Why is my boxer barking forcefully at night after vet visit?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Female | spayed | 5 years and 8 months old | 52 lbs
My 6 year old boxer has recently started barking at night. It's not just a bark to get our attention but a consistent forceful bark. It only happens at night time. I've found that benedryl and holding her tight seem to work best to calm her. It started after her last vet appointment for her annual exam and a biopsy about a month ago. Do you have any suggestions on how to stop this behavior?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 31st, 2017
Hi there and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If the problem is truly behavioral and she has no other issues going on (I know you say she had a biopsy recently) you can explain this to your doctor and likely they will prescribe you something for anxiety-especially if she is calmed by hugging tight, etc. thunder shirts are available and many animals find them calming as well (the "shirt" fits snugly over the animal and sort of mimics a hug). Anxiolytics like trazadone often help-but so can natural medications like melatonin in my experience. Your doctor will decide which is right for your pet based on her current history and health status. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 3rd, 2018
There are a few natural things you can try first. First, if it is the barking that is the biggest problem you can try a citronella bark collar. If you feel like he is mostly anxious, you could try a calming collar like adaptil or sentry. There are also some calming chews which can help to curve anxiety like vetriscience composure chews. If these things don't work, then you may have to try something stronger like an anti-anxiety medicine like trazadone or fluoxetine on a daily basis. You can talk to your vet about these medicines or something similar that may help. Finally, worse can scenario there are bark shock collar that you could try if nothing else helps. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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