Every dog owner knows the problem: the dog does not sleep. The result is that not only is the little fur nose tired for the rest of the day, but it also gets on the nerves of its owner. Whether as a puppy or as an adult dog, you should dream and cuddle at night. In the morning hours and at midnight you should neither play nor explore. In the following article, you will find out why your dog does not want to sleep and what can be done about it.
Dog not sleeping – Reasons for sleep deprivation
The dog has to get away
If the dog cannot sleep, the problem can have various causes. Many dog owners are woken up by their dog and let it out the door, expecting the dog to do its business. But this is not always the case. A “pee routine” should still be established before bed. It makes sense to let the dog out in the garden or outside the door again so that it can look forward to a restful sleep. This ritual should never be avoided, especially with puppies that may not yet be housebroken. Allowing the dog to urinate before bedtime is also important for older dogs that already have bladder problems.
Illness or pain
It is also essential to be able to rule out all possible physical causes of why the dog is suffering from sleep deprivation. Especially if the dog whines or rolls over at night, this can indicate pain or something similar. A visit to the veterinarian should therefore be made for clarification. This is especially true for dogs that are older or have known chronic diseases. These include, for example, disc problems or muscle diseases, as well as some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
How can I get my dog to sleep?
If you want to get your dog to fall asleep, you should give it enough exercise during the day and support it in the evening with a relaxed atmosphere, the right place to sleep, or CBD oil.
Dog not sleeping due to high energy level
Another reason for restlessness at night that is often not considered is that the dog is not exercised enough. Especially in very agile breeds with a sporty character, under-exertion is a frequent reason for restlessness at night. It is clear that a four-legged friend who has not had enough exercise during the day is restless at night. However, this does not only apply to physical exertion, because the mental activity of the dogs is also an important factor. Regular exercise and long walks are often the keys to happiness. Above all, breeds that have a pronounced hunting and herd instinct are among the candidates that find it difficult to calm down. It is usually bad if they get too little exercise or are alone for a long time. If you often have to leave your dog alone because of work or something similar, you should ask around for support.
Feel good factor
If none of this helps, you should check whether the dog really feels comfortable in his sleeping place. Sometimes the place of the basket doesn’t fit or something in the area disturbs it. This can be a light or a sound, and a disturbing smell is also possible. With a little trial and error, a new, suitable place to sleep can usually be found quickly. The dog basket should also appeal to the dog. It should be neither too big nor too small. An orthopedic basket can help dogs with joint or disc problems.
Where should the dog sleep at night?
The dog should sleep in his dog’s bed at night. You should definitely choose a quiet and comfortable place for the basket.
How Much Sleep Does a Dog Need and Why?
How much sleep a dog needs depends on various factors. These include the age, the state of health, and the character of the dog. Sick dogs or four-legged friends who are recovering from an illness or surgery need a lot of sleep. A healthy adult dog needs between 17 and 20 hours of sleep a day. Puppies and older dogs need up to 22 hours of sleep. This may sound like a lot of sleep at first, but dogs spread their rest periods throughout the day. In addition to sleeping at night, there are several naps during the day, during which they are usually found dozing in their crib. In addition, there is usually a character, individual differences. Some dogs are naturally more agile and fitter than others.
How do I calm my dog?
Sufficient exercise and mental workload are the keys to a balanced dog that can rest in the evening.
Dog won’t sleep – Here’s how you can remedy the situation
If you want to make it easier for your dog to fall asleep and stay asleep, there are a few ways to do this. Starting with finding the right place to sleep, removing disturbing noises and lights, to medical support. First, however, it should be ensured that the dog gets enough physical and mental exercise. Play a lot and go for walks throughout the day. Playing should be avoided late at night, especially with puppies.
The evening should be a time of rest. Dogs have to learn this early on so that they can find their daily rhythm. Here a puppy can be compared to a toddler who wants to watch TV late at night. Being active late affects sleep very much and should therefore be avoided. A structured daily routine is very important overall. This way the dog knows when it has time to rest and when it has time for activity and alertness. Very lively dog breeds should be offered an additional opportunity for utilization. Maybe agility or another dog sport could help here.
Anyone who has not yet reached their goal with all the options mentioned can get medicinal or herbal support. Medicinal support must be discussed with a veterinarian in any case and should be the last resort if the dog cannot sleep. Herbal remedies such as CBD oil can be tried out as all-around helpers, but only after adequate advice. You just have to be careful with the dose. In most cases, CBD shops even offer their own oils or snacks for four-legged friends.
