Some dogs will sleep through the night, and even into the morning if they’re particularly lazy, but there are those that don’t. You will know this too well if you have ever woken up to hear your dog scratching, whining, or barking at the shadows!
Like children, dogs don’t always have the capacity to understand that you need your beauty sleep, so it can be frustrating when you’re forced to rise from your slumber to calm your dog down. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure your dog sleeps through the night, so you don’t have to put up with sleepless nights forever.
Reasons Why Dogs Don’t Always Sleep Through The Night
There are specific reasons why dogs don’t always sleep through the night, and these include the following.
- They need to go to the bathroom. Older dogs might be able to contain their bladder until the morning, but younger dogs don’t always have the same self-control.
- They don’t feel tired. When dogs sleep throughout the day, they naturally feel more awake at night. As a result, they might be tempted to cause a little mischief and wake the whole house up as they try to entertain themselves.
- They feel lonely. Some dogs suffer from separation anxiety, hence the reason why they cry and bark at night.
Knowing the reasons why your dog struggles to sleep can give you the incentive to take the following steps.
How To Make Sure Your Dog Sleeps Through The Night
#1: Schedule a bathroom break before bedtime
If your dog regularly needs to be let out to do his toilet business during the night, you need to alleviate this issue. The best way to do this is to take them for a short walk immediately before bedtime so they can get everything out of their system. Alternatively, let them out into your yard or garden if you have one so they can relieve themselves before you hit the hay. You might want to avoid overfeeding them and giving them a lot of water to drink before bedtime too, as they will be less likely to need the loo.
#2: Keep your dog stimulated throughout the day
If your dog is bored during the day, he will naturally decide to sleep (or chew up your slippers). To ensure he doesn’t nap the day away (or destroy your footwear), take him for regular walks, or hire somebody to do it for you if you’re out at work. Make sure he has plenty of toys to play with too, and if you do have an outside area, let him out once in a while to get some gentle exercise. If he has tired himself out during the day, he should sleep better at night.
#3: Find ways to calm your dog
If your dog does suffer from separation anxiety, there are a number of things you can do to calm him down. Calming supplements can help at night, especially those that are infused with CBD-oil, so drop a couple into his dish at bedtime. A calming dog bed is also a good idea, as it is both comfortable to sleep on, and is a proven way to alleviate stress. A toy or a blanket with their favorite scent can also offer them comfort and give them a reason to feel calmer at night.
We hope these tips have been useful, but if you need further advice, consider speaking to a doggy specialist for some professional know-how.