Why is my dog absolutely terrified of the dark?

[FieldOfVision]

When I mean my dog is scared of the dark, I mean she's absolutely terrified. The door could be wide open but when the lights are off in a room where she's left alone, I hear her crying- just to turn on the lights to see her eyes bigger than I've ever seen them and shaking. I am quite concerned but at the same time can't help but laugh. She literally won't move until the lights are on. Humans have strange fears as it is... guess dogs have phobia's too?
Here's my cute little coward:

[jennifer_bloom]

If you adopted him, he may have seen or witnessed bad or scary things in the dark. I read in a readers digest magazine that a guys dad used to hit his mom when he was in his room and they were in the bedroom at night. I would put him in a dog crate and put the dog crate next to your bed at night, and tap the dog crate with your fingers every 3-7 hours or so he knows it’s safe. That is what our family did when we first bought our maltese dog. Because that way, he won’t be afraid of his new home. After a while we moved him to the living room, and that became his home, for over 90% of his life.

[FieldOfVision]

That's a good way of doing it, thanks for the suggestion. I don't actually put her in a dog crate though, kind of just let her roam around the house 🤣 she loves her cuddles. 💙💙

[Kori1236]

Dogs can typically see very well in the dark. I would be concerned that maybe she has an eye issue and would book in with the vet to rule anything out. That said when my dog was a puppy he didn’t stray far from my side when we were out in the dark.

[Berethor]

Didn't dogs can see in the dark? when considering that factor it seems weird to me.

[FieldOfVision]

I thought the same thing but guess she's just weird. She used to be a stray so must be doggy PTSD or something.

[inkyvampire]

She must have had a past trauma. Poor thing. Such a cutie.

[FieldOfVision]

Thanks. She was actually a stray before she was adopted so I think you're right. She's doing good though. Living her best life 🤗

[Anonymous]

Dogs can hear and smell the demons in the darkness.

[Anonymous]

Past trauma could be the answer.