Can I give my dog something to help him sleep?
This is a question that we often get from sitters and owners who work with Rover. Help the community out by answering it in our forum!
2 Answers
Okay, scary warning first: NEVER give your dog medication, unless specifically prescribed by your veterinarian. A lot of medication can be toxic to pets, even if it's a health supplement or natural oils. Just don't do it.
If your dog is anxious and has trouble sleeping, it's a good idea to ask your vet for advice/recommendations about treatment. If your dog just has a lot of energy, a nice long walk in the evening can help tire your dog out for bedtime. A good nightly routine can help teach your dog when it's time for bed as well. But there are anti anxiety medications your vet can give you that will help calm your dog, if necessary.
I would definitely say there's a different answer for your own dog then there is for A dog you're sitting… Your own dog you will have time to get to know their personality... you also be able to start a discussion with your veterinarian… I am a big supporter of thunder jackets… For any kind of stress management… I think they work call dogs just in a different manner. Each dog is different obviously… Some dogs you can see a difference within 30 minutes some dogs take hours ... some dogs need exercise to get out there Yaya's… There's one thing that I give to my dog over the counter… but I won't mention it here I'd rather your veterinarian tell you ...please try everything until you exhausted ideas before medication
In NYC dogs love very long walks...a mile or two each day; good for both of us. There are even companies here that take them hiking in the parks for a half a day (another Rover service perhaps?). In my experience, if a dog is physically tired he or she will sleep.