Sign your dog is ‘stressed’ or feels ‘ignored’ shows up at night

Dogs who are feeling “stressed” or “ignored” may show a crucial sign of these emotions at night, according to recent research. Dogs, known for their boundless positivity and unwavering loyalty, are a favourite pet choice for millions worldwide due to their affectionate and sociable natures, and the emotional support they provide.

These furry companions are incredibly in sync with their owners’ feelings and appear to have an ability to understand and recognise emotions in their human companions. While it’s common for people to attribute human emotions and logic to canine behaviour, a study by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences suggests that dogs’ emotions can significantly impact something many humans struggle with – sleep.

An Instagram post recently shed light on how different experiences affect dogs’ sleep patterns.

Accompanied by a series of images featuring dogs overlaid with text, the caption reads: “Research from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (Eötvös Loránd University) found that dogs experience REM sleep patterns and emotional recall similar to humans.

“They remember stressful or joyful experiences and may lose sleep when emotionally unsettled.

“Your dog doesn’t just love you – they think about you even when you’re apart.”

The first image claims: “Dogs stay awake at night thinking about their problems, just like humans do”.

The third point elaborates: “Studies show that dogs replay emotional moments in their minds – especially arguments, stress or separation from their favourite person.”

The fourth point continues: “When a dog experiences something upsetting – like being scolded or ignored – it can cause sleep disturbance, just like humans after a bad day”.

The social media post, shared by Mental Aspect, suggests that a dog’s brain may then release cortisol – the stress hormone – which can lead to sleep struggles.

In the comments section, people were eager to share their thoughts, with several expressing disbelief over the study’s claims.

One person said: “no they don’t [crying laughing emoji] my dog is snoring all night”.

Another said: “Not my dog! He sleeps and snores like he works at the plant!!”

A third concurred: “My 2 rescues fall asleep immediately after the lights go out and they pretty much sleep through the night. I know because they both snore like freight trains”.

Another added: “Well I guess my dog is problem free, because she sleeps all damn night!”

Others were moved by the implications of the study.

One person shared: “I’m ugly crying right now [sobbing emoji] lost my baby in February, I’m still in pain”.

Another quipped: “That’s it, I’m quitting work and staying home all day.”

Someone else commented: “Nooooo that is heartbreaking! Dogs deserve to have no problems ever”.

And another added: “My dog is the best part of my day, every day.”

According to a study shared through the National Library of Medicine via PubMed: “Dogs have outstanding capabilities to read human emotional expressions, both vocal and facial.

“It has also been shown that positively versus negatively valenced dog-human social interactions substantially affect dogs’ subsequent sleep.”