Your bed might feel a whole lot cosier with your pup tucked in next to you. But while you might find it easy to settle down and get to sleep, your dog might have a harder time getting comfortable—and a restless dog can keep you up at night!
It’s pretty normal for dogs to move around or change positions while sleeping, says Dr. Antje Joslin, a veterinarian consultant at Dogtopia. But constant pacing, whining, or getting out of bed frequently may indicate restlessness.
Below, discover nine possible reasons why your dog may be restless at night. Plus, learn how to improve their rest—and yours along with it.
Why Your Dog Won’t Lie Down at Night
Encouraging a dog to bed down for the night may often be easier when their physical and mental needs are met throughout the day, says Qiai Chong, chief pet behaviourist and co-founder of Pet Coach Singapore.
Additionally, some dogs may have medical issues that leave them too uncomfortable to sleep.
The nine reasons below may help explain why your dog seems so restless at night.
Anxiety or stress
While your dog might not lie awake dreading a maths test or a work conference, they can still get too stressed and anxious to sleep. For example, Chong says dogs with separation anxiety often have difficulty settling down in crates, especially if they can’t see their people.
Physical pain
You might have a hard time sleeping when you have aches and pains, and the same goes for your dog!
For example, senior dogs with arthritis might feel too stiff to lie down comfortably, and dogs with undetected injuries might be too distracted and uncomfortable to rest easily.
New location or environment
Plenty of people have a hard time sleeping in a new place for the first time, and dogs are no different.
New puppies in particular may have trouble adjusting after moving to a new house, while an older dog may not like a change in their usual sleeping spot.
Temperature issues
Dogs may not sleep easily if it’s too hot or too cold. They like the temperature just right.
“Some dogs get warm at night and may shift to a cooler spot,” explains Ashley Dalton, a certified professional dog trainer with Zoom Room Dog Training.
Alternatively, on cold winter nights, your dog might seek a warmer space, like under the covers with you!
Not enough exercise
“Excessive energy can keep dogs awake,” Chong says.
A pup who didn’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation during the day may try to fulfil their needs at night. This might mean pacing the house at bedtime or 2 a.m. zoomies.
Bladder control issues
Nature calls at night, too. Young puppies and small breeds have smaller bladders, which means they need more frequent potty breaks. Other dogs may frequently need to go out during the night if they drink too much water before bed or need a last bathroom trip closer to bedtime.
Medical conditions
Certain medical issues can affect your pup’s rest.
For example, Dalton says that dogs experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) upset may get up during the night for bathroom breaks.
Additionally, hormonal conditions like Cushing’s Disease can leave your dog feeling stressed and restless or lead them to drink more water. And if they’re drinking more water, they’ll need to go out more often.
Dementia
Cognitive changes can also affect a dog’s sleeping pattern, Dalton says.
Dogs with dementia often experience “sundowning,” a behaviour pattern where their activity levels ramp up at night. Canine dementia affects around 60% of dogs over age 11.
Bloat
Sometimes, restlessness can be an emergency.
Bloat, officially known as gastric dilation-volvulus, causes uncomfortable stomach swelling and restlessness.
This condition is most common in large and giant breeds. It can be deadly without quick vet intervention, so it’s important to pay attention to other symptoms if your dog seems unusually restless.
Get emergency vet attention if your dog:
- Is vomiting or drooling
- Seems to be in pain
- Has pale gums
When to Ask a Vet About Nighttime Restlessness
Of course, not every case of sleeplessness is an emergency situation. Not every dog sleeps a solid eight hours, and some dogs tend to fidget at night more than others.
“Just like people, dogs have different sleep patterns,” Dalton says.
Some will happily curl up in one spot all night, while others might shift positions or get up every few hours.
That said, if your dog’s sleep routine suddenly changes and you notice them getting up more frequently or resisting sleep altogether, it’s a good idea to make a vet appointment.
Our experts share some concerning symptoms and behaviour changes to pay attention to, including:
- Signs of stress, like whining or pacing
- Excessive panting
- More frequent trips outside
- Vomiting
- Changes in appetite or behaviour
How to Help Your Dog Rest at Night
If your vet rules out medical issues as a possible cause of your dog’s nighttime restlessness, tweaking your dog’s routine, environment, or training might help them get better rest. These tips can give you a place to start:
- Create a sleep routine: A regular bedtime routine helps your dog understand what to expect at night, Dr. Joslin explains. Ideas to try include prepping their evening meal a few hours before bed and taking them out for a bathroom trip just before bedtime.
- Get more activity: “Sufficient exercise, like walks, playtime, and other activities, helps dogs burn off excess energy and prepares them for a restful night,” Chong says. Even adding one or two extra play sessions could make a difference!
- Create a calming sleep environment: Make sure your dog has a comfortable and safe sleeping environment so they can relax. Dogs who like extra privacy may prefer a covered bed, for instance, while dogs who overheat might enjoy an elevated bed for better airflow.
- Start a training routine: If your dog’s restlessness relates to anxiety, working with a fear-free dog trainer could help you learn new ways to calm them down and build up their confidence.
How to Get Better Sleep
A restless dog at night can make it harder for you to get the sleep you need.
If you enjoy having your dog sleep in your bed, you can try these tips to improve your own rest:
- Turn up the noise: If your dog makes noise during a nighttime walkabout, white or pink noise can help you block out the sound. Examples of white noise include air purifiers or fans, while pink noise includes natural sounds, like wind or crashing waves. Many sound apps produce both white noise and pink noise.
- Turn the thermostat down: While cuddling with a furry friend can feel amazing on cold nights, it can leave you overheated in the spring or summer. Consider turning the thermostat down, getting a fan, or investing in a cooling blanket to keep the temperature at a comfortable level.
- Upgrade your bed or mattress: A bigger bed could give your dog more room to sprawl and get comfortable without disturbing you. If changing your bed isn’t an option, you could consider a mattress with motion isolation to help make your pup’s movements less noticeable.
If all else fails and your dog’s normal nighttime habits still interrupt your rest, Dr. Joslin recommends setting up a separate sleeping space for them, like a crate or dog bed in another room.
You may miss those cuddles in bed, but you’ll probably end up with more energy to give your dog during the day!
“With a little patience and the right approach, you can help your furry friend (and yourself) enjoy peaceful, uninterrupted sleep,” Dalton says.
