdraw from the family, sleep considerably more or less, have trouble navigating around furniture or other objects, tremble or display other signs and symptoms. This is a degenerative condition that can be managed some, but ultimately cannot be cured. Your veterinarian will help you devise a plan to keep your pet as comfortable and happy as possible.