Can dogs see ghosts? The truth behind your pet’s spooky behaviour this Halloween

From barking at empty rooms to racing around the house, some of our dogs’ strangest habits have surprisingly ordinary explanations.

A dog staring into an empty corner or barking at something its owner cannot see can feel like the beginning of a horror film.

But as Londoners prepare for Halloween, there are more familiar explanations for the canine habits that can leave us wondering whether we have company from beyond the grave.

Search data highlighted by Post Office Pet Insurance suggests “can dogs see ghosts?” attracts around 3,000 Google searches a month.

Across six questions examined by the insurer, including whether dogs dream and why they lick their paws, the combined monthly search figure reaches approximately 116,000. The figures are based on Google search data gathered using the Glimpse extension between July 21 and August 21, 2026.

So what is really going on when your dog appears to spot something you cannot?

Can dogs see ghosts?

There is no scientific evidence that dogs can see ghosts. However, their sensitive hearing and sense of smell mean they can detect things that escape our attention.

A dog barking at an apparently empty doorway may be responding to a faint sound or unfamiliar scent. In a London home, that could mean a passing pedestrian, a neighbour moving around or a fox outside.

Jason Mitchell, Head of Pet and Motor at Post Office Insurance, said: “There’s something particularly unsettling about a dog suddenly barking at an empty room or staring into a corner when nobody else is there, especially around Halloween.

“But while it’s tempting to think our pets might be sensing something supernatural, dogs experience the world very differently from humans. Their heightened senses mean they can detect sounds, smells and movements that we simply don’t notice.”

Do dogs dream?

Watching a sleeping dog twitch, whimper or move its paws can be both entertaining and puzzling.

Dogs experience rapid eye movement sleep, which is associated with dreaming in humans, and evidence suggests they dream too. However, we cannot know exactly what they are dreaming about.

The question attracts around 32,000 monthly searches, according to the figures highlighted by the insurer.

Why do dogs get the zoomies?

Those sudden bursts of racing around the living room are commonly known as the zoomies, or Frenetic Random Activity Periods.

The insurer’s guidance explains that these bursts can happen when dogs are excited, playful or releasing pent-up energy, including after a bath or a period of rest.

Owners should give them space to move safely, keeping an eye on slippery floors, furniture and anything they could knock over.

Why do dogs lick their paws?

Occasional paw licking can be part of normal grooming, but persistent licking deserves attention.

Possible causes include allergies, irritation, injuries and pain. Owners who notice excessive licking, redness, swelling or discomfort should speak to their vet rather than assume it is simply a habit.

What about Halloween treats and new puppies?

The other questions examined by Post Office Pet Insurance concern whether dogs can eat cheese and when puppies can go outside.

Its guidance advises keeping cheese to small, occasional portions where suitable, and checking ingredients before sharing food. Halloween chocolate and sweets should be kept out of reach, particularly products containing xylitol.

For puppies, owners should ask their vet when it is safe to begin walks in public places, as the timing depends on their vaccination schedule.

Helping dogs feel comfortable on Halloween

Doorbells, unfamiliar visitors and elaborate costumes can make October 31 an unsettling evening for pets.

Providing a quiet retreat away from the front door can give dogs somewhere to settle if the celebrations become overwhelming.

Mitchell said: “Halloween can also be quite stressful for dogs, particularly with strangers knocking at the door, unusual decorations and unfamiliar noises. It’s important to make sure they have somewhere quiet and comfortable to retreat to if they become unsettled.

“While many unusual canine behaviours are completely normal, any sudden or persistent changes should always be discussed with a vet.”