Help! My dog or puppy won't sleep

Sleeping is an art form for most dogs. Your dog may be a master at snoring on his back or he may be perfecting the curling up.

However, not every dog sleeps equally easily, and a lack of sleep is never pleasant (or healthy) for our four-legged friends. The insomnia that a dog can have at any age can be caused by various factors such as environmental factors, health problems, or aging.

Luckily, it’s not always hard to determine what’s keeping your dog awake, and there are plenty of methods to get him dreaming again quickly. Let’s take a look at them together!

Why doesn't your dog sleep at night?

It is essential to pay attention if your dog is restless or unable to go to bed at the end of a busy day. Most puppies love to sleep, and the refusal to do so is a prominent problem symptom.

The following are the most common reasons for sleep problems in dogs

New Environment: People aren’t the only ones who find moving unsettling. For a dog who is suddenly inundated with new sights, sounds, and smells, adjusting to a new environment is a challenge. If you’ve just adopted your dog, he’ll be even more stressed because he doesn’t know you yet.

Change of habit: Dogs, like people, get used to a routine. Your dog may feel out of sorts and have trouble settling in if you don’t have a routine or if he gets less attention.

Household Changes: Adding (or losing) a family member or furry buddy is hard on your dog. Your dog may be unsure of his role in the pack or fearful of the change. Consult with a trainer to help your dog adjust to a new puppy brother or sister.

Allergies or skin problems: Allergies or skin problems are quite tricky. Food allergies and flea infestations can make it difficult to establish due to the intense itching and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Illness: Your dog may not express himself when he is ill, but his actions may. Restlessness is sometimes a sign of gastrointestinal or kidney problems, which may cause him to go to the toilet more often. If you suspect your dog is ill, consult your veterinarian.

Pain: Arthritis or other conditions can make it difficult to lie down, especially if your dog’s bed isn’t properly padded. Bloating is an emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention if your dog is restless and drooling, pacing, or gagging but hasn’t vomited. A stiff gait, whining, a change in breathing, panting, repeatedly licking a particular spot, or an unnatural position are all signs of pain. Any signs of discomfort warrant a trip to the vet.

Anxiety: An anxious dog will refuse to relax, whether it’s due to persistent general anxiety or a sudden increase in anxiety caused by a storm or fireworks. He may pace excessively, hide, or vocalize. Because anxiety can have physical consequences, it’s important to take it seriously and treat the underlying cause for a happier, healthier pet.

Altered Sleep Patterns: Due to their seemingly endless activity, puppies are prone to sleep issues. Since your puppy may have trouble adjusting to your sleep patterns, it's important to establish a routine.

Age-Related Diseases: As your dog ages, he may develop dementia, which can lead to “sundowner syndrome,” or restlessness in the afternoon and evening. Another sleep-killer is canine cognitive impairment, which causes dogs to wake up randomly and cause confusion.

Nightmares: Dogs, just like people, can experience nightmares, and some even appear to sleepwalk! Your dog may growl, whine, or scream in his sleep to indicate that his dream is not so pleasant. Nightmares can be the result of a traumatic event or be related to an anxiety issue.

Sleep Apnea: Most commonly found in short-nosed dogs (bulldogs, mastiffs, and pugs) or obese dogs, sleep apnea in dogs restricts airflow during their sleep and causes them to stop breathing, waking them up.

Lack of Exercise: A happy dog is not a lack of exercise. He probably also isn’t sleeping well. If your dog doesn’t want to sleep at night but still wants to play, he probably needs extra walks or playtime in his schedule.

Solutions and strategies

The good news is that with a few adjustments, you can usually get your dog back to sleep in no time. Reconquer bedtime by:

Increase Activity: If your dog is dealing with a change in routine or lack of exercise, burning off extra energy is a surefire way to help him sleep in. High-energy breeds need an outlet, which can be provided by adding a new sport, taking an extra walk each day, or playing fun dog walking activities. Don’t forget about seniors or dogs with mobility issues! Puppies’ minds can still be exercised with interactive toys that don’t require a lot of activity.

Regular Toileting: Dogs, like babies, thrive on routine. Maintaining a consistent feeding and toilet routine can help synchronize his internal clock with yours, resulting in a more restful night's sleep.

Providing security: A stressed dog may want more attention at night to help him feel more at ease. Giving him tight-fitting clothing, such as a Thundershirt, or a dark box with a comfortable bed to hide in can help. This is especially true during thunderstorms or pyrotechnics, when some dogs’ anxiety levels are at their highest. It’s also never a bad idea to provide more belly rubs and other forms of attention.

Change your dog's sleeping location: Your dog may sometimes want to sleep closer to you. This doesn't have to be with you, but moving his bed or cage closer to your bed or bedroom can make him feel more secure (and less forgotten).

Improve his bed: Not all beds are right for all dogs. Memory foam or other joint-support mattresses, for example, are beneficial for dogs with arthritis. It may be as simple as replacing your dog’s bed with a better one to help him sleep. Check out this dog bed .

Supplements : A dog with general anxiety or occasional restlessness may sleep better if given a calming supplement 30 minutes or more before bedtime. Calming supplements, which usually come in a soft chewable form, can be used as a midnight snack and contain active ingredients like melatonin and L-tryptophan, which can help calm a nervous dog.

Darken the Environment: Even with the lights on in the house, your dog may feel the urge to get up and move around. Make sure his sleeping quarters are dark. Use a crate lid if necessary. These are especially helpful during storms or fireworks, when flashes from outside can cause anxiety.

Add background noise: Playing classical or other relaxing music at a low volume will help put your dog to sleep by drowning out distracting stimuli. This is especially helpful in unfamiliar situations, where simple objects like a refrigerator or heater could startle your dog.

Try CBD: Some dog owners have found that CBD supplements have helped their stressed dogs relax and sleep better. Available in both oil and treat form, CBD can be used as a long-term therapy or a one-time pick-me-up during sleepless nights.

Bedtime Brushing: Not only can brushing your dog before bedtime help him look his best, it can also be relaxing. Brushing is a bonding experience for you and your dog, and it can also help him relax. Check out our professional brush.

A Visit to the Vet: If sleepiness persists, a visit to the vet for a complete checkup is necessary. There are medications available to help with persistent difficulties, including sleep aids for dogs and dogs with cognitive impairment.