Nighttime Barking in Senior Dogs: Causes, Solutions, and a Warning for Bird Lovers
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A San Jose dog owner is seeking advice on how to address her 14-year-old Havanese’s sudden onset of nighttime barking, a common concern for pet parents as their companions age. This issue, coupled with a warning about potentially toxic plants for birds, highlights the importance of understanding both animal behavior and environmental safety.
Understanding the Midnight Chorus
A recent inquiry to animal behaviorist Joan Morris details a case where a previously quiet dog, named Stella, began exhibiting disruptive barking during the night. The owner reports Stella sleeps in the laundry room and doesn’t appear distressed, but the intermittent barking is impacting the family’s sleep. This scenario is surprisingly common, and the first step toward resolution is understanding the potential causes.
Is It a Medical Issue?
Morris strongly advises a veterinary check-up to rule out underlying health concerns. “There are a couple of health issues that could be causing the nighttime disturbances,” she explains. One possibility is cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), commonly known as dementia in dogs. As dogs age, they can experience disorientation, leading to panic and vocalization. “She wakes up and either doesn’t know where she is, or doesn’t know where you are. As a result, she panics and starts barking,” Morris notes.
However, the cause isn’t always internal. External stimuli, such as nocturnal animal activity or even the operation of household appliances, can also trigger barking. A prowling animal or a heating system kicking on could be alerting Stella to perceived threats.
Habit or Decline? Determining the Right Approach
Once potential medical causes are addressed, determining whether the barking is a learned behavior or a symptom of cognitive decline is crucial. Morris outlines two distinct approaches: comforting a dog experiencing cognitive decline, or ignoring barking that has become a habit to avoid reinforcement. “A vet exam might be able to tell you whether it’s a decline or a habit, and then you’ll know how to address it.”
Comfort and Enrichment for Senior Dogs
If the barking stems from anxiety or disorientation, creating a more comforting sleep environment can be beneficial. This includes providing familiar items like a favorite stuffed toy and a blanket with the owner’s scent. A soft nightlight can also help reassure a disoriented dog. In some cases, allowing the dog to sleep in the owner’s bedroom for increased reassurance may be necessary.
Beyond the sleeping environment, increased quality time and playtime during the day can help tire the dog out and promote better sleep. A veterinarian may also prescribe medication to manage anxiety and improve sleep quality.
A Warning for Bird Owners: The Pyracantha Hazard
The advice column also addressed a concern raised by a Bay Area resident regarding the potential danger of pyracantha plants to birds. The resident suggested toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) as a safer alternative. Morris agrees, noting that native plants are generally better for wildlife and the environment.
While pyracantha berries appear appealing to birds, they are technically pomes that can ferment, leading to intoxication and injury. “The main problem is if the pomes ferment, causing birds to become intoxicated and injure themselves,” Morris explains. Toyon berries, conversely, do not possess these harmful properties.
This advice underscores the importance of mindful landscaping and choosing plants that support, rather than endanger, local wildlife.
The Animal Life column appears on Mondays. Readers can contact Joan Morris at [email protected].
