Do you ask yourself, what can I give my dog to sleep at night?
If so, you’re not alone.
Thousands of people have the same question.
The good news is that there are things you can do to help your furry friend get a good night’s sleep.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the options available to dog owners looking for ways to help their dogs sleep through the night.
12 Things To Make Your Dog Sleep
Melatonin For Dogs To Make Your Dog Sleep At Night
Melatonin for dogs can be a great option to help your pup get a restful night’s sleep.
This hormone, which is naturally made by your dog’s body, promotes relaxation and is safe for long-term use.
But you should always talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any type of supplement.
Melatonin has been generally well-received by the medical and veterinary community in small doses as a safe and effective sleep aid.
Additionally, it has no known side effects or drug interactions.
Rescue Remedy For Dogs
Rescue Remedy may help your dog relax and rest naturally, making them happy and rejuvenated.
This homeopathic relaxing medication reduces your pup’s anxiety and stress, which can improve sleep.
Best of all, it is completely safe and free of any sedatives or chemicals that could potentially harm your dog.
Instead it utilizes flower essences such as clematis, impatiens, star of Bethlehem, cherry plum, rock rose, and echinacea.
This gently entices your furry friend into peaceful slumber.
All it takes is some drops lightly sprinkled on food or a treat with dinner – you’ll soon see the difference it makes!
CBD Oil
CBD oil for dogs is gaining in popularity as an effective way to help make your pup sleep more easily at night.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is extracted from hemp plants and helps to regulate mood and promote relaxation without providing a feeling of being high.
This means that it can be used safely and effectively with no risk of side effects or impairment.
CBD oil is a safe and natural alternative to traditional sleep aids, so if your dog has trouble sleeping, it may be the answer!
Medicines
Drugs can help your dog relax and sleep through the night if it’s keeping you awake.
Safe and effective anti-anxiety and calming treatments can help your dog sleep.
If your dog has difficulties sleeping, consult your vet.
With the correct prescription, your dog can sleep well and resume a regular evening routine.
Get Your Dog On A Predictable Schedule
Establishing a predictable routine for your dog can help improve their sleep quality and ensure that they rest at night.
Start by scheduling specific times for meals, play and grooming, creating consistency that will send signals to your dog’s body for when it’s time to rest.
Additionally, make sure not to over excite them before bedtime by providing opportunities for exercise, interactive play and cuddle time throughout the day.
Lastly, try dimming lights and keeping the house quiet before bed in order to let them know it’s time to wind down.
Taking these simple steps to establish a consistent schedule can help set your pup up for sweet dreams every night.
Stimulate Your Dog Mentally And Physically
Keeping your dog mentally and physically stimulated can help them get a good night’s sleep.
Long walks, interactive play with toys or games, and simple tasks like “sit” might help your dog relax at night.
Puzzles and enrichment toys are an added bonus.
They can help keep their minds off anxiety or boredom-related behaviors that could disturb a peaceful slumber.
These mental and physical exercises will fatigue your dog and help them go asleep faster!
Give Your Dog Lots Of Bathroom Breaks
Making sure your dog has regular bathroom breaks can be an important part of helping him sleep through the night.
This gives them the opportunity to eliminate outside before curling up in bed.
It is important to take breaks during your walks, as well as right before bed, as this can help dogs achieve a more natural sleep-wake cycle and keep nighttime accidents at bay.
If you can’t take your dog for a walk in the evening, consider indoor games or interactive puzzles that will stimulate both body and mind.
Allowing plenty of time for activity means that by the end of the day, your pup should be ready for some good shut eye!
Soothing Massage To Make Your Dog Sleep At Night
A soothing massage can be a great way to help your dog relax and get ready for a restful sleep.
It will not only help them feel calmer, but also improves circulation and releases endorphins that promote contentment and relaxation.
To give your dog a massage, you should use gentle strokes with the tips of your fingers and move from the neck to the tail in an unbroken motion.
You can also use flat hands over larger areas of their body or circles around joints.
Your dog is likely to enjoy it so much that he may even fall asleep during the session!
Be sure to end the massage when your pup starts responding less so as not to tire him out too much before bedtime.
Play Calming Music To Make Your Dog Sleep At Night
One way to help your pup relax and nod off in no time is to play calming music.
The type of music you should choose depends on the breed of your dog and also on their age.
However, research has shown that even young puppies respond positively to soothing tunes.
Studies have shown that classical music can be beneficial for dogs, as it can help lower heart rate, decrease stress levels and reduce any restlessness.
Additionally, music provides a comforting and familiar sound for dogs in an environment that may seem new or unfamiliar to them.
This helps create a sense of security which ultimately prepares them to settle down quicker.
Night Cuddles
There’s nothing quite like night time cuddles with your pup!
Spending quality time with your pooch to relax and unwind is a great way to have them settle back down for the evening.
Providing gentle, loving touch can help calm down an otherwise over-excited pup or one feeling anxious or restless.
A simple brushing of their fur and soft dogting are great ways to help soothe them, and having them near you while they drift off to sleep can be even more beneficial.
So next time your pup is finding it hard to settle down for the night, why not try some gentle cuddles.
You might just find that it helps them drift off into a peaceful slumber.
Train Your Dog To Sleep In Its Crate
Training your dog to sleep in its crate is an effective way to make sure it gets enough rest at night.
Starting the practice at a young age, or when you first get your dog, is an important step.
Introduce your pup to their crate and make sure it’s comfortable by adding a cushioned mat and some toys.
Gradually increase the amount of time spent in the crate each day until your pup feels comfortable spending the night there.
Provide plenty of potty breaks during this phase so he avoids accidents in his sleep space.
Provide Comfort Items For Bedtime
Making sure your pup is comfortable in their sleeping environment will ensure a good night’s sleep for both of you.
Providing comfort items like soft bedding, familiar toys and treats may help encourage your pup to settle down for the night.
You can also offer snacks or chews that take time to consume and provide an additional distraction from excess energy.
Make sure to keep these items in cool places during the day since it might disturb your pup’s day-time rest if they are around too much noise or activity.
Utilizing these methods can provide a calming atmosphere as your pup has its last meal before snuggling up for the night.
Common Reasons Your Dog Doesn’t Sleep
Knowing why your dog isn’t sleeping is crucial since it can affect their physical and mental wellbeing.
Common reasons that dogs don’t sleep include:
- Insufficient exercise
- Underlying medical issues
- Diet
- Chronic pain
- Stress and anxiety
- Age-related issues
- Environmental changes or disruption
Exercise plays a huge role in your dog being able to relax enough to fall asleep. If everyday activities such as walking and playing are neglected, it can make it substantially harder for them to get adequate rest.
Medical problems like orthopedic discomfort can quickly become severe if left unaddressed and are also likely to keep your pup from sleeping soundly.
Additionally, dietary changes or poor eating habits can contribute to their insomnia.
Try offering healthy treats throughout the day
Lastly, even small tweaks of the environment or schedule can be disruptive for your pup.
This could lead to behaviors like pacing or restlessness that will prevent them from settling down for a good night’s sleep!
All in all, it is possible to give your dog something to help him or her sleep at night.
Melatonin, Rescue Remedy for dogs, CBD oil for dogs, medicines to make your dog sleep all night, stimulation during the day and power downs in the evening are just some of the methods that can be used.
Furthermore, providing a comfortable crate with comfort items like blankets and toys and even something as simple as a massage or cuddles before bed can help to ensure restful sleep.
Always speak to your veterinarian before starting anything new with your dog.
With the right strategies and care combined with lots of love and understanding you can help your pup get through the night peacefully!
Before You Go…
You now know the answer to the question, “What can I give my dog to sleep at night?”.
If you want to learn more, read the following articles too!
