My dog ​​does not sleep at night: what can I do?

Given the large number of hours that dogs sleep (up to 13 hours a day intermittently, and between 8 and 9 continuously), canine insomnia is particularly striking. In view of the importance of sleep in the health of our best friends, let's see why my dog does not sleep at night, and how to make a dog sleep through the night.

Why doesn't my dog sleep at night?

Fear and insecurity

Dogs' sleep patterns are sensitive to their mood swings, just as they are for people. It is very common for a fearful dog to be unable to sleep. Puppies and dogs that have undergone sudden changes in their lives, or that do not have their routines established, are more prone to feel fear, in addition to the classic scares caused by firecrackers and fireworks, which especially frighten them.

Pain and itching

If the dog feels any pain in its joints (something common in older dogs) or if it is scratching because of itching, it will hardly be able to fall asleep. For example, mites can cause a very annoying itching in the ears.

Oestrus periods

Male dogs perceive females in heat at great distances. If there is a female dog in heat near your home, your dog is likely to be restless and hyperactive at night, due to excitement caused by the mating instinct.

Excessive or insufficient stimulation

If your dog is active at night, it is likely that he has not had enough physical exercise, which is necessary to burn off all the energy inside him. Excessive stimulation can also cause stress and anxiety, which does not help your dog to sleep.

Large meals

If your dog has eaten more than usual in his last meal of the day, it is highly probable that he is suffering a digestive disturbance. Heavy digestions, as it happens to us people, make it difficult for dogs to fall asleep. This will be aggravated if he has gone to sleep right after dinner.

Extreme temperatures

Although dogs have a good thermal regulation, with extreme temperature changes (very cold or hot rooms), your dog will find it difficult to fall asleep more than usual.

Uncomfortable resting place

If all the other possible points that hinder his rest are solved and the furry one is restless at night, it may be that he is not resting on a good dog mattress. He may be used to other types of surfaces, or he may simply be uncomfortable on his current bed.

What to do to make my dog sleep all night long

Encourage a routine

Routines are very beneficial for dogs, and they do not usually take well to changes in their habits. If you are going to introduce a sensitive change in his life (a new member of the family, a new pet, a change in the location of his things, a move...) make sure you gradually get him used to the novelty.

Keep an eye on his feeding

Apart from the well-known problems of overweight derived from a poor diet, large meals, even of healthy food, often have a negative impact on the conciliation of sleep. Make sure that your dog does not eat more than necessary, especially if it is the last meal of the night before going to sleep. In this case, it will not be convenient for him to fall asleep as soon as he finishes, so you can try to bring forward his dinner time and thus give a little leeway to his digestive process.

Give him a comfortable place to rest

How can you make a dog sleep through the night? Very simple: take care of your dog's resting place. The mattress on which he sleeps should be ergonomic (if possible, made of viscoelastic) to allow him freedom of movement. The bed that we design in Baluka in addition to promoting rest, has protection against bacteria, viruses and mites, which will mean that your dog will not have to scratch during the night because of itching.

Take him out for frequent runs

Although it may seem obvious, rest will not be effective if your dog has not been tired beforehand. In addition, there are certain breeds that have a lot of pent-up energy, such as border collies and their mixes, which need intense physical activity during the day. You can be sure that if your dog spends time walking, running and playing, he will arrive at the end of the day looking forward to sleep, and his body will be ready to rest.

What can I do if my dog does not sleep at night? Keep in mind that dogs spend almost half of their time sleeping, and lack of sleep can lead to gradual health problems, from mild to severe. Your best friend will appreciate a good night's rest.