We, dog parents, perceive our paw companions as family members, not just pets and ensure they are healthy, eat high-quality food, have opportunities to walk and play, and most importantly, feel loved!
Also, we do our best to provide our beloved furry companions with a loving, stress-free environment so that they don’t feel anxious or stressed in any way. No wonder that noticing signs of anxiety in our furry companions makes us worry!
Dogs, like humans, can experience anxiety, and nighttime anxiety is a common issue that can be distressing not only for them but also for their human families. This form of anxiety can manifest in various behaviors and be caused by different factors.
If your paw friend is dealing with nighttime anxiety and you want to help them have a good sleep, it is essential to recognize the signs of it and understand its causes. Restful sleep is crucial for the overall well-being of both humans and dogs!
Signs of Anxiety in Dogs at Night
Canines who experience nighttime anxiety might exhibit various behaviors that can help you identify the issue.
Restlessness
Restlessness in dogs can manifest in various ways, including pacing, circling or constantly changing positions.
If your paw friend appears to be agitated, unable to settle down, and/or walks back and forth, this could indicate anxiety or discomfort.
Some dogs circle or spin in place as a coping mechanism with stressful factors. However, this behavior can also be a sign of cognitive disorder in older dogs, so please consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns.
If you notice your canine constantly changing positions, i.e. trying to lie down in different spots but also repeatedly getting up and moving around, this is likely to be a sign of anxiety that you shouldn’t ignore.
Vocalization
Increased vocalization is another sign of nighttime anxiety in dogs that can result in whining, barking or howling.
Whining is generally more common in puppies rather than in adult dogs. While still very young, dogs often whine as a way to communicate their needs (hunger, thirst or attention) or express a feeling of discomfort. They also whine when they are anxious or insecure.
As canines mature, they typically develop a wider range of vocalization and ways to communicate. While adult dogs can still whine, they do it less frequently than puppies. However, adult canines might also whine if they are anxious, in pain, or if they seek attention.
Excessive barking at night can also indicate discomfort or anxiety due to various factors such as changes in the environment, separation anxiety, or a new routine. Dogs are very sensitive to changes in their environment, so making those changes gradually (if possible) is the best way to proceed.
It is important to note, that boredom or lack of sufficient physical and mental stimulation, behavioral issues and improper training, can also lead to barking as an unwanted behavior. Having said that, please make sure you have the time, patience and commitment to properly care for a dog before purchasing or adopting one.
Also, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with breed characteristics such as energy level and need for physical and mental stimulation. This will help ensure you are aware of the dog’s needs and can meet them.
Additionally, excessive barking can also indicate an underlying health condition or injury. It is important to ensure that your paw friend is healthy and safe, so if you have any concerns that they may be ill or in pain, you should consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Clinginess
Let’s admit it that while it can be annoying to have a clingy dog, we also like having a loving furry friend walking after us and seeking our attention. It indicates they love us, doesn’t it?
While some pups are naturally clingier than others (which might be breed-related), excessive clinginess may indicate an issue such as anxiety.
Anxious dogs are likely to constantly seek physical contact with their owners, which might result in attempts to climb onto the owner's bed, lie on top of them, or follow them around the house.
It is important to be mindful of your dog’s attachment to you and learn to differentiate between healthy attachment, indicating a strong bond, and overzealous attachment and clinginess as a sign of anxiety. If your paw partner often follows you obsessively and becomes stressed when you leave the room, they will likely experience anxiety, which requires your involvement to address the issue.
Destructive Behaviors
Dogs experiencing anxiety are prone to displaying unwanted behaviors such as chewing, biting and digging.
If your furry friend is anxious, they may express that by chewing on your furniture, shoes, or other items at home. This is their a way to cope with anxiety.
However, puppies are likely to exhibit unwanted behaviors, as they are still young and learn about the world and what behavior is acceptable and what is not. If you have a young dog, please be patient and don’t get mad if they chew on household items. Utilizing positive reinforcement and encouraging our paw friends to show wanted behaviors instead of punishing them for displaying unwanted ones is much more beneficial for both sides! They will grow as confident and happy family and society members, while we will be able to strengthen our bond with them and bring it to a deeper level.
Digging at the floor, bedding, carpet, etc., can also be a sign of anxiety. This behavior can be perceived as a way for the dog to create a safe space or distract themselves from the stressful factors.
Scratching at doors and tearing items up, are other types of unwanted behavior that can be related to anxiety.
Physical Signs
Physical signs like excessive panting, drooling, and shaking can be perceived as manifestation of anxiety on a physical level.
If these signs are present, especially when the dog is not physically active or in a warm environment, they may indicate anxiety and the dog’s inability to calm down.
Observing our paw companions and learning to notice any abnormalities from their standard behavior is crucial for their physical and emotional health and overall well-being.
Causes of Nighttime Anxiety
Alongside recognizing the symptoms of nighttime anxiety, understanding its causes is another crucial factor in properly addressing this issue.
Separation Anxiety
Anxiety in dogs during the nighttime may be particularly related to separation anxiety.
Some canines are naturally more sensitive and genetically predisposed to separation anxiety. Also, this can be related to the dog breed, as some breeds are more prone to this issue due to their inherent characteristics. Breeds that are known for being very social and attached to their owners, such as the Border Collie and the German Shepherd, may be more likely to experience separation anxiety.
Along with the inborn predisposition, improper socialization and lack of training can also greatly contribute to developing separation anxiety. Canines that are not properly socialized, especially while still puppies, are more likely to develop separation anxiety.
Another cause of separation anxiety can involve a traumatic experience in the past, i.e. the dog being abandoned by their previous owner. Negative experiences in the past can affect the way canines react to being alone.
Significant change in the dog’s environment or routine and lack of mental and physical exercise (particularly valid for highly intelligent and active breeds) can also trigger separation anxiety.
Fear of the Dark
Doesn't it sound a bit odd for a dog to fear the dark? Actually not! Your pup may start whining or becoming stressed once you turn the lights off. However, unlike in humans, fear in dogs is typically not related to their inability to see their environment. It is rather due to the fact they become more aware of any sounds and smells that may trigger them.
Additionally, if your paw friend had a negative experience in the past related to dark spaces, this can also cause anxiety when lights are turned off.
Keep in mind that if your dog has a bad vision or any health conditions (usually age-related), these can greatly affect their ability to confidently navigate their surroundings. This, in turn, can lead to heightened stress in dark spaces.
Changes in the Routine and/or Environment
As mentioned above, dogs are very sensitive to changes in their surroundings, including their diet, daily schedule, living conditions, and family.
Moving to a new home, welcoming a new pet or a baby, having a beloved person leaving home or passing away can disrupt a dog’s sense of stability and safety and cause anxiety. Therefore, it is highly recommended to make gradual adjustments to new routines or environments, when possible, and provide a familiar space during the transition time.
Give your paw friend time to adjust to the new living conditions and help them feel safe and secure as much as you can.
Health Issues
Underlying health conditions can worsen anxiety at night. For instance, if a dog experience chronic pain or illness, they may become more anxious when left alone due to their physical discomfort.
Conditions such as arthritis, gastrointestinal issues, or injuries can cause pain that becomes more noticeable at night when the dog is trying to rest. Hypothyroidism or neurological disorders can also affect a dog’s comfort and behavior at night.
Age-related health issues like Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), have a negative impact on dogs, leading to confusion, disorientation, and increased anxiety, particularly at night.
Tips on How to Address Nighttime Anxiety in Dogs
Typically, addressing nighttime anxiety in dogs involves a combination of techniques and environmental management. As creatures of habit who enjoy predictability, dogs can greatly benefit from a consistent routine.
Establishing a Routine
Maintaining a consistent routine will provide your doggo with a sense of security and predictability. This could include keeping feeding, exercise, and sleep times as consistent as possible. If your paw friend knows what to expect, their anxiety will decrease.
Furthermore, you can try to leave and return home at the same times each day and make a schedule so that it is convenient for both yourself and your paw partner. Consistency in your schedule can help your pooch feel much calmer, when you are away, including during the night if they sleep in a separate room/area.
Creating a Comfortable Sleeping Environment
A comfortable and cozy sleeping area for your dog will make their sleeping time much calmer and more pleasant. You might consider placing cozy items such as plush toys, warm blankets and pieces of clothing with your scent, to provide calming effect when you are absent.
Physical & Mental Stimulation
Ensuring that your dog receives sufficient physical and mental stimulation throughout the day is essential to keeping them healthy and helping them have a good sleep at night. Similarly to humans, our paw friends also need regular exercise to burn off excess energy which helps them relax when it comes time to sleep.
Activities such as walking, running, hiking, playing, and providing your dog with interactive toys can be very beneficial for them. It is important, though, to adapt the activities to your paw friend’s age, breed, and lifestyle. Do not overwork your dog and consider the temperature outside if you consider any outings.
By combining physical activity with mental challenges, you can create a balanced routine for your dog and help them reduce stress and anxiety.
Socialization
Proper socialization can help reduce nighttime anxiety in dogs. It plays an essential role in a dog's ability to handle stress and anxiety and their overall well-being.
Socialization helps canines become more confident in various situations, including being alone or in the dark. Dogs who are well-socialized are less likely to feel threatened or scared by new or unfamiliar situations, which can reduce nighttime anxiety.
Also, by exposing your furry friend to different environments and experiences during the day, they will become more accustomed to changes and less likely to be startled during the time night.
Behavioral Training
Whether you have some bigger plans for your dog such as making them your companion animal or service dog, or not, proper training is highly recommended!
Have you heard of positive reinforcement, desensitization and counter-conditioning? If you regularly read our articles, you might have already been familiar with these terms. However, we will clarify them again for all of you who are still learning about dog training.
Desensitization means gradual exposure to stimuli by starting a very low level of intensity. In the context of nighttime anxiety, you should first identify the cause of the anxiety and then expose your furry friend to it.
For example, if darkness is the issue, you should start by gradually reducing the brightness for several days or weeks until your dog starts feeling comfortable in spaces with reduced light.
If your paw friend is anxious because they don’t like being alone at night, you can desensitize them by leaving them alone for short periods during the day when they are less likely to be anxious. Gradually increase the duration of time they are left alone as they become more comfortable.
If unfamiliar nighttime noises are the trigger, you can desensitize your dog by playing recordings of these sounds at a low volume during the day, gradually increasing the volume as they get used to the sounds.
Counter-conditioning is related to changing the dog’s attitude towards stimuli, usually by using positive reinforcement. Simply put, you should reward your dog for being calm in the presence of the stimuli. It is crucial to not give them a reward if they are anxious or stressed to calm them down, as this will have the opposite effect- it will only reinforce the negative association.
Timing is crucial, so make sure to give your canine a reward right after they have exhibited the wanted behavior, not before that and not too long after that.
When it comes to reward — you should ensure you are giving your paw friend the reward that will have the biggest effect. Most dogs are treat-motivated, so finding the most delicious treat for your paw companion, and using it as a reward, can make wonders! Such treats (treats of a high-value) are usually chicken/turkey bits or anything the dog likes a lot! They are given for a great performance or for executing a difficult task, especially in an environment with a lot of distractions.
As your canine progresses and can display the wanted behavior reliably, treats of a high-value are gradually phased out.
If your furry friend is picky and not food-motivated, you should find out what their biggest motivator is— this could be a toy, encouraging praise, or sign of affection like petting and hugging.
Behavioral management and training play a crucial role in shaping a dog’s behavior and helping them overcome fear and anxiety triggers.
Using Calming Aids
Under calming aids we understand a lot of things including pheromone diffusers, calming sprays, anxiety wraps, playing calming music and giving your dog a good massage for relaxation!
Consult a Veterinarian
You should never neglect your dog’s health so if you have any concerns about a potential underlying health issue, please contact a veterinarian immediately.
They can do a thorough examination to exclude or confirm the presence of a health problem, and guide you in the right direction in terms of treatment and medication.
You should not forget to bring your paw family member for annual check-ups and keep them up-to-date with all the necessary vaccinations.
