What do dogs do at night?

Dogs are more active than you might think, even at night. Many people wonder: what do dogs do at night? Dogs can often be restless, pace about or keep an ear out for sounds in their surroundings. Some dogs bark at night if they hear something unusual. However, this behaviour varies from dog to dog. Many dogs keep watch at night, protecting their family, whilst others sleep deeply and may even dream. If you notice your dog is restless and sleeps poorly, a regular routine can help your pet relax more easily.

Can dogs see well at night?

Dogs' eyes are built for low light. A reflective layer behind the retina, the tapetum lucidum, bounces light back through the retina for a second pass, and their retinas are dominated by rod cells rather than cones, the cell type that works best in dim conditions. The trade-off is sharpness: a dog's visual acuity is roughly comparable to a human seeing at 20/75, noticeably blurrier than our 20/20, but far more capable once the lights go down [1]. This isn't a coincidence. Dogs' wild ancestors often hunted at dawn or dusk, so strong low-light vision was worth the loss of fine detail.

Three reasons why dogs can see better in the dark

1. Higher concentration of rods: Dogs have more rods in their eyes, the cells that help them see in low-light conditions. This enables them to perceive shapes and movement more clearly when lighting is poor.
2. Wider field of vision: Thanks to the position of their eyes, dogs have a field of vision of around 240 degrees, compared to about 200 degrees for humans. This enhances their ability to observe their surroundings, even in low light.
3. Tapetum lucidum: Dogs have a special layer behind their retina, the tapetum lucidum, which reflects light. This layer increases the amount of light their eyes can use, improving their vision in the dark, and is why a dog's eyes seem to glow when caught in headlights or a torch beam.

Tips for walking your dog in the dark

It is crucial to walk your dog every day, even if that means walking late at night or early in the morning. But what is the safest way to do this? Here are some useful tips to help you:

1. Ensure your dog is properly identified

Before heading out into the night with your dog, it is important that your pet is properly identified in case they get lost in the dark. Have your dog microchipped and regularly check that your contact details are up to date in the database. A dog tag bearing your dog's name and your telephone number is also essential during night-time walks. Did you know that dogs without a microchip or tag are only found in 15% of cases? So choose a sturdy tag that is clearly legible and securely attached to the collar, ensuring your dog always carries the correct identification during their night-time adventures.

2. Keep your dog safely on a lead

It is wise to keep your dog on a lead in the evening, for several reasons. Firstly, this prevents your dog from suddenly running off and getting lost in the dark. Secondly, it shows respect for others who are out and about in the evening, especially people who may feel uncomfortable around dogs. Furthermore, in many areas it is a legal requirement to keep your dog on a lead in public spaces.

In off-leash areas, you can of course let your dog run around freely. Using a GPS tracker on the collar can offer extra peace of mind, as you can track your pet remotely, even during its adventures in the dark. A small light on the collar can also help keep your dog clearly visible, both to yourself and to others.

3. Train your dog

Regular walks are essential for your dog's health and well-being. A well-trained dog makes this routine much more pleasant and easier. Whether you opt for guidance from a professional dog trainer or take matters into your own hands, the effort you put into training will pay off when your dog walks calmly by your side without pulling on the lead or chasing after every moving object. Good training is an important part of responsible dog ownership. With a well-trained dog, evening walks are not only more enjoyable but also safer, as you can rely on them to obey basic commands.

4. Increase visibility at night

Walking your dog in the dark can be risky, as limited visibility increases the risk of injury, losing your dog and encounters with wild animals. That is why it is crucial to ensure your dog stands out clearly during night-time outings. Here are some effective ways to improve your dog's visibility in the dark:

• Reflective clothing and accessories: Consider using a collar or harness with reflective strips, or a dog coat with reflective details. Don't forget to wear a coat or jacket with reflective elements yourself, so that you are also visible to others during night-time walks.
• LED lighting: Equip your dog with a luminous collar or a collar with LED lights. This ensures your dog is clearly visible in the dark. Also bring a head torch or torch for extra lighting, especially if you're walking through dark areas.
• Glow-in-the-dark products: There are also glow-in-the-dark products you can use, such as a glow-in-the-dark cover for a GPS tracker or special dog toys that light up in the dark. These products make it even easier to keep an eye on your dog, even when it's dark.

With these measures, you can walk your dog safely and with peace of mind in the dark, which increases both your safety and that of your pet.

How long does a dog sleep at night?

Dogs are unique individuals and the amount of sleep they need at night can vary from dog to dog. On average, dogs sleep between 12 and 14 hours across a full day, most of it concentrated at night, depending on factors such as age, breed and activity level. But that sleep isn't one unbroken block. In an observational study of dogs at night, researchers recorded around 23 separate sleep-wake cycles over eight hours, each roughly 16 minutes of sleep followed by a few minutes awake, so a bit of nighttime shifting and resettling is completely normal, not a sign something's wrong [2].

Dogs are naturally social animals and adapt to their owners, which also influences their sleeping habits. Whilst their ancestors often rested at night to protect themselves from other animals, modern dogs have adapted to life with humans.

They are also able to adapt well to their owners' routines during the day. Dogs, like humans, sleep in different stages, including REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is important for their recovery and mental health. However, the exact amount of sleep can vary from dog to dog, depending on factors such as their environment, age and health.