How to calm an anxious dog at night?

Dogs' anxiety at night may manifest in pacing, whimpering, or shivering in a corner. Each action is like a heavy hammer, hitting our hearts hard. We are eager to know how to dispel the anxiety of our beloved dogs in this long dark night and let them sleep peacefully. ​

There are many reasons why dogs become anxious at night. For some dogs, unfamiliar environments are like monsters with bared fangs and claws, making them full of anxiety. When new members join the family or move to a new residence, everything around becomes unfamiliar. Dogs will be particularly sensitive at night. They don't know how to deal with this uncertainty, and anxiety follows. For some dogs, separation anxiety from their owners is infinitely magnified at night. After a busy day, the owner rests at night and cannot always be by their side. The dog will feel abandoned, and the loneliness and anxiety in his heart will become stronger. In addition, some sudden noises, such as thunder at night and car horns, are particularly harsh in the silent night. For dogs with keen hearing, these noises are like terrorist attacks, instantly breaking their inner peace and causing anxiety to break out. ​

When we notice the anxiety of dogs at night, we should first give them gentle company. Gently walk to the dog, squat down, and call its name in a gentle tone to let it know that the owner is by its side and it doesn't need to be afraid. Then, gently stroke its head and back, and slowly move your palm along the direction of hair growth, as if giving it a warm and reassuring power. This kind of caressing can stimulate the dog's nervous system and prompt it to secrete endorphins, thereby relieving tension and anxiety. While caressing, talk to it in a soft voice. Although the dog may not understand our language, the gentle tone can make it feel comforted, as if telling it: "Baby, don't be afraid, I'm here with you." ​

Creating a comfortable and quiet sleeping environment is essential to soothing anxious dogs. Prepare a warm and soft doghouse for your dog, and place it in a quiet, dark and windproof corner, preferably close to the owner's bedroom, so that the dog can vaguely feel the owner's breath and gain a sense of security. You can put old towels or blankets familiar to the dog in the doghouse. These items have the dog's own smell, like a warm embrace, making it feel like returning to its own little world. If the surrounding environment is noisy, you can consider using a white noise machine to play some soft and soothing sounds, such as the sound of waves, raindrops or soft music. These sounds can cover up the noise from the outside world, create a quiet atmosphere for the dog, and help it relax. ​

Daily regular work and rest can also effectively reduce the dog's anxiety at night. Take the dog out for a walk and play at a fixed time every day, so that it has enough exercise and consumes excess energy. Exercise can not only make the dog's body healthier, but also give it a sense of satisfaction and relaxation mentally. Reasonably arrange the dog's eating time. Dinner should not be eaten too late or too much to avoid affecting sleep at night due to gastrointestinal discomfort. A regular rhythm of life can make the dog's biological clock more stable, so that it knows when to play and when to rest, thereby reducing restlessness at night. ​

Some auxiliary tools can also play a role in soothing anxious dogs. There are soothing toys designed specifically for dogs on the market, such as plush toys filled with natural soothing plants such as lavender. The aroma of lavender can have a calming effect. When dogs play or fall asleep with toys, they can feel the soothing breath and gradually calm down. There is also a toy that imitates the heartbeat of a mother dog. For puppies, this familiar heartbeat can evoke their sense of security when they are with their mother dog, thereby reducing anxiety. ​

In the process of soothing anxious dogs at night, our patience is invaluable. This is not something that can be achieved overnight. It may take multiple attempts at different methods, or it may take days or even weeks for the dog to gradually overcome its anxiety at night. Every time the dog calms down a little because of our comfort, it is a small victory; every time the dog can fall asleep peacefully due to our efforts, it is the best reward for our efforts. ​

Dogs are the most loyal companions in our lives. They give us all their love without reservation. When they are troubled by anxiety at night, we have the responsibility to use our love and patience to dispel the darkness and bring them light. Let us become the warm beacon in the dog's heart every night, leading them out of the fog of anxiety and into sweet dreams.