5 Tips For Your Dog To Sleep Through The Night
When we want a dog to sleep through the night, the ideal would be an average of between 8 and 9 hours for a healthy animal that has reached adulthood. But it can happen that, for various reasons, he wakes up at inappropriate times and, as a result, interrupts the rest of his human family. We’ll tell you what to take into account to get your pet back to its usual sleep rhythm.
Health Problems That Can Alter a Dog’s Normal Sleep
Author: Nathan Eaton Jr.
A dog that has trouble sleeping is sure to become tired and lethargic, but may also be restless, irritable or nervous. The lack of sleep will alter your social dynamics and decrease your quality of life.
When a dog suddenly changes its way of sleeping, it may feel some kind of discomfort or pain. See your veterinarian to see if this is the cause.
Take into account that, among the health inconveniences that can alter the normal nighttime rest of a furry friend, are :
- Degenerative diseases. For example arthrosis.
- Spinal problems.
- Thyroid dysfunction.
- Encephalitis.
- Heart or respiratory difficulties.
- Cough.
Some advice to get your dog to sleep through the night
But if your furry is healthy and he still can’t rest normally at night, pay attention to this advice. Perhaps you will find the solution for the little animal to recover its usual sleep rhythm:
- Try not to change your dog’s routine. A dog that has established times for meals, walks and play will surely also have a fixed time to sleep and will not wake up in the middle of the night looking for company.
- Offer your pet a comfortable, quiet, clean space with the proper temperature and ventilation for him to rest. That way you’ll be able to make him feel safe and secure and so he’ll sleep better.
- Make sure that the place where your dog is going to sleep is away from noises that could alter his sleep. Remember that a dog’s ear is much more developed than ours. So, if, for example, he is near a window overlooking the street of a big city, even at night, it is likely that he will not get rid of horns, engines and sirens.
- Don’t give your four-legged friend a big dinner. Too much food, and the same happens to you, can bring inconvenience to sleep. Try to make sure your dog doesn’t go to sleep immediately after eating.
- Make sure your furry is walking, playing and exercising enough. An animal that expends its energy well will have more restful sleep than one that doesn’t tire enough with these types of activities. A good walk after the last meal of the day will certainly be of great help in ensuring a good rest.
Some things that can wake your pet up in the middle of the night
Also, dogs can be woken up at night for specific issues such as :
- Noises caused by strong storms or pyrotechnics during some kind of celebration.
- The heat. If a male perceives the scent of a female during this period he will surely be altered and will want to go out looking and not want to sleep. For these cases there is a good solution, to sterilize your furry.
- Different situations that cause stress and anxiety : changes, family arguments, deaths, births, divorces, etc.
Anyway, also keep in mind that both puppies and older animals can have sleep disturbances.
Ask for professional help to get your dog to sleep through the night
If, despite following the advice we have indicated and having also ruled out any possible health problem, your dog remains without sleep at night, perhaps it is time to consult a specialist in animal behavior.
With patience and dedication, you can certainly find a solution to this matter and, sooner or later, your furry will go back to sleep all night like a little angel.
