Dogs have lots of pent-up energy that makes sleeping hard. To help your pup wind down before bedtime, exercise until he or she feels worn-out by running or playing with other dogs.
Based on their size, dogs should spend at least two hours every day exercising. Consider taking them on a long walk right before bed.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a natural sleep-promoting hormone produced in your pet’s body in response to changes in light levels, helping regulate their sleeping cycles and helping with anxiety or behavioral disorders such as behavioral disturbances. Melatonin can be found as drops, pills and chews; before beginning supplementation consult your vet and purchase one from a high-quality brand to avoid any toxic fillers or ingredients.
Melatonin for dogs is often used as a sleep aid and to restore the natural cycle, but it can also be taken for anxiety, cortisol levels reduction, immune system support and to help older dogs who may be experiencing dementia-like symptoms or cognitive dysfunction. The calming effect of the hormone may provide added support.
Melatonin can be given to your pet via pill, capsule or liquid form and should be administered both with and without food for optimal results. For dogs with digestive issues it may be best to give the dose on a full stomach for maximum effectiveness; typically within 15 minutes and lasting up to 8 hours when administered in proper quantities.
Melatonin can be given to your dog using a dropper, mixed into water, yogurt or peanut butter (removing pits first) in small doses, sprinkled on food or mixed into treats – some pet owners even report that their dogs take it like candy!
Some veterinarians also suggest using melatonin as a sleep aid for dogs suffering from Cushing’s disease, which is caused by an imbalanced hormone production by their adrenal glands, specifically cortisol. Because this hormone affects stress responses and causes other health issues, melatonin can help decrease cortisol in their bloodstream quickly – results are seen almost immediately and improve over time with each dosage taken. Melatonin can also help provide comforting relief from conditions like PTSD.
Organic Over-the-Counter Sleeping Pills
There are various natural sleep aids for dogs available to you that could help give your pet a good night’s rest, including melatonin, CBD oil/supplements/food. Some supplements can even reduce stress levels in pets. It is always wise to consult your veterinarian prior to giving your pup any form of supplement.
Zesty Paws Advanced Calming Bites Turkey Flavored Soft Chews offer an effective natural sleep aid for dogs. Packed with melatonin and natural ingredients that promote relaxation in canines such as Suntheanine (a non-GMO patented form of L-theanine), passionflower, lemon balm and ginger root – which all serve to reduce stress in pets and promote relaxation leading to sleepiness – these soft chews may just do the trick.
These soothing treats are an excellent choice for dogs suffering from anxiety or stress issues that keep them up at night. Melatonin helps induce feelings of calm while other natural ingredients reduce aggressive behaviors and stress – including chamomile flowers, L-tryptophan and organic ginger root which all work to shift your pet away from biting and barking and towards more peaceful states of mind – this can especially come in handy during stressful events like thunderstorms or fireworks!
If your pup is having difficulty sleeping, it could be an indicator that they need to see their vet for examination or treatment. Fleas and arthritis can both contribute to insomnia in dogs; your vet can assist in finding an ideal remedy to help your pooch relax at nighttime.
Make sure that your pup gets enough exercise each day, such as walks, backyard playtime, or running long distances at the park, to help him or her burn off excess energy and relax before bedtime. Provide them with something they can call their own during sleeptime such as a special blanket or stuffed animal that helps them feel secure and fall asleep faster at night.
Exercise
Sleepless dogs need to be soothed through physical and mental activity in order to sleep peacefully through the night. Long walks and stimulating games such as puzzle feeders and chew toys will do this best, tiring them out physically while giving them something positive to think about before it’s time for bedtime.
Be sure they have a cozy place, like a dog bed or crate, that is free from distractions and sounds; make it slightly darker than the rest of the room so they feel relaxed. Take your pet on one last potty break before beginning to dim the lights in your home; this signals to your pup it’s time for sleep and will set a relaxing and calm environment for him or her.
Your dog might not be sleeping due to needing the bathroom at night; making multiple visits could keep them up at night, so make sure they’ve gone potty before going to sleep.
Sleepless dogs may be showing signs of anxiety or stress, so if this is the case with your pup it would be worthwhile speaking to the veterinarian to discuss ways they may be able to reduce his anxiety levels (including anti-anxiety medications).
Do not get discouraged if your dog has difficulty sleeping through the night. While it may take time to establish a routine that allows them to rest peacefully through the night, it will eventually pay off in spades! By following these tips you should have yourself an exhausted pup in no time! Geoff Williams lives with two daughters in Loveland, Ohio along with their dog, cat, guinea pigs and fish; writing articles related to animal-related topics as a freelance journalist as well as operating a pet rescue service he also writes articles related to animal-related topics for various publications as well.
Bedtime Routine
Dogs tend to replicate their owners’ sleep schedules, so if you get up at a set time every night, your pup is likely going to bed at that same time too. A consistent bedtime will also help your pup sleep easier at night while decreasing restlessness. Be patient as this adjustment period could last several weeks before seeing results!
An optimal night of restful sleep for your dog depends on many factors, such as diet, exercise and mental wellbeing. Furthermore, external factors should also be taken into account such as noise from neighbors or guests and how long he/she spends playing each day. Once you figure out what’s keeping them awake at night they will rest more peacefully.
One of the primary reasons your dog might be waking up during the night could be that they’re bored or lonely, so make sure they receive plenty of attention and exercise during their day so they’re exhausted by bedtime – this will prevent barking or whining at night!
Prior to bedtime, make the environment as relaxed and tranquil for your dog as possible by switching off all lights and electronics, playing soothing music or white noise, providing them with soft bedding to snuggle into, as well as adding their favorite toy as extra security and familiarity.
Before heading off to bed, take your pup out for one final potty break – this will help them sleep soundly with full bellies, eliminating any need for urgent bathroom trips during the night!
Your pet should be exercised until he or she is exhausted before going to sleep; an evening walk or play time with his or her favorite toy could do wonders to ensure a restful slumber for your pup.