There are plenty of stories out there about kids being afraid of the dark, but what about our four-legged friends? It’s more accurate to say your dog is reactive, not afraid, of what they think they see or hear in the dark rather than being afraid of the darkness itself.
Depending on when you notice your dog’s anxious behaviour, you may be able to trace the cause of your dog’s nighttime anxiety. However, if this behaviour has suddenly appeared, you may want to contact a vet first. Even though dogs can see better than humans in the dark, vision loss, especially in senior dogs, can contribute to your dog’s fear.
Below, we’ll cover whether dogs can be afraid of the dark, other causes of anxiety that can cause similar responses, and eyesight or other medical issues that may need treatment.
Signs Your Dog Is Afraid of the Dark
The symptoms of fear in your dog will present similarly to signs of general anxiety in dogs:
- drooling
- restless pacing
- whimpering
- barking
- toilet accidents
If you notice these signs in your dog when the lights go off or when the sun goes down, this may be a sign your dog is anxious or afraid of the dark.
Why Your Dog Might Be Afraid of the Dark
1. Their eyesight is getting worse
Dr Jules Benson, vice president of pet health and chief veterinary officer at Nationwide Pet Insurance, says senior dogs are likelier to fear the dark as their eyesight and temperament change. Older dogs often have worse vision, but research also shows they have more difficulty transitioning from one lighting environment to another. Another 2016 study suggests that as dogs age, they become more nearsighted.
2. They have separation anxiety
Dogs are very good at pairing events together. Your dog’s fear of the dark could have manifested from their separation anxiety, where they have begun associating being alone with being in the dark.
This fear could happen because they are alone when the sun goes down (as you may not get back home until after) or because the lights are off when they are alone.
3. They have traumatic experiences in the dark
Traumatic experiences that happen in the dark can have a lasting impression on a young dog.
Here are examples of traumatic incidents that can shape your dog’s nighttime experience:
- Dogs who grew up in dark spaces or were forced into small dark spaces as punishment may show anxiety when placed in similar situations again.
- If your dog is afraid of fireworks, you may notice a fear period when the sun goes down, as they anticipate loud booms and piercing noises.
- Dogs who were attacked during a night walk may refuse to walk after sunset but be fine during the day.
4. They have canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD)
Cognitive decline in older dogs is a progressive disorder affecting a dog’s sleep patterns, behaviour, and anxiety. The symptoms of doggy dementia can appear very similar to signs of anxiety in dogs, which is why it’s important to take older dogs to the vet whenever you suspect a health issue.
5. They’re afraid of a nighttime sound
While rare but possible, your dog may be afraid of a sound that an electronic device emits at night. Since dogs have heightened hearing in terms of volume, pitch, and frequency, a device that only turns on at night could be affecting your dog.
If you—or a neighbour—recently installed a new device, try turning it on and off with your dog nearby to see if it’s the source.
6. They’re reacting with heightened senses
Dogs are better at seeing, hearing, and smelling in the dark than humans. In fact, Dr Benson says their low-light vision is far superior to ours. While our fear of the dark may be related to our fear of the unknown, dogs may react to their environment. This is especially true of young dogs and dogs who have moved into a new house or living environment.
Keep in mind that their pacing or barking may not be a sign of anxiety but of alertness. They could be curious about what’s outside or letting other creatures know to back away. You may not be able to determine this right away, but by observing your dog over time, you’ll be able to isolate whether they are acting out of fear or defence.
iStock/Kerkez
How to Help a Dog Who Is Afraid of the Dark
1. See a vet
Before jumping to conclusions, ensure that nothing else is happening with your dog’s vision. Here are some common vision problems in adult and senior dogs:
- cataracts
- glaucoma
- dry eyes
- injury
- red eyes
- infections
Since canine vision problems are serious conditions, your best action is to contact your dog’s primary vet for a check-up.
2. Pair positive experiences with exposure
To train your dog so they realise that the dark isn’t actually scary, you’ll need treats and time. For example, head to the basement or a place where you can stimulate darkness. Toss treats and play ‘find it’ in the dark or in the room with which they associate darkness.
This training will help build positive associations with the environment and lighting situation.
3. Take desensitisation training slowly
Teaching dogs new tricks or helping them overcome a frustrating phobia is possible. If night walks are a source of stress, take it slow.
Before you take your dog outside at night, hang out with them indoors in dim lighting. This slow method is also effective for training separation anxiety.
4. Consider moving their safe space
To help your dog with nighttime anxiety, consider moving their crate or bed into a designated dog-safe area of your bedroom. If this isn’t desirable or possible, add a night light and plenty of comforts to their usual sleeping space.
5. Check electronic devices around your house and neighbourhood
Recent research has found that many common household appliances generate noises that scare dogs. If you recently installed one of these new devices, you may want to check if your dog is reacting negatively to them:
- smoke alarms or detectors
- microwave
- automated vacuum cleaners
- carbon monoxide reader
6. Light up gear for outdoor walks
Besides adding a night light to your dog’s sleeping area, using LED and reflective dog products may reduce your dog’s anxiety when walking at night. They also improve visibility in case your dog slips away.
A light-up leash or reflective dog collar isn’t likely to eliminate your dog’s fear of the dark, but it can be a helpful tool alongside training.
7. Make nighttime cosier for your dog
When your dog is scared of the dark because of environmental causes, there are a few things you can do to make their environment less scary:
- Use dog steps to make it easier for senior dogs to climb on and off couches
- Plug in a nightlight for them in rooms they use
- Try to keep a clutter-free environment and put away their toys after use, so they don’t trip on things
- Don’t leave them alone at night, especially outside, until you know the source of their fear
Takeaway
Whether your dog exhibits fear in pitch darkness, when lights dim, or when lights are switched off, it will be helpful to figure out how to make them feel safe. Here are some products that may be able to address some of your dog’s anxiety.
- pheromone diffusers
- calming treats
- calming collars
- night lights
Other times, you will need to visit a vet for a professional diagnosis or extended medical help. When you visit the vet, give context for what happened before, during, and after your dog’s behavioural changes. Then, they will help them devise the right solution for you and your dog.
