Is your pup getting stressed after dark? This post is here to help. We’re yapping about the causes of dog anxiety at night and the best methods for promoting calm at bedtime. Time to swap midnight stress for sweet and fluffy dreams!
Signs that your dog gets anxious at night
By its very definition, dog anxiety at night happens, well, at night. And in many cases, the feeling arises only after we humans have gone to bed. That means it’s not always obvious to us if our dog gets anxious at night. Especially if you’re a heavy sleeper! However, if you observe a nervous dog after dark, you might see symptoms like:
-
Pacing
-
Frequently changing positions
-
Whining, whimpering, or barking at night
-
Organic Ashwagandha Powder
-
Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder
-
-
Trembling or shivering when it’s not cold
-
Drooling or panting when it’s not hot
If your dog gets anxious at night, you may well spot signs of it in the morning too. These include toilet accidents inside the house and evidence of destructive behaviour like chewing furniture or scratching at doors. Conversely, you could find that your pup is clingy before you go to bed or even hides away.
Because a dog anxious at night won’t sleep well, they might also show signs of being tired or overtired. For example:
-
Irritability or grumpiness
-
Trouble focusing or following commands
-
Excessive yawning
-
Sleeping more during the day
-
Lethargy
-
Loss of interest in walks
The number and severity of the symptoms your pooch experiences will vary depending on the extent of their nighttime anxiety. They often also differ according to the underlying cause of your mutt’s nervousness. This could help you discover the reason your dog gets anxious at night. And once you know that, you can figure out the best way to support them. So, let’s start with the first question: why is my dog anxious at night?
Why does my dog have anxiety at night?
Lots of things can make your dog anxious at night. Some are purely psychological, while others are more physical. Dog anxiety at night could also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Here’s a quick overview of some of the most common causes:
Psychological reasons for anxiety in dogs at night
If your dog gets anxious at night but not during the day, it may be because of something specific that happens – or doesn’t happen – after dark.
For example, our homes are usually much quieter at nighttime. Without as many noises and distractions, our pets become more attuned to sounds outside the house. This could be passing traffic, your neighbours, or other animals snuffling around the garden. And because pups have sharper hearing than we do, you might not even be aware of these sounds. Then there are those strange noises inside the home, like the boiler switching on or the floorboards creaking. Any of these could trigger an incidence of dog anxiety at night.
It’s rare for dogs to be afraid of the dark itself, because they have far better night vision than us. However, it’s possible for past trauma to cause pooches to associate the darkness with something scary or painful. If your pooch also avoids shadowy rooms, this may suggest they have a fear of the dark.
Another common explanation for dog anxiety at night is being on their own. Our pups are naturally social animals, and in the wild their ancestors would sleep together for warmth, safety, and comfort. So if your pet sleeps in a separate room to you, this could trigger feelings of loneliness and separation anxiety. Signs that indicate this is the issue include whining at the door that separates you and showing excessive excitement when they see you in the morning.
Medical reasons for anxiety in dogs at night
It’s possible that your dog gets anxious at night because of a flare-up in a physical health condition. For example, joint pain often worsens after your pooch goes to bed. Staying still for a long time leads to stiffness and reduced circulation, making it harder for pups to get comfortable. This is especially true if your house gets cold at nighttime. Likewise, digestive discomfort may become worse during the night because the digestive system slows down when pooches are less active. What’s more, the lack of distraction can make our mutts more aware of pain than they are during the day.
Perhaps the most common medical reason for dog anxiety at night is canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD).(1) Also called dog dementia, this is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans and makes senior pups confused and forgetful. These symptoms are often worse in the evening because of damage to the part of the brain that governs the sleep-wake cycle. In addition, the lack of stimulation and reduced sensory input can increase disorientation. This is especially true if their vision is also declining.
Periods of dog anxiety at night caused by CCD are called ‘sundowning’. As well as the symptoms discussed above, you may notice your pooch wandering aimlessly around the house. Other signs include forgetting where things like their food and water bowls are, and how to do tricks or obey commands they previously knew. Pups with CCD might also get stuck in corners or lost in familiar places.
How to reduce dog anxiety at night
Whatever the reason your dog gets anxious at night, there are steps you can take to help calm them down. So if your pup feels stressed out after dark, try implementing some of the following top tips:
1. Create a relaxing sleeping space
Ensuring your pooch has a cosy spot to snooze in is the first priority in tackling dog anxiety at night. For many nervous mutts, a partially enclosed space like an open crate covered with blankets is the best option. It can help muffle outside sounds, block out distracting lights, and provide animals with a sense of security and privacy. And popping in a blanket or other item that smells like you provides extra reassurance for pets with separation anxiety. Lots of pups also find cuddly toys a comforting addition to their bed.
If you think joint pain might be why your dog gets anxious at night, comfort is key. Make sure their bed is soft and supportive, and the room they sleep in is warm. Pet-safe heating pads can be an effective option, especially during winter.
Another way to help pups who get spooked by strange nocturnal noises is to mask those sounds with something less scary. For instance, you could leave calming music on overnight at a low volume or set up a white noise machine. Even closing the curtains and windows can make a difference. Along similar lines, try to put your pet’s bed in a quiet part of the house.
Although fear of the dark is rare in our furry friends, some dogs might find a warm, dim nightlight reassuring. This is particularly worth considering if your pooch has vision problems or canine cognitive dysfunction. Nightlights can also help puppies transition from sleeping with their litter to sleeping alone.
2. Stick to a consistent bedtime routine
Our canine companions love routine. Both change and unpredictability can contribute to dog anxiety at night, so a stable bedtime routine is key. And that doesn’t just mean your pooch going to sleep at the same time every day (though that is a big part of it)! You should also try to take your pup out for a toilet break shortly before bedtime each evening. This reduces the chance of them waking up because they need a wee and being too nervous to get back to sleep.
Another factor to consider is the time of their meals. If your mutt eats too close to bedtime, they’re more likely to be restless during the night. About three hours before bed is a good time to aim for. One exception to this is if your pooch gets acid reflux overnight, in which case a little snack right before they go to sleep should help. More generally, it’s best to give your pet two or three smaller meals a day rather than one large one.
There are also things you can do to signal to your dog that it’s time for bed. As an example, that could be bringing out a specific blanket or toy. And it’s sensible to stick to calm cuddles before bedtime, not high-energy games. Some people find chew toys to be useful doggy stress relievers too, so consider leaving one out overnight.
Of course, a little flexibility in your nightly routine is fine. However, the more consistent you can be, the more effective it is for preventing dog anxiety at night.
3. Prioritise walkies and playtime
Similar to us humans, mental and physical stimulation can be really helpful in reducing nocturnal anxiety in dogs. Because of this, you want to make exercise and games a priority for your pooch. Long walks and activities like playing fetch burn off excess energy, leaving your pet both tired and happy. This sets them up for a restful night’s sleep. Likewise, keeping your fluffy friend’s mind engaged is vital for their mental health.
If your pup currently only gets a walk in the morning, try to add one in the afternoon or evening if your schedule allows. This should stop them from getting restless at bedtime. Not sure what counts as mental stimulation for your canine companion? You could try puzzle feeders, teaching them different tricks, homemade agility courses, or exploring a new location. Even something as simple as rotating the toys you leave out for your pet to play with can help.
Another top tip is heading out on a ‘sniffari’. This is a walk where you allow your pup to set the pace and sniff all the smells they want. Research shows that sniffing can increase optimism in dogs and relieve anxiety by boosting levels of dopamine in their brain.(2) As a bonus, as well as decreasing dog anxiety at night, all these activities boost the bond between you and your pet.
4. Try calming supplements
Our final suggestion for reducing dog anxiety at night is using relaxation aids and supplements that have a calming effect. For example, you could try a diffuser that fills the room with a soothing fragrance. Studies suggest that lavender and chamomile can promote calm behaviour in dogs and help them relax.(3) Other products use synthetic pheromones to decrease stress.
One of the most promising supplements for alleviating stress and anxiety in animals is ashwagandha powder. Research has found that the herb can decrease cortisol levels and significantly reduce signs of anxiety and fear in dogs.(4) It could also help lessen pain and inflammation in pets with arthritis.(5) This makes it a good choice if joint pain is keeping your pooch up at night.
Another option is reishi mushroom powder. Like ashwagandha, this acts as an adaptogen, lessening the negative impact of stress on the mind and body. Studies have revealed that this fab fungi has an anti-insomnia effect and can increase sleep duration.(6)
We recommend consulting a vet before offering any functional foods to your pet. These plants are potent, so it’s important to check they’re suitable for your pup’s individual needs and health condition.
Should I see a vet if my dog gets anxious at night?
We mentioned that there are several medical issues that can cause dog anxiety at night. Because of this, it’s sensible to take your mutt to the vet if they’re experiencing it. This is especially important if the above tips aren’t helping. The vet will be able to check for conditions like CCD and offer you personalised advice on supporting your pooch.
The last woof on reducing anxiety in dogs at night
Lots of things can make a dog anxious at night, from scary sounds and loneliness to medical issues. But the good news is that there’s plenty you can do to calm them. The best tactics are to create a cosy sleep space and consistent bedtime routine, plus ensure your pup gets enough mental and physical exercise. Stress-busting plants like reishi, lavender, chamomile, and ashwagandha may also help promote relaxation in our precious pooches. With this approach, your whole household will be snoozing soundly before long!
