Have a pup that can’t help but belt out some late-night barks, keeping you up all night? You’re not the only one losing sleep from your dog’s little serenades—it’s more common than you might think.
Luckily, we've got the lowdown on silencing those pesky midnight woofs and restoring harmony to your slumber. Keep reading to learn more!
Unlocking the Mystery: Why Do They Bark At Night?
Let's start with the basics: why is your pup turning into a nighttime crooner? Understanding the root source of your pup’s barking is the key to helping them (and you) get the sleep you both deserve. [3]
- Alerting Instinct: Pups all have a natural knack for sensing trouble. At night it’s harder for them to see, so they may rely more on their sense of hearing or smell to detect anything out of place. If they hear unfamiliar sounds or detect unfamiliar scents, your dog may bark to alert you.
- Protection: Afraid of the dark? Your pup might be, too. Dogs often perceive the night as a time of heightened vulnerability, as darkness can provide cover for predators. Barking can be a way for dogs to establish territory and ward off threats, whether real or imagined. It’s their way of saying, “This is my turf!”
- Midnight Blues: Your pup might just need a good snuggle! Some dogs bark at night out of loneliness or anxiety, especially if they're left alone for extended periods or if they're not accustomed to being separated from their owners at night. Because of this, barking may be a way for your dog to seek comfort and extra lovin’ from you.
- Boredom: Your doggo might be feeling the grip of boredom. Dogs that are not exercised or mentally stimulated enough during the day may become restless at night, leading to barking as a form of release or entertainment.
- Health Check: In some cases, excessive barking at night could be a sign of underlying medical issues, such as pain, discomfort, or cognitive dysfunction.
- Environmental Stimuli: Various environmental factors, such as a loudly cooing owl, the sneaky neighborhood cat, or even just changes in weather patterns, can trigger a dog's barking behavior at night.
Vet to the Rescue!
When in doubt, consult the pros. Your vet isn't just there for regular check-ups and vaccinations; they're your partners in keeping your pet happy and healthy. If your pooch is barking up a storm at night, a visit to the vet can help rule out any underlying medical issues and provide valuable insights into behavioral solutions.
Chill Pup 101: Unleash Your Anxious Dog's Inner Zen
We've done the research for you. Below are a few proven tricks to calm your jittery, melodic mutt, whether it's high noon or moonlit hours, so you can both catch those much-needed zzzs.
1. Create a Comfy Sleep Spot
Start by setting up a snug bed or mat in a quiet spot away from the hustle and bustle of your home. Add some fluffy blankets or pillows for extra cuddle vibes. Want to up the relaxation game? Introduce calming scents like lavender or chamomile, or mask noises with a white noise machine. By providing a comfortable and quiet sleep spot, you can reduce any potential discomfort that might be causing your dog to bark at night.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different types of bedding to find what your dog prefers—some dogs might like soft blankets while others prefer firmer mattresses.
2. Exercise Their Noggins
Keep your pup's brain busy with interactive toys or puzzle feeders in the daytime or right before winding them down for the night. These gadgets not only entertain but also tire out their minds (hello mental stimulation!), leading to deeper sleep.
Pro Tip: Rotate toys regularly to keep them engaging and stimulating for your pup. You can also incorporate training sessions into playtime to provide mental challenges.
3. Sniff Out Hidden Stressors
Check your pup's sleep zone for any discomforts, like drafts or worn-out bedding that’s on its last leg. Is there a window nearby they can peep out of at night? Consider getting some blinds or black-out curtains so your pup can’t go on midnight neighborhood patrol when they should be sleeping. As we mentioned above, investing in a comfy doggy cushion to keep them cozy and content is always a good idea. Eliminating triggers or stressors can help your pup feel more secure and relaxed during bedtime.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to your dog's body language to identify any signs of discomfort or stress in their sleep area, such as excessive panting, frequent nose or lip licking, or lots of yawning.
4. Get Them Moving
Mental stimulation isn’t the only way to tire your pup out. Burn off that excess zoomy energy with plenty of walks and playtime. Whether it's a game of fetch or some agility training, keeping them active during the day helps them settle down more easily at night.
Pro Tip: Incorporate different types of physical activities to keep your dog engaged and prevent boredom. Consider alternating between indoor and outdoor activities to provide variety.
5. Stick to a Routine
Establish a bedtime routine to signal your pup that it's time to wind down. Start with a calming activity, then follow it up with a predictable sequence like feeding and cuddling. Dim the lights and play some soft tunes for added relaxation.
Pro Tip: Consistency is key—stick to it every night. Avoid stimulating activities close to bedtime and focus on calming rituals that won’t rile your pup up to play.
6. Be Patient
Breaking habits takes time, so be patient as you work on curbing any nighttime barking. Stay consistent with your training and reward good behavior. Punishment won't help, but positive reinforcement will get you both closer to those peaceful nights.
Pro Tip: Celebrate small victories along the way and remember that progress is often slow. Stay calm and composed during training sessions to avoid escalating your dog's anxiety.
7. A Little Extra TLC
Sometimes, our furry friends need extra nutritional support to calm their nerves. Enter PupGrade Anxiety Chews. Packed with powerful ingredients like organic chamomile, ginger, passion flower, and valerian root, they work wonders in soothing anxious pups.
So, the next time your fur baby's nighttime antics have you reaching for earplugs, remember: a little PupGrade and a whole lotta’ puppy love go a long way in restoring peace to your nights and ensuring your pup's serenades are saved for daytime play.
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Dim the lights, tuck yourself in, and drift off into dreamland, knowing that your pup is by your side, content and calm. Here's to peaceful nights and wagging tails!
Resources:
- Callaway, James, et al. Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis. Jour Dermatological Treatment. 2005. 16: 87-94. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16019622/
- Taylor, S., & Madden, J. (2016). The Effect of Pet Remedy on the Behaviour of the Domestic Dog (Canis familiaris). Animals: an open access journal from MDPI, 6(11), 64. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani6110064
- Sandy Exkstein, Amy Flowers, DVM (2023). Why Dogs Bark and Curbing Excessive Barking. WebMD, Pets. https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/understanding-why-dogs-bark
