Restless Retriever? – 7 Tips For Helping Your Dog Sleep Through The Night

When it comes to dog ownership, your pet’s well-being and happiness should be a top priority. Whether it’s feeding your canine companion a nutrient-rich diet, exercising them frequently, or learning to understand their unique behaviors, you should dedicate ample time and energy to ensure your pup is healthy and content. However, regardless of your efforts, sometimes dogs experience discomfort and anxiety, and it’s up to you to quickly assess the issue to avoid prolonged distress.

An issue you may face as a dog owner is a pet that can’t sleep through the night, resulting in sleeplessness for all parties. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to help your furry friend rest easy by simply understanding their behaviors and adjusting their sleeping conditions accordingly. If you’re up all night with a howling pup, read on for seven tips to keep your dog comfortable and quiet until morning.

IMAGE: PEXELS

Upgrade Their Dog Bed

One of the first steps to take when dealing with a restless pup is swapping out their old, worn-out bedding for a larger, more supportive cushion. When selecting a bed, consider your dog’s size, age, and physical needs to ensure a perfect fit for your furry friend. For example, older dogs with joint pain and mobility issues will need more support than younger dogs. However, pups of all ages and conditions can benefit from memory foam padding, which reduces aches, regulates temperature, and significantly improves comfort levels.

The best memory foam dog beds consist of high-quality material and cozy fabrics to ensure your pet stays sound asleep through the night and comfortable during daytime naps.

Set Up A Nighttime Routine

Often, dogs can have difficulty settling down around bedtime, making it difficult for them to fall and stay asleep. Whether you’re dealing with a rambunctious puppy or an anxious adult, you can help ease them into a fulfilling night of sleep by setting up a nighttime relaxation routine. As night approaches, consider turning down the lights, cuddling up next to your furry friend, and giving them some extra TLC to help them wind down and relax.

Change Their Setup

In addition to swapping out old bedding for a comfier pad, consider moving their bed to a crate or changing the position in your room. Teaching your dog to feel comfortable and safe in a kennel enables them to decompress and reduce anxiety, increasing the chances of sleeping through the night. Furthermore, making your pups crate their dedicated sleeping quarters keeps them from roaming unattended during the night.

Exercise Them Daily

A sure-fire way to ensure your pup is tired and ready for bed each night is by doing mentally and physically stimulating exercises with them throughout the day. Whether you go for daily runs, take trips to the dog park, or simply walk your furry friend, this rigorous pre-bedtime exercise ritual will promote healthier sleep and easier wind-downs.

If your dog needs additional exercise to feel fulfilled, consider participating in a sport like agility, flyball, or nose tracking for an extra challenge.

Don’t Share A Bed

One of the most common mistakes dog owners make is allowing their pups to sleep on the bed. While this may seem harmless, sharing a sleeping space with your furry friend can negatively impact their sleeping patterns as well as disrupt your doctor-recommended eight hours. Additionally, letting your dog snooze on your bedding can introduce harmful germs and allergens into your system, wreaking havoc on your health.

Consider Health Complications

Although it’s normal for young pups to experience restlessness during the night, older, well-trained dogs usually understand when and where to sleep. That said if your dog is suddenly showing signs of distress during the night, like barking, howling, or excessive itching, consider taking them to the vet to rule out any health concerns.

Parting Shot

Although figuring out the perfect nighttime routine and setup for your dog can take some trial and error, the result is a comfortable, quiet pup and restful sleep for you and your furry friend. Simply swap their bedding for a comfortable, supportive cushion, exercise your dog daily, and create a warm, safe space for them to relax at the end of the day.

If you are interested in even more lifestyle-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.

IMAGE: PEXELS