Ways To Ensure Your Dog Gets a Good Night’s Sleep
Posted by Glady Gines on
It’s not uncommon for parents of newborn babies to experience the issue of their children not sleeping through the night, but what about dog parents? It’s no secret that puppies and adult dogs sleep for most of the day; however, they might be wide awake and ready to play when you’re ready to crawl into bed at night. If your furry friend isn’t sleeping during the night, there’s a good chance that it’s keeping you up, too. Follow along for a few helpful ways to ensure your dog gets a good night’s sleep.
Give It Enough Opportunities for Exercise
One of the main reasons dogs don’t sleep at night is that they aren’t getting enough exercise during the day. Even though most dogs sleep for extended periods throughout the day, they still need physical activity when they’re awake. If you don’t take your furry friend for walks or allow it to run free in the yard daily, it might have too much energy to sleep at night.
Pro-Tip
Take your dog for a quick walk before bed to tire it out for the night.
Feed It in the Early Evening
If you feed your pup according to a planned schedule, you should consider placing its evening meal time at least three hours before bedtime. When your dog eats or drinks a significant amount right before bed, it’ll be more likely to wake you up to go outside. On the other hand, feeding it a few hours before bedtime allows it enough time to digest and take its final bathroom break before sleeping for the night.
Rule Out Medical Conditions
Unfortunately, dogs may not sleep through the night if they have medical conditions that keep them awake. For instance, sleeping can be difficult if your dog is in pain due to joint problems or itchiness from a skin condition or a flea infestation. If your four-legged friend doesn’t let you rest at night, take it to the vet to rule out any medical conditions before stressing over other strategies.
Keep It Comfortable
For humans, comfort is key when it comes to sleeping. Dogs aren’t much different—they need to feel comfortable, safe, and secure before they can sleep. That said, be sure that your dog has a soft, supportive bed, a dark environment, and a cozy toy in its designated sleeping area. Many dogs feel safest in their kennel, making this an ideal place to sleep. However, others prefer to be close to their owners; there’s nothing wrong with setting up your dog’s sleep spot in your bedroom.
There are many ways to ensure your dog gets a good night’s sleep, but not everything will work for every pup. If you need dog accessories to make your furry friend’s life easier, visit DogGoods online for all your puppy essentials. Being a dog owner is a fulfilling experience, but your four-legged friends can’t verbally tell you its struggles—sometimes, you have to use trial and error to help it.