Just like us humans, dogs need a good night’s rest. And like humans, some dogs can experience restlessness at night and have trouble settling down to sleep. If you’re dealing with a restless dog, here’s how to calm a restless dog at night:

1. Establish a sleep routine.
2. Make them a cozy sleep space.
3. Help them relax with dog-friendly sounds.
4. Make sure they get enough exercise.
5. Give them something to cuddle with.
6. Keep them close by.
7. Consider their diet.
8. Try some calming techniques.
9. Make sure they get a potty break before bedtime.
10. If all else fails, talk to your vet.

1. Establish a Sleep Routine

A good daily routine for your dog, including an evening and sleep routine, can be really helpful in helping your dog sleep well. Dogs tend to thrive on routine because they like predictability and consistency. Not having a routine is one of the ways you might be annoying your dog, so if you don’t have one, you should think about starting one.

Try a bedtime routine that allows your dog to calm down for the evening. These activities might vary, depending on your dog’s personality, but you can try a short and leisurely walk, some light grooming, or a low-key playtime. You can also try to create a more calming atmosphere with dimmer lights that can help signal to your dog that it’s soon time to sleep.

2. Make Them A Cozy Sleep Space

Dogs like to feel safe when they sleep, so make sure they have a cozy and comfortable spot. Dog beds can be a good option for their sleeping spot. There are a few things to consider as you choose a dog bed, like your dog’s size and the type of bed that works in your home.

If your dog seems to avoid their sleeping spot, you might need to try a few other spots around the house to see if something suits them better. You can also try using some positive reinforcement by putting a treat or two on their bed until they consistently go there to sleep.

3. Help Them Relax With Dog-Friendly Sounds

Because dogs have such a strong sense of hearing, the smallest noise can distract them and make them restless. If you suspect noises are keeping your dog up, you can try some dog-friendly sounds to help them sleep.

There are music streaming services such as Spotify and YouTube that offer playlists and songs specifically produced with dogs in mind. These songs and sounds can help your dog feel safe and calm, guaranteeing a peaceful night of rest for your furry friend.

4. Make Sure They Get Enough Exercise

If you’ve ever laid down on your bed after a long and tiring day, you know how easy it is to fall asleep. The same goes for dogs, so making sure they get plenty of exercise can help your dog sleep through the night. If they’re restless, this could be a sign your dog isn’t getting enough exercise.

The amount of exercise a dog needs will depend on their size or breed, so it’s important to be aware of what your dog’s specific needs are. Age and any health conditions will also be contributing factors to the amount of exercise each dog needs. If you aren’t sure, be sure to talk to your veterinarian. They can offer you advice and help you determine what is best for your pet.

5. Give Them Something to Cuddle With

Some dogs seek comfort in their toys, so make sure they have something soft to cuddle with while they sleep. If possible, try to get them something new so they associate this specific toy with bedtime.

It will give them something to look forward to and to entice them to settle down for a nice rest. Making sure your dog or puppy has a toy or stuffed animal to cuddle with is just one of the tips to help your puppy sleep through the night.

6. Keep Them Close By

Dogs need to feel safe when they sleep. If they feel anxious and scared, they won’t sleep well and, in turn, can keep you up. Something that can help them sleep better at night is to be close to you. You don’t need to have them sleep on your bed, but having their crate or dog bed in your bedroom can give them a sense of security and help them sleep better.

7. Consider Their Diet

Much like a human, diet and nutrition can have an effect on a dog’s sleep. Certain nutrients can help your dog relax and improve their sleep. However, it might be overwhelming to know how to choose the best dog food, so don’t hesitate to ask your vet for recommendations. In any case, make sure to discuss this change with your veterinarian before you make any changes to your dog’s diet.

Certain ingredients, like magnesium and tryptophan, may help dogs relax and can be found in some dog food formulas. Also, Vitamins B6 and Vitamin C can also help with relaxation and sleep. There are some superfoods for your dog that are also rich in these vitamins and can help promote better sleep.

Your dog’s dietary needs will depend on their age, existing health conditions, breed, and size. For example, puppies and senior dogs will have different nutritional requirements than an active adult dog. Your vet can help you find the best formula to keep your dog feeling their best, including helping them sleep well at night.

There may also be some natural supplements that can help calm a restless dog. Again, before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet, you should talk to your veterinarian. Supplements like chamomile, melatonin, or valerian root are just a few examples of supplements that may be able to help your dog relax and have a good night’s sleep. However, make sure you follow your veterinarian’s guidelines and allow them to figure out the correct dosage.

8. Try Some Calming Techniques

If a dog feels restless and uneasy, it’s no wonder they can’t sleep at night. Sometimes, you can help your dog follow some training techniques that promote calm behavior. Making sure your dog understands basic commands that every dog should know, like “sit”, “stay”, “lie down”, or “settle”, is a great way to help them focus on something else and calm down.

Try working on these commands in the evening after some exercise to promote relaxation. Make sure you reward them for listening and settling down, so getting them to calm down is easier each time.

9. Make Sure They Get a Potty Break Before Bedtime

If your dog doesn’t have a designated potty break right before bedtime, chances are they may wake up in the middle of the night, needing to use the bathroom. This uncomfortable feeling will inevitably make them restless, causing them to wake you up to take them out.

10. If All Else Fails, Talk to Your Vet

If your dog is really struggling to relax and fall asleep, you may want to have a chat with your veterinarian. Older dogs often struggle to fall asleep due to pain or discomfort. Having your veterinarian examine your dog can help determine if there’s an underlying cause that needs to be treated to help your dog sleep better.

It’s also important to understand that just like people, some dogs have different sleep schedules. Sometimes, this reflects their owner’s sleep schedules, and other times, it’s unique to your dog. Some dogs may not need to sleep a full eight hours, and some dogs are just more fidgety at night than others.

If your dog has always been a little bit restless at night, but doesn’t bother you, that might just be how your dog is. However, if your dog’s sleep behavior changes suddenly, you should consult your vet. This could be an indication of a more serious issue that your vet should be aware of.

These are just a few tips for how to calm a restless dog at night. Implementing some of these tips may help your dog settle down and allow them (and you!) to enjoy a good night’s sleep!