Anxiety in dogs is a very common problem that can be triggered by a variety of situations, but are dogs afraid of the dark? According to the Blue Cross, it's not common for dogs to be afraid of the dark, especially because their night vision is much sharper than ours.
You'll know your dog is afraid of the dark if he tucks his tail between his legs once the lights go off. You may also notice quick pacing and a lot of sniffing. If you leave your dog alone in the dark, a scared dog may tear up things he knows he is not supposed to.
One concern about leaving lights on is disrupting the dogs sleeping pattern. Wolves are the ancestors of the domesticated dog, which were of course nocturnal. This means that lights shouldn't stop your dog from being able to sleep, but it might be an idea to consider leaving some of the house in darkness for them.
For instance, dogs have very sensitive hearing, and as a result, they can become easily restless at night from loud noises. Thunderstorms and fireworks are several examples of loud noises that are known to exacerbate a dog's anxiety. Exposure to different environments may also cause them to be fearful.
All this said, it's best not to leave your dog alone in the dark, especially not for extended periods of time. As discussed above, while they can see okay in low light, complete darkness is the same for them as it is for us – except that we can choose to turn the lights on when we need to move around, and they can't!
According to Animal Planet, dogs can see in the dark better (although differently) than humans. So it might seem strange that a dog would become anxious by darkness. However, the dark might worsen vision for dogs who are already experiencing vision problems.
It could make them feel distressed. Here's why... Dogs feel most unsettled when left home alone in the bedroom, with new research discovering it increases their heart rate by a whopping 47.2%.
Anxiety in dogs is a very common problem that can be triggered by a variety of situations, but are dogs afraid of the dark? According to the Blue Cross, it's not common for dogs to be afraid of the dark, especially because their night vision is much sharper than ours.
This behavior can also exist at night while the pet owners are home and ready to go to bed. This dog separation at night is not prevelant in most cases of separation anxiety, but it does exist and can pose just as much of a challenge to a working family.
The dog breeds that are more likely to have this problem are the German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and German Shorthaired Pointer.
It is instinctive for them to feel safe when in close proximity to their pack. Once you bring a dog into your home, you become part of their pack. They enjoy sleeping with you because it makes them feel safe and comfortable. Sleeping together gives dogs an emotional connection to their owners.
However, allowing your dog to sleep in your bed may encourage a problem that's already there. For example, sleeping in bed with you can reduce anxiety in dogs, but can also exacerbate separation anxiety in the long term as your dog becomes used to having you as support every night.
Maybe you have come home late from work and forgot to leave on a light for your pooch, only to find that your house is pitch black inside. Although it may depend on the dog and just how dark it actually is in your house, dogs can indeed see with the lights off and have better vision in the dark than humans do.
Because they are social animals, dogs hate being left alone. The most common of dog fears is separation anxiety. There are always exceptions to the rule, but for the most part, a dog wants to be with her pack, be it you, your family, another dog, a cat, or even a bird.
Each fear period will last roughly 2-3 weeks. The first fear period occurs relatively early in a dog's life, when puppies are between 8-11 weeks old. The second fear period, which also lasts roughly 2-3 weeks, will occur less predictably between the ages of 6-14 months.
Dogs, like most mammals, have a circadian rhythm, an internal sense that tells them when to sleep or when to be active. Perhaps it's their bodies, though not their minds, that can detect roughly what time it is.
Dogs tend to spend as much as half of their days asleep, 30 percent awake but relaxing, and just 20 percent being active. Older dogs require more sleep just because they tire out more easily and, as a general rule, bigger breeds also spend more time dozing.
Dogs likely feel comforted when they can sleep close to their favorite humans, and similarly you might benefit from being close to your dog at night. A crate or dog bed somewhere in your bedroom is probably the perfect spot for your dog to sleep.
Dogs notoriously love their blankets. Whether it's at home or on the road, it gives them a place to snuggle up and be comfortable. No matter your lifestyle, this is an easy investment that every pet owner can make to improve the quality of life for their animal.
Dogs love having different options for sleeping. Their favorite sleeping spaces typically include your bed, their bed, furniture, and, surprisingly, the floor.
That is because dogs can see quite well in the dark or in low-light situations, even though they can't see the entire color spectrum that humans can see. If you see your dog staring, barking, or wagging at something in a dark room, that is a good indication that they are seeing something even in the darkness.
If your dog does this, it means they trust you. And, if they keep their bum toward your face, it shows that you make them feel safe. Your dog also wants to keep you safe and secure, which is why they plant their rumps where they do. This allows them to monitor the entire room and be ready for action if it's warranted.
Many dogs choose a sleeping spot based on the fact that it smells like their owner, aka the pack leader. If this is your bed with you, great! If not, they'll choose a spot with your scent for the next best thing.
Depressed dogs may show symptoms such as a lack of interest in activities, loss of appetite, increased irritability, and unusually clingy or needy behavior. You can help improve your dog's mood by giving them plenty of exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation.