A sleepless dog is no fun for anyone. When your dog won’t sleep through the night, neither will you. In this article we look at six ways you can make your dog sleep all night.
1) Give your dog plenty of mental and physical exercise
One of the best ways to make your dog sleep all night is to wear them out during the day. Your dog needs regular physical exercise and mental stimulation.
The exact exercise needs of your dog will depend on its breed, age, and health conditions. More athletic breeds like pit bulls will need an hour or more exercise per day. Some smaller less active breeds need as little as twenty minutes a day.
When tiring your dog out don’t forget that you need to stimulate their mind and not just workout their body. Training games and dog puzzles are great ways to give your dog the mental exercise they need to be tired at the end of the day.
2) Crate train your dog
Crate training is a great way to get rid of bad habits and distractions that keep your dog up at night. Once you train your dog to sleep all night in a crate they won’t be free to roam the house during bedtime and get into things. Sleeping in a crate can also help your dog go back to sleep if they wake up in the middle of the night.
If your dog sleeps in a crate he’ll also be less distracted then if he slept in bed with you.
3) Practice a routine
Routines are comforting to dogs because they help them understand what to expect and what’s expected of them. Create a nightly routine with your dog so they know when to expect bedtime. Short walks, bathroom breaks or a quick cuddle time can be made into rituals so that your dog knows to calm down and get ready to sleep all night.
4) Make your dog comfortable
Your dog needs a place to sleep where they feel safe and comfortable. Whether your dog is sleeping in a dog bed or in a crate he needs to know that he has his own safe place to relax and turn in for the night.
Blankets, pillows, and a comforting dog toy are some things you can use to make your pup’s space warm and inviting.
5) Use natural sleep or calming aids
If your dog has trouble sleeping through the night because he or she gets excited, then you might want to consider a natural calming aid to help them unwind and fall asleep. Calming aids don’t need to be prescribed by a vet. They use natural herbs and melatonin to help dogs calm down. Many pet parents have found success using calming aids to help their dogs sleep at night.
6) Consult your vet about possible medical conditions
It’s possible that your dog isn’t sleeping through the night because of an illness or injury. If you are unsure why your dog isn’t sleeping then it’s best to consult your vet. A veterinarian will be able to diagnose any health issue and recommend a course of treatment if any is needed. Your vet might even be able to give you some tips on things you can do to help your dog relax and sleep all night.
