When your dog is restless and not sleeping well at night, the chances are that you aren’t either! When your dog scratches at the door or climbs on your bed with a cold nose, it can make it hard for you to sleep! Just like humans, dogs need their sleep and a healthy rest. Most dogs will sleep for 10-14 hours. Puppies can need 18 hours or even more.
There could be a variety of reasons why your dog is not sleeping well at night and the good news is that there are several things you can do and /or buy to help remedy the problem. In order to find a good solution, it is important to identify what is the cause. We will help you to do this and bring you news of the best sleep aids for dogs.
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Reasons why your dog cannot sleep well at night
There are countless reasons why your dog may not be sleeping through the night. It could be anything from simple excitement or anxiety to a more serious health problem. Let’s explore some of the reasons in further detail:
Physical pain
If your dog has difficulty lying down, this could be due to a physical issue like stiff legs or joint pain. If you’re looking for a solution to ease your dogs pain we recommend searching for pain-relief dog beds or orthopedic dog beds.
Anxiety
Dogs can also be anxious and this can make it hard for them to sleep at night. If your dog is restless and constantly pacing, this could be a sign of anxiety. If your dog is anxious, there are several calming aids that may help your dog relax and have a restful night’s sleep.
Separation anxiety
If your dog is used to sleeping with you at night and suddenly starts sleeping alone, this could be a sign of separation anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety may start to bark or howl when left alone and this can disrupt your sleep as well. Fixing separation anxiety requires some behavior training, which you can do with the help of a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist.
Gastrointestinal problems or a full bladder
If your dog is making small intestinal noises or trying to pass stool, this may be the reason he can’t sleep. Make sure to take him out for a last walk before you go to bed and first thing in the morning when you wake up. If the problem persists, please consult your Veterinarian.
Outside noise
Dogs have very sharp hearing and do not like to hear unfamiliar sounds and it can bother them – especially if they cannot see the source of the sound. The noises could be from cats in your garden to wild animals including hedgehogs.
8 tips to ensure you are providing your dog with the best sleep environment
Let’s look at some quick tips that you can follow to make sure your dog has the best environment for sleeping:
Be consistent with your bedtime
Your bedtime affects your dog too. Tricky though this can be, weekends are included! Consistent bedtime helps to regulate your dog’s internal clock and helps him to sleep better at night.
Have a consistent routine
Establish a routine that includes the same times each day for your dog’s meals and walks. It is essential that his final feed is several hours before his bedtime so he has time to digest the food.
Ensure your dog has proper bedding
Provide him with a comfortable, well padded bed that is size- appropriate. If your dog is restless at night, consider using a calming bed, there are tons of options availbleonline.
Sufficient activity for your dog
Ensure he gets plenty of exercise during the day. Depending on his breed, your dog could need a daily walk of 30 minutes – two hours.
Empty your dog's bladder
Let your dog out into the garden just before bedtime in case he needs the toilet. This will help to reduce the chances of him waking you up in the night for a toilet break.
Don't excite your dog before bedtime
Don’t over-stimulate your dog just before bedtime – even a late-night walk can be too exciting for him and too many treats are both over-exciting and bad for digestion.
Check your dog for insects
Check that your dog is not being irritated by mites, fleas or other insects. These can all lead to an restless night for your dog.
Consider using a pet-calming aid
There are many products on the market that can help to calm anxious dogs. Below, we have listed some of the best natural and commercial calming aids for dogs.
Home treatments to help your dog sleep
There are countles home treatments that can help your dog sleep. Here are some of our favorites:
Soften lighting in the evening
To help prepare your dog for bed, it is well worth experimenting to see if lower and softer lighting has a positive impact.
Deal with noise
If your dog seems bothered by noise, playing white noise through the night in the room where he sleeps could solve the problem. Alternatively, he may find a ticking clock or the radio soothing.
Use a herbal remedy
Some herbs have been proven to have a relaxing effect on dogs and these include both Valerian and passionflower. If you would like to try giving your dog these, they should be administered about one hour before bedtime.
It is best to try them for a period of 7-10 days and to monitor whether the treatment is helping your dog to sleep. If you prefer, you can contact a Veterinarian for advice.
Try Aromatherapy for your dog
There are several essential oils that are known to have a calming effect and these include lavender, chamomile and marjoram. These can be used in the room where your dog sleeps, but many owners find they are more effective if a few drops are sprinkled onto the dog’s bedding
Try Crate training
Although some dog owners dislike the idea of putting their dog in a crate at night, this can be surprisingly successful because dogs like the feeling of security that the crate can provide. Being in a crate will mean that your dog cannot pace around in the middle of the night. For this to work, the crate must always be considered the dog’s den and he must be comfortable.
Buy a sleep remedy
Melatonin is a natural sleep remedy that is regularly used by humans and is available for dogs too. Before you try this, it is best to get advice from your Veterinarian.
In recent years there have been a number of trials on the positive effects that CBD oil can have on sleep. You may like to discuss the use of CBD oil on your dog with your Veterinarian.
5 popular sleep aids for dogs on Amazon
Maybe you prefer to use a commercial product to help your dog sleep. If this is the case, you will find a huge range of products available online. To save you time, we have listed 5 popular products below.
Moropaky heartbeat toy
Moropaky heartbeat toy can help dogs sleep better by providing them with comfort and companionship. The toy simulates the pulsing heartbeat of another dog, which can help reduce anxiety and fear in dogs. The toy is also made from soft, skin-friendly fabrics that are machine washable.
What we like the most: The unique heartbeat feature helps to reduce anxiety and fear in dogs, which in turn can help them sleep better.
- Provides comfort and companionship
- Simulates the pulsing heartbeat of another dog
- Made from soft, skin-friendly fabrics
- Machine washable
- Batteries not included
- May not work for some dogs
Bach Rescue Remedy
Oil drops are another popular way to help dogs sleep better. The Bach Rescue Remedy is a pet-safe tincture that can help relieve pet stress. The formula is made with the original Rescue Remedy, which is a blend of five natural flower essences. The Bach Rescue Remedy is also veterinarian-developed and is free of artificial flavors, colors, and sugar.
To help with sleep, simply give your dog four drops orally or with food/water as needed.
What we like the most: Oil drops like Bach Rescue Remedy are an easy and effective way to help your dog sleep better.
- Dog-safe
- Relieves dog stress
- Made with the original Rescue Remedy
- Free of artificial flavors, colors, and sugar
- Recurring purchases
Pheromone calming collars for dogs
These purple collars are advertised for calming stressed, anxious and hyperactive dogs. The collars are worn continuously and are effective for up-to 60 days -but for best results, it is recommended they are changed every eight weeks. The collars begin to work within one hour and are made of high-quality and hypoallergenic TPE material.
The benefit of using a collar is that it will release pheromones continuously, which can help to soothe your dog and make him feel more relaxed.
What we like the most: Pheromone collars are a continuous way to help your dog feel calm and relaxed, which can lead to better sleep.
- Help calm stressed, anxious and hyperactive dogs
- Begin to work within one hour
- Made of high-quality and hypoallergenic TPE material
- Some dogs may not respond to pheromones
Three pack of MIWOPET dog blankets
Soft, warm and cuddly, these are made in a double-sided flannel and fleecy material. Easy to keep clean as they are machine washable, each pack comes in three colours brown/pink/white. The blankets are available in three sizes, small, medium and large.
So, if you think your dog would benefit from a cozy blanket to snuggle up in at night, then these could be the perfect option.
What we like the most: These MIWOPET dog blankets are soft, warm and cuddly, making them perfect for helping your dog sleep better.
- Soft, warm and cuddly
- Machine washable
- Available in three sizes
- May not be suitable for very large dogs
Zesty Paws Melatonin Soft Chews
These soft chews are a supplement that can be given to help dogs sleep better. The chews contain melatonin, chamomile, L-Theanine and Ginger, which can all help to promote relaxation and ease anxiety. The chews are also grain-free, gluten-free, and soy-free.
To help with sleep, give your dog one chew 30 minutes before bedtime.
What we like the most: Zesty Paws Melatonin Soft Chews are a supplement that can help dogs sleep better by containing ingredients that promote relaxation.
- Contain melatonin, chamomile, L-Theanine and Ginger
- Easy way to help your dog sleep
- All-natural
- A bit expensive for treats
Final thoughts – Best sleep aid for dogs
There are a variety of sleep aids for dogs that can help your furry friend get a good night’s sleep. From pheromone collars to supplements and cozy blankets, there is an option that can help your dog sleep better. Choose the best option for your dog based on his needs and preferences to ensure he gets the best night’s sleep possible!
