Are Dogs Afraid of the Dark?
www.rover.com - from their Blog, some nice articles for you to have a look at
www.rover.com - from their Blog, some nice articles for you to have a look at
There are plenty of stories out there about kids being afraid of the dark. After all, that’s when the Boogeyman, ghosts, and other monsters emerge! But what about our four-legged friends? Are dogs afraid of the dark, too? Turns out, the answer can be ‘yes.’ Though a fear of the dark isn’t super-common in dogs, it does sometimes occur.
Why Are Dogs Afraid of the Dark?When encountering dark backyards, late-night walks, or a shadowy room, some dogs get anxious. They might avoid these areas, and even hurt themselves trying to escape them in the dark. Signs of dog anxiety include:
Rather, your dog’s seeming fear of the dark is likely more about being on high alert as their heightened sense of smell and keen hearing kick in. The world at night can seem full of hidden threats and dangers in the form of strange smells, sounds, and movements.
It’s also possible that dogs who seem scared of the dark actually suffer from separation anxiety. This is a fairly common occurrence when dogs who fear being separated from their humans become distraught and destructive when left alone.
That Darn Good Doggie VisionWhen it comes to low-light situations, dogs have much better vision than we do. This is because dogs have a special structure in the back of their eyes called the tapetum, which reflects more light into the retina, making their sight excellent even in dim situations.
So for dogs, the smallest night light, streetlight, or even the moon can help illuminate the darkness. However, anywhere that’s absolutely pitch-dark (such as an interior room with no light source) would limit a dog’s vision significantly. In these cases, dogs are as vulnerable as we are since there’s no light for their tapetum to amplify.
Helping Dogs Overcome Their Fear of the Dark
Worried that your pup might be afraid of the dark? Before jumping to conclusions, it’s wise to make sure nothing else is going on with their vision.
Especially if the fear seems to have come out of nowhere, you’ll want to have their eyesight checked. From cataract formation to glaucoma, canine vision problems are serious conditions that need to be addressed by a medical professional.
If you’ve taken Fido to the vet and ruled out any health problems, there are a few other steps you can take. One of the best things to do? Train them to realize that the dark isn’t actually scary.
It is possible to teach any dog new tricks—or to 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 belly—make it a fun place to be and they’ll eventually stop being so scared.
Once they seem ready, head outside. Again, high-value treats and patience will be your best friends in this process.
To help your dog with nighttime anxiety, consider moving their crate or bed into a designated dog-safe area of your bedroom if they don’t already join you there. If this isn’t desirable or possible, add a night light to their usual sleeping space, along with plenty of comforts.
If your dog suffers from true separation anxiety, you may need extra support from a trainer or canine behaviorist. You can read more about canine separation anxiety here.
Light-Up Collars and Leashes for Comfort and Safety
In addition to adding a simple night light in 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. Many pet parents report loving them on camping trips—and others have noted they work well for indoor-outdoor cats.
A light-up leash or collar isn’t likely to eliminate your dog’s fear of the dark, but it can be a helpful tool in conjunction with training.
Why Are Dogs Afraid of the Dark?When encountering dark backyards, late-night walks, or a shadowy room, some dogs get anxious. They might avoid these areas, and even hurt themselves trying to escape them in the dark. Signs of dog anxiety include:
- Drooling
- Restless pacing
- Whimpering
- Barking
- Potty accidents
Rather, your dog’s seeming fear of the dark is likely more about being on high alert as their heightened sense of smell and keen hearing kick in. The world at night can seem full of hidden threats and dangers in the form of strange smells, sounds, and movements.
It’s also possible that dogs who seem scared of the dark actually suffer from separation anxiety. This is a fairly common occurrence when dogs who fear being separated from their humans become distraught and destructive when left alone.
That Darn Good Doggie VisionWhen it comes to low-light situations, dogs have much better vision than we do. This is because dogs have a special structure in the back of their eyes called the tapetum, which reflects more light into the retina, making their sight excellent even in dim situations.
So for dogs, the smallest night light, streetlight, or even the moon can help illuminate the darkness. However, anywhere that’s absolutely pitch-dark (such as an interior room with no light source) would limit a dog’s vision significantly. In these cases, dogs are as vulnerable as we are since there’s no light for their tapetum to amplify.
Helping Dogs Overcome Their Fear of the Dark
Worried that your pup might be afraid of the dark? Before jumping to conclusions, it’s wise to make sure nothing else is going on with their vision.
Especially if the fear seems to have come out of nowhere, you’ll want to have their eyesight checked. From cataract formation to glaucoma, canine vision problems are serious conditions that need to be addressed by a medical professional.
If you’ve taken Fido to the vet and ruled out any health problems, there are a few other steps you can take. One of the best things to do? Train them to realize that the dark isn’t actually scary.
- Expose your dog gradually to the darkness with plenty of treats and praise
- Take it a few minutes at a time
- Respond to your dog’s cues; let them go at their own pace
It is possible to teach any dog new tricks—or to 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 belly—make it a fun place to be and they’ll eventually stop being so scared.
Once they seem ready, head outside. Again, high-value treats and patience will be your best friends in this process.
To help your dog with nighttime anxiety, consider moving their crate or bed into a designated dog-safe area of your bedroom if they don’t already join you there. If this isn’t desirable or possible, add a night light to their usual sleeping space, along with plenty of comforts.
If your dog suffers from true separation anxiety, you may need extra support from a trainer or canine behaviorist. You can read more about canine separation anxiety here.
Light-Up Collars and Leashes for Comfort and Safety
In addition to adding a simple night light in 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. Many pet parents report loving them on camping trips—and others have noted they work well for indoor-outdoor cats.
A light-up leash or collar isn’t likely to eliminate your dog’s fear of the dark, but it can be a helpful tool in conjunction with training.