Introduction
It’s frustrating when your dog won’t settle down to sleep. A dog that has trouble sleeping can disrupt the whole household. Lack of sleep impacts a dog’s health and behavior. Understanding the causes of your dog’s sleep issues is the first step to resolving them. Common reasons dogs struggle with sleep include anxiety, discomfort, environment, diet, schedule, and more. With some adjustments to your dog’s routine, diet, and environment, you can help them get the restful sleep they need.
Quick Answers
What are the most common reasons a dog won’t sleep?
The most common reasons a dog struggles to sleep are anxiety, pain/discomfort, environmental distractions, diet, inconsistent schedule, lack of exercise, and health issues.
How much sleep should a dog get?
The average adult dog sleeps 12-14 hours per day. Puppies and older dogs need more sleep, averaging 18-20 hours per day. Dogs should have regular sleep/wake cycles and sleep mostly at night.
What are signs of sleep deprivation in dogs?
Signs of sleep deprivation in dogs include lethargy, irritability, lack of focus, hyperactivity, increased appetite, anxiety, pacing, whining, trouble learning commands, and difficulty settling down.
How can I get my dog to sleep at night?
To help your dog sleep at night, stick to a consistent feeding and walk schedule, provide cozy bedding in a quiet room, limit naps/exercise in evenings, use calming aids like CBD oil if anxious, and ignore minor night waking. Seek vet advice if issues persist.
When should I be concerned my dog isn’t sleeping?
Consult your vet if your dog is having significant trouble sleeping for over a week, vocalizing/pacing at night, seems in pain when laying down, is lethargic despite sleep time, or sleep issues coincide with other health concerns.
Understanding Dog Sleep Needs
Like humans, dogs need quality sleep for good mental and physical health. On average, adult dogs sleep 12-14 hours per day. Puppies and older dogs need even more sleep, averaging 18-20 hours of shut eye. Dogs have cyclical sleep patterns, alternating between rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep throughout the day and night. Most of their sleep occurs at night, aligning with their owner’s schedules.
Signs Your Dog Isn’t Getting Enough Sleep
Some signs that suggest your furry friend may not be getting adequate rest include:
- Lethargy and low energy despite sleep time
- Irritability and short temper
- Lack of focus and difficulty following commands
- Hyperactivity and restlessness
- Increased appetite and food begging
- Anxiety and pacing
- Whining, howling or barking
- Trouble learning new commands or behaviors
- Difficulty settling down at bedtime
Sleep deprivation impacts a dog’s cognition, behavior, immunity, metabolism, and hormone regulation. Ensuring your pup gets enough quality Zzz’s is essential for their wellbeing.
Common Causes of Sleep Problems in Dogs
If your canine companion seems chronically tired or has trouble sleeping, identify the root cause. Common reasons dogs struggle with sleep include:
Anxiety
Anxious dogs have a hard time settling down and relaxing for sleep. Separation anxiety, noise phobias, travel anxiety, PTSD, and generalized anxiety can all disrupt a dog’s sleep-wake cycles. Pacing, whining, barking and panting at night are signs your pup may not be sleeping well due to anxiety.
Pain or Discomfort
Underlying orthopedic issues, arthritis, injuries, and other sources of physical discomfort make it hard for dogs to get comfortable and sleep. Difficulty finding a comfortable position, reluctance to lay down, and vocalizing when repositioning can indicate pain is interfering with sleep.
Environmental Distractions
Loud noises, bright lights, unfamiliar places, temperature extremes, and disruptive smells can prevent quality sleep, especially for noise-sensitive breeds. Dogs may have trouble tuning out sounds, lights, or odors that interrupt their rest.
Diet
Eating right before bed, food allergies, low protein diets, poor quality foods, and lack of exercise can all affect sleep-wake cycles. Sugary treats and large late meals increase nighttime potty needs.
Inconsistent Schedule
Inconsistent feeding, walking, play and sleep schedules prevent a dog’s body from regulating circadian rhythms. Dogs thrive on predictability and routine. Varying bedtimes and waking hours disrupt a dog’s ability to settle at night.
Lack of Exercise
Pent up energy and lack of physical activity during the day can make it hard for some dogs to wind down at night. Just like people, dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation. Without an outlet, their energy prevents quality rest.
Health Issues
Undiagnosed illnesses like kidney disease, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, dementia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and congestive heart failure can interfere with sleep. Any newly acquired sleep problems in senior dogs warrant a veterinary visit.
How to Help a Dog Struggling to Sleep
Once you identify what’s disrupting your dog’s sleep, take steps to set them up for better rest:
Stick to a Consistent Schedule
Maintain the same daily times for meals, potty breaks, walks, playtime and sleep. Routines help regulate a dog’s circadian rhythms.
Designate a Cozy Sleep Spot
Provide a comfortable dog bed in a quiet, peaceful room away from commotions. Crate train anxious pups for a secure den-like snoozing area.
Limit Daytime Naps and Nighttime Excitement
Prevent daytime slumber parties. Save high-energy play and training sessions for mornings and afternoons. Limit food and water 2-3 hours before bedtime.
Use Calming Aids
Try adaptil plug-ins, CBD oils, calming treats, or thundershirts to ease anxious dogs. Melatonin supplements can help regulate sleep cycles too.
Provide Background Noise
Use a fan, white noise machine, or music to muffle jarring sounds for noise-sensitive breeds. Some dogs associate noise with safety.
Adjust Bedtime Routine
Take pups on a short stroll then have a relaxing winding down period before bed with calming toys or massage.
Upgrade Their Bedding
Orthopedic beds, cooling or heating beds, and cozy blankets cater to specific needs for more comfortable rest.
Rule Out Pain and Illness
If sleep struggles persist, see your veterinarian to diagnose and treat any underlying physical or mental health issues interfering with sleep.
Be Patient at Night
Ignore minor stirrings and whines at night. Take potty breaks if needed then have your pup settle back in their crate or bed. Don’t make night wakings rewarding.
When to Seek Veterinary Advice
While implementing lifestyle adjustments, monitor your dog’s sleep challenges. Contact your vet if any of the following persist:
- Inability to sleep for over a week
- Pacing, whining, or barking throughout the night
- Signs of pain when laying down
- Lethargy and low energy despite adequate sleep time
- Sleep problems coincide with other health concerns
- New onset of sleep problems in senior dogs
Your veterinarian can check for underlying issues, provide sleep aids if needed, and ensure your dog’s sleep troubles aren’t indicative of a more serious health problem. Don’t let a tired dog lie awake all night—seek professional advice.
Tips to Improve Sleep By Issue
Tailor your approach to help your dog sleep better based on the source of their struggles:
Anxiety
- Establish a calming bedtime routine
- Provide a cozy den-like sleeping space
- Use anxiety relieving supplements
- Play calming music
- Try an anxiety relief vest or shirt
- Diffuse calming essential oils
- Ask your vet about anti-anxiety medication if needed
Pain/Discomfort
- Provide an orthopedic bed
- Use ramps and stairs to reduce strain
- Massage sore spots
- Give joint supplements
- Use heating pads or ice packs
- Ask your vet about pain medication if needed
- Diagnose and treat any underlying condition
Environmental Distractions
- Designate a quiet, darkened room for sleep
- Use blackout curtains and rugs to reduce noise
- Play white noise or use ear muffs
- Keep room at comfortable temperature
- Use pheromone diffusers
- Limit external stimuli at bedtime
Diet
- Feed dinner earlier in evening
- Avoid sugary treats before bed
- Switch to a high protein, low carb food
- Give sleep-promoting supplements
- Ensure adequate daily exercise
- Provide constant access to water
Inconsistent Schedule
- Feed, walk, and play at the same times
- Stick to the same evening routine
- Enforce a consistent sleep and wake schedule
- Synchronize with household members’ schedules
- Allow limited daytime napping
Lack of Exercise
- Provide at least 60 minutes of daily exercise
- Incorporate training, games, and enrichment
- Avoid rigorous exercise close to bedtime
- Schedule exercise and play earlier in day
- Consider doggy daycare for active breeds
Common Sleep Aids and Supplements for Dogs
Several over-the-counter supplements can help induce sleep and relaxation. Always consult your vet before giving any medications, remedies, or supplements. Some options to discuss include:
| Supplement | How it Works |
|---|---|
| Melatonin | Hormone that regulates sleep cycles |
| L-tryptophan | Amino acid that induces drowsiness |
| Chamomile | Has anti-anxiety and sedative effects |
| Valerian Root | Relieves anxiety and insomnia |
| CBD Oil | Reduces anxiety and pain sensations |
| Glycine | Inhibits nerve signals to induce calmness |
These remedies can enhance sleep onset and quality without the side effects of prescription sedatives. Natural sleep aids are available in chews, tablets, oils, and liquids. Follow your veterinarian’s dosage instructions. See benefits within the first week in many cases.
When to See a Dog Behaviorist
For dogs with severe, persistent sleep problems, consulting a certified dog behaviorist may be warranted. These specialists can identify the root cause through clinical evaluations. Tailored treatment programs combine behavior modification, environmental changes, training, and medication for improved sleep. A dog behaviorist helps resolve sleep challenges stemming from:
- Extreme separation anxiety
- Intense noise phobias
- Fears and past traumas
- Reactivity to lights, sounds, scents
- Compulsive pacing and licking
- Difficulty self-settling
Drug therapy, pheromones, desensitization training, and mental stimulation address the underlying emotional issues interfering with sleep. For best results, a multi-modal approach is often needed.
When to See a Veterinary Behaviorist
For more complex cases, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist may be needed. Veterinary behaviorists have specialized training in psychopharmacology and behavior problems. They can prescribe medications alongside behavior modifications. Seeing a veterinary behaviorist is ideal for sleep issues related to:
- Ongoing anxiety unresponsive to natural remedies
- Suspected cognitive dysfunction syndrome or dog dementia
- Self-harming repetitive behaviors
- Aggression associated with sleep startle
- Complex medication management
- Diagnosing underlying medical conditions
These vets determine if medical factors are worsening behavioral sleep disturbances. Diagnostic testing and tailored drug protocols treat any conditions contributing to sleeplessness.
When to Consider Prescription Medications
In severe canine insomnia cases, prescription sedatives and anti-anxiety meds may provide relief when other options have failed. Examples include:
Acepromazine
A sedative that reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation. Effects last 4-6 hours.
Trazodone
An antidepressant used off-label as a sleep aid due to its sedating qualities. Given 30-60 minutes before bedtime.
Alprazolam
An anti-anxiety medication in the benzodiazepine class that induces sleepiness. Used for short term sleep issues.
Clonidine
A hypertension medication that provides sedation as a side effect. Also helps anxious dogs sleep.
These drugs can be highly effective when prescribed appropriately. However, they are not ideal for long term use due to side effects. Be sure to monitor your dog closely and follow up as recommended by your vet.
When to Consider Talking to a Professional
If you’ve diligently tried to improve your dog’s sleep problems with no success, professional assistance may be needed. Seek help from a certified professional if:
- Your dog hasn’t slept well for over 2 weeks
- Sleep problems are worsening despite your efforts
- Your dog seems distressed and unable to settle
- Lack of sleep is impacting your dog’s health
- Your own sleep is chronically disrupted
Enlist a certified dog trainer for basic behavior issues. Seek help from veterinary behaviorists for severe anxiety, aggression problems, suspected cognitive decline, or health conditions exacerbating insomnia. With professional guidance, you can pinpoint solutions tailored to your dog’s needs.
Conclusion
Quality sleep is crucial for your dog’s wellbeing. Take steps to identify any factors interfering with their ability to sleep. Stick to schedules, establish a relaxing environment, rule out pain, try supplements, and enlist professional help as needed. With some diligence and patience, you can help your canine companion get the rest they need to thrive. Pay attention to their sleep signals, provide cozy bedding, and encourage wholesome sleeping habits. A well-rested dog and well-rested owner will enjoy their days together even more. With the right tweaks to their routine and care, you can have a happily, sleepily-ever-after.