Sleep is just as essential for a dog’s wellbeing as it is for a person’s. If your pet is finding it challenging to fall or stay asleep at night, you might be wondering how to make a dog go to sleep.
Going to sleep can be a struggle for any number of reasons. For puppies, sleeping through the night may not yet be a development milestone they’ve reached, or they might still be adjusting to their new home. For adult dogs, sleep issues can stem from a change in routine or environment, or they can have medical causes.
To help your pet get some much-needed shut-eye, we spoke to veterinarians Dr Whitney Miller, chief veterinarian at Petco; Dr Nell Ostermeier, veterinary advisor at OnePack Plan; and Dr Nita Vasudevan, veterinary consultant at Embrace Pet Insurance.
Why Won’t My Puppy Go To Sleep?
Before you can attempt to solve your pet’s resistance to nap time, it’s first important to understand the root cause of the sleeplessness. Puppies may have trouble sleeping for reasons that include needing to potty, hunger or thirst, separation anxiety, and a new environment.
Needing to potty
Puppies under 16 weeks are not able to hold their bladder for more than a few hours at a time, so frequent bathroom breaks, even in the middle of the night, will interrupt their sleep. As they get closer to six months old, they should be able to hold their pee for longer periods of time, including overnight.
Hunger or thirst
Although nighttime feedings are not typically necessary, hunger or thirst can also wake up a puppy if they didn’t eat enough or drink enough during the day.
Separation anxiety
Separation anxiety can also cause restlessness and insomnia. An anxious puppy may whine, bark, or engage in destructive behaviour when left alone.
Changes to their environment
It can take time for puppies to adjust to a new environment. If you just brought a puppy home, they may miss their littermates. They may whine or cry or struggle to find a comfortable spot to sleep because they’re used to sleeping alongside their siblings.
Petra Richli via iStock
Why Won’t My Adult Dog Go To Sleep?
For adult dogs, discomfort, anxiety, a lack of mental stimulation, or changes to the environment can contribute to restlessness or an inability to nap during the daytime.
At night, sleep issues tend to stem from aches and pains, not enough exercise during the day, a change in routine or diet, environmental issues, or underlying health conditions, such as arthritis or urinary tract infections.
Physical discomfort and health conditions
“One of the most common reasons [a dog might have trouble sleeping] is soreness or pain. In this case, you will often notice that the dog has to shift frequently or move positions or beds throughout the day,” says Dr Ostermeier. Arthritis is an especially common culprit.
Other health conditions that could impact your dog’s sleep include:
- cardiac disease
- kidney disease
- metabolic issues (such as diabetes and Cushing’s disease)
- stomach upset
- gastroesophageal reflux
- diarrhoea
- cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to dementia)
Anxiety
For anxious dogs, their minds may be too focused on stressors to sleep. While it’s hard to know what’s going on in your pet’s head, signs of dog anxiety to watch for include:
- tail tucking
- shaking or shivering
- hiding in a corner
- excessive panting
- frequent vocalising (like whining or barking)
- hunched or slightly curled body language
Lack of activity and mental stimulation
Conversely, a dog who hasn’t had enough mental stimulation throughout the day, such as through puzzle toys, training sessions, or interactive play, may be too restless to sleep, according to Dr Vasudevan.
Dr Miller points to breed-specific exercise requirements. High-energy dogs tend to need lots of physical exercise, and if they don’t get it, they’re likely to have trouble settling during the day and at night.
A change in routine, environment, or diet
Dogs are creatures of habit, so any major change to their routine or environment may disrupt their sleeping schedule. This could include things like moving to a new home or welcoming a new family member. Even more subtle changes, such as shifting the time of their daily walk or their nightly bedtime routine, can trigger stress that may affect their sleep.
“Changes in the environment such as local construction, noise, or wildlife can also result in changes in your dog’s daytime sleep patterns,” Dr Ostermeier adds.
A change in diet, such as a different food or feeding schedule, may also affect a dog’s digestive system and cause discomfort or indigestion at night.
How To Help Your Dog Sleep During the Day
For optimal daytime sleep, try these expert-backed tips to help your dog nap.
For puppies:
- Establish a daily routine for your puppy that includes frequent potty breaks.
- “Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise, mental enrichment (puzzle toys, training), and interactive playtime,” advises Dr Vasudevan.
- Ignore a few minutes of whining or barking when it’s time for rest.
- “For anxiety, a heartbeat toy or pillow for puppies can also help pups feel safe and secure,” says Dr Miller.
For adult dogs:
- Make sure they have a comfortable place to rest. “If your dog has aches and pains, try providing an orthopaedic bed or offering joint supplements,” says Dr Miller.
- Be consistent with routines, especially for bathroom breaks.
- For anxious dogs, consider using options like a ThunderShirt or a weighted vest to help.
- “Other products such as [pheromone] diffusers and calming collars work to simulate canine pheromones that provide a sense of calm and safety and can help with location-based anxiety,” explains Dr Miller.
- Consider using white noise machines to help cover up environmental noises, such as outside traffic or neighbours. “Some dogs might prefer low-level music or nature sounds to drown out background noise. Every dog is different, so you may need to try a few options to see what works best,” recommends Dr Vasudevan.
Andrey Kanyshev via iStock
How To Help Your Dog Sleep Through the Night
The veterinarians we spoke to recommended the following advice to help puppies and adult dogs get better rest at night.
For puppies:
- Tire out your puppy during the day, both physically and mentally, with exercise, one-on-one play, and stimulating activities such as puzzle toys or obedience training.
- Practise crate training and consider using a crate cover to help signal that it’s time to sleep.
- Establish a consistent potty routine.
- Take away water and food at least an hour before bedtime.
- For dogs under 16 weeks old, make sure to take them out for middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks.
- Have patience! Establishing good sleep habits can be a process, especially for younger dogs.
For adult dogs:
- Invest in a high-quality dog bed, such as an orthopaedic or memory foam one.
- Establish a place for them to sleep in a quiet, calm part of your home.
- Be consistent with their nighttime schedule. “Consistency is key when helping a dog sleep through the night. Ensure their last potty break is shortly before bedtime, and maintain a predictable bedtime routine,” advises Dr Vasudevan.
- Consider giving your dog a few pets before bedtime. “Gentle petting can have a calming effect, especially if the dog is anxious,” says Dr Vasudevan, explaining how to make your dog fall asleep by petting. “Physical touch releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and relaxation. Establishing a calming bedtime routine with a bit of quiet petting can help a dog settle more easily.”
- Rule out any medical causes that may be interfering with your dog’s sleep by consulting with your vet. “If your dog is getting up at night to drink water or needs to go out more frequently, it’s best to schedule a visit with your veterinarian,” recommends Dr Ostermeier.
What Can You Give a Dog To Help Them Sleep?
It’s important to discuss your pet’s sleep issues with your vet before turning to supplements or over-the-counter medication. “Sometimes, mild sleep aids may be appropriate, but you should always consult your veterinarian first,” emphasises Dr Vasudevan.
With a vet’s approval, pet parents may want to consider calming treats for dogs. These types of treats typically include ingredients like CBD and melatonin that can help promote drowsiness and tranquillity.
“CBD is thought to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in some dogs. While studies on CBD’s effectiveness in promoting sleep in dogs are limited, many pet owners report positive effects for anxiety-driven insomnia. However, be cautious with dosage and only use vet-approved products,” says Dr Vasudevan.
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate sleep. “It’s safe for dogs in appropriate doses, and it’s often used for dogs with anxiety, noise sensitivity, or sleep disorders,” Dr Vasudevan adds.
Other ingredients to look for in calming treats include the amino acid L-theanine and the herb valerian root, which have mild sedative effects.
Dr Miller emphasises that not every supplement may work or be appropriate for a dog’s specific dietary or other needs. “For some pets, over-the-counter remedies may do the trick, while others may need prescription medications,” she says.
When Not Sleeping Indicates a Medical Problem
If your dog suddenly starts having problems with sleeping, it’s important to make an appointment with a vet, as a lack of sleep could be a symptom of a more serious health concern or a sleep disorder.
“Your vet may want to check for pain, discomfort, or other signs of illness. He/she may want to do bloodwork to assess for internal issues like liver or kidney problems. They may also want to do a behavioural assessment to rule out anxiety, cognitive decline, or other psychological concerns,” Dr Vasudevan explains.
By figuring out the root cause of your dog’s sleep issues, you and your vet can then take the appropriate action to help improve your pet’s quality of rest, which, in turn, can benefit their overall health.
