Canine Anxiety in the Dark

by Gloria F. freelancer

Canine Anxiety in the Dark

Dogs are such sweet creatures and love humans so much. When we go to bed by switching off the lights, they howl and cry. Is it because of the darkness? There are many questions that dog keepers want to clear related to the association of dogs with darkness.

A fear of darkness, called achluophobia, has been documented among humans for decades. Researchers, as early as Sigmund Freud, linked it to separation anxiety in humans.

Indeed, anxiety disorders are diagnosed and treated in dogs regularly, but before you decide that your dog has achluophobia, you will want to be sure that he is experiencing fear and that medical reasons for his concern have been ruled out.

Here we discuss some critical questions in this regard with some logic and reasons.

ARE DOGS AFRAID OF DARKNESS?

This is a little bit confusing and a commonly asked question. Based upon my experience, I would like to clear it that dogs aren't afraid of the dark since they can see far better in darkness than humans. Additionally, this should be remembered that different breeds of dogs respond differently tonight.

IS THERE POSSIBILITY THAT DARKNESS TRIGGER FEAR AND ANXIETY IN DOGS?

Dogs are smart animals; they quickly apprehend the coming dangers, strange movements, and sense noise more sensitively than humans during night time/darkness.

Still, there is a possibility that your dog can show signs of fear and anxiety in darkness. It is also pretty clear that dogs quickly become stressed and anxious and start responding to external stimuli. Night can be one of the external factors/incentives that can make your dog frightened and worried.

According to studies, darkness can't be listed on top, as this is not very common to make your dog frightful. Anxiety and fear may be due to other factors that can be misconstrued with darkness by the owners.

IMPORTANT SIGNS OF FEAR AND ANXIETY

These are some common signs of anxiety and fear in dogs, which can help evaluate and treat these conditions in your beloved dogs. All along that, these signs can indicate that your dog may be scared of darkness.

Trying to escape from the darkness/darkened area.
Excessive salivation
Drooling, Whining, Shaking, Cowering, Chewing, Scratching, and barking.
Closed posture and howling
Potty accidents

WHY MIGHT DOGS SEEM THAT THEY ARE AFRAID OF DARKNESS?

Many dog owners complain about that. Their dogs show unusual behavior in the dark places/ darkness or when left alone in the night, and they struggle to leave the darkened area.

As discussed above, it is noteworthy that darkness is the least common factor that induces fear in dogs. Several other conditions are associated with it.

EYESIGHT

Eyesight impairment (troubles) can be why your dog starts scarring from the darkness. Dogs can see well even in dim lights during nighttime because of a unique anatomical structure in their eyes, which is called the tapetum. It helps in reflecting more light to the retina, which makes them see better even in dim or low light situations.

Any issue with your dog's eye can predispose darkness fear/anxiety in them. Consult your veterinarian or animal ophthalmologist to get your dog's eye checked.

SEPARATION ANXIETY

Another most significant reason for darkness fear is separation from their owner. Dogs show much affection and attachment with their owners. When you leave your dog buddy in a dark or alone area or go to your bedroom by switching off the lights, your dog starts getting frightened/anxious, just because he doesn't want to be separated. This logic can be very beneficial to figure out the reasons for farsightedness in their dogs.

ANY DANGER /UNUSUAL HAPPENING

Dogs can quickly get an idea of unknown danger or any weird disastrous event happening around them. Due to this, they can show signs of fear and anxiety, especially in darkened or isolated areas.

CAN A PREVIOUS BAD EXPERIENCE OR CONFINED SPACE LEAD TO DARKNESS FEAR IN DOG?

Any previous negative experience is another crucial factor that is involved in the darkness of fear. Dogs are intelligent animals, and they remember anything terrible happened to them in the past. If anything, ridiculous or frightening occurred with them in darkness, they would show fear and anxiety in darkened areas/night.

So, any past lousy experience can also be a significant contributing factor in making dogs afraid of darkness.

Secondly, if you confine a dog to a closed space with no dim light source, their tapetum will not work correctly. This will all limit your dog's eyesight, and ultimately, will start showing signs of frightfulness and anxiety.

WHAT IS THE ASSOCIATION OF DARKNESS WITH STORMS?

Dogs respond quickly and suddenly to noises. Noise phobia is widespread, which makes your dog frightful and panic. Thunderstorms are a type of noise phobia to which your dog mostly gets exposed.

Remember, Storms and darkness are closely related to each other, and both together can affect your dog's behavior and overall well-being.

It is advisable to adopt a holistic approach to deal with these two phobias together by using various storm defender products, pheromones, and antidepressants.

WHICH BREEDS OF DOG ARE COMMONLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO NIGHTTIME ANXIETY?

Darkness fear and nighttime anxiety also depend upon temperament and breed of dogs. But here, according to my field experience, I would like to enlist some common kinds which are more prone to it.

Labrador retriever
Border Collie
Shorthair Pointer
Cocker Spaniel
Bichon Frise
King Charles Spaniel
Vizsla

IF YOUR DOG TENDS TO GET ANXIOUS IN DARK/NIGHT-TIME, WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP HIM?

I would like to share some essential strategies and tactics to soothe your dog if he is suffering from darkness/night time anxiety.

Train your dog gradually to darkness by giving him treats and exposing him to positive experiences. Also, remember that you should feed no more than 5% of your puppy’s daily calories from treats according to these recommendations. Remember, positive experiences/events will encourage him to stay calm in the shade.

● Along with adding a pure night light in your dog's sleeping area, using LED and reflective dog products may reduce your dog's anxiety when walking. They also improve visibility in case your dog slips away.

A light-up leash or collar isn't likely to eliminate your dog's fear of the dark, but it can be helpful in conjunction with training. Try to lighten all the dark areas of your house.

● Consider moving their crate or bed into a designated dog-safe area of your bedroom to help your dog with nighttime anxiety if they don't already join you there. If this isn't desirable or possible, add a night light to their usual sleeping space and plenty of comforts.

● It is possible to teach any dog new tricks or help them get over a frustrating phobia. If night walks are a source of stress, take it slowly. Before you take your dog outside at night, try hanging out with them in dim lighting indoors. Play, give them snacks, scratch their bellies, and make it a fun place, and they'll eventually stop being so scared.

● If your dog has any vision problem or underlying medical condition or separation anxiety, it is recommended to consult with your veterinarian or animal behaviorist. They can suggest a better plan to deal with the darkness, anxiety, or fear in your dogs.