As a dog owner, it can be quite frustrating when your dog starts barking at night, disturbing your sleep and that of your neighbours. Nighttime barking can be caused by various factors, including physical illness and psychological issues. In this blog, we will discuss the possible reasons why dogs bark at night and the diseases associated with them.
At MaxVets Hospital, a leading veterinary clinic on Golf Course Road and in Palam Vihar, Gurugram, we recommend paying close attention to your dog’s behaviour and consulting with a veterinarian if you notice any unusual symptoms.
Possible Reasons for Nighttime Barking in Dogs
Seeking Attention: Dogs often bark at night when they are seeking attention from their owners. For example, if the family is busy during the day and there is no one at home, the dog may bark at night to get attention. Proper training can help manage this behaviour instead of scolding the dog.
Congenital Brain Disease: If your dog exhibits worrying changes in behaviour, such as occasional howling at night or being absent-minded during the day, there may be a possibility of brain disease such as hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a disease that causes an abnormal increase in cerebrospinal fluid inside the skull, causing pressure on the brain and damaging it. This can cause various symptoms, including nighttime barking.
Separation Anxiety: Dogs with separation anxiety feel extreme fear when separated from their owners and may develop behavioural problems such as constant barking, breaking furniture, and roughhousing.
Pain and Frustration: Nighttime barking may also be caused by pain, such as arthritis or injury, and itching, such as dermatitis.
Epileptic Seizures: Idiopathic epilepsy, which is common in adult dogs between the ages of 1 and 6 years old, can cause convulsions, loss of consciousness, and incontinence on top of nighttime barking.
Endocrine System Disorders: Dogs with endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism or hypoadrenocorticism may cry at night due to pain or discomfort.
Dementia: In senior dogs, night cries may be caused by dementia. Symptoms of dementia are similar to those of human dementia, such as getting lost, going in the wrong direction, losing track of family members, reversing day and night, and increasing toilet failure.
Symptoms to Watch Out for
If you notice any of the following symptoms in addition to nighttime crying, it is recommended to take your dog to a veterinarian for a check-up, as he might be ill.
Suddenly starts to yelp loudly like he was having a seizure in adult dogs 1-6 years old, it could be a seizure caused by epilepsy.
Different sizes of pupils: Your dog may have a congenital brain disease such as a brain tumour or hydrocephalus.
He is wobbly on his feet: There is a possibility of brain disease or internal organ disease.
Lack of appetite, and vomiting: There is a possibility of internal organ disease.
Your dog gets lost or goes in different directions.
Your dog loses track of your family.
Your dog wakes up early in the morning and cannot sleep at night.
They do something different from what they are used to do: There is a possibility of age-related dementia.
Conclusion
Nighttime barking in dogs can be caused by various factors, including physical illness and psychological issues. If you notice any unusual symptoms in your dog, consult with a veterinarian at MaxVets Hospital, the best veterinary clinic in Gurugram, located on Golf Course Road and in Palam Vihar. By taking proper care of your furry friend, you can help him stay healthy
