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Is your dog anxious at night? Does he have difficulty settling down when it’s time for sleeps? Believe it or not many dogs come alive when the lights go down. However, knowing it’s a common issue doesn’t make it any less frustrating for pet parents.
The good news is there’s a lot you can do to help your dog settle down for the night and get to sleep. Dogs thrive on routine, so establishing a bedtime routine for your dog is extremely important. For our night owl canines, this might include a few extra calming steps to prep for a good night’s sleep.
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Feeding, walks, playtime, chill time, and especially bedtime, are important routines for dogs. When things change due to travel, unusual visitors, or you being away, that’s when your dog can become anxious, fearful, or start to act out. If your dog is suddenly anxious at night, it’s worth looking at your routine to see if any changes are making him uneasy.
Chilly and I stick to a regular routine to help him have better sleeps. In the summer, when we have almost daily thunderstorms in the afternoons and evenings, Chilly doesn’t sleep as well (more here on what to do if your dog has thunder-related anxiety). But even during all seasons, a consistent bedtime routine is important to help him wind down to enjoy a restful night’s sleep.
Here are my tips for a calming bedtime routine:
Calming Bedtime Routines for Anxious Dogs
Step 1: Give a Calming Treat
Giving your dog a treat at bedtime will give him something special to look forward to every night. Associating bedtime with a yummy snack may also help you to train your pup to settle down for bed. Just like many dogs who seem to know somehow when it’s time for their people to get home or when it’s time for dinner, you may soon find that your own pooch is reminding you to give him his treat so he can go to sleep!
The Anxious Pet makes a heavenly chew for dogs that incorporates calming Acetyl L-Carnitine, Magnolia St. John’s Wart and Barberry, plus Cannabidiol to help support stress-free relaxation. They come in both bacon and peanut butter flavors. What I love about these, and all of the products from The Anxious Pet, including their Hemp Oil, is that they’re veterinarian formulated. So I can confidently give my pets the right dose, knowing that it’s safe for their specific weight class.
Step 2: Provide a Secure, Comfy Place to Sleep
Does your dog sleep in the same place every night? Most likely the answer is yes! Whether it’s their own doggie bed, a favorite spot on the floor, or a place in bed with you, most pups sleep the best when they’re in their normal sleeping spot. It’s our job as dog parents to make sure that their sleeping place is as comfy and cozy as possible so they can snuggle down and enjoy the night in doggie dreamland.
My dog, Chilly, loves a bed with bolster sides. It gives him enough room to sprawl out a bit with the added security of something to snuggle up against for the night. This one is made with memory foam (great for a senior dog’s aching joints) and it has a machine-washable cover.
This round donut bed is great for dogs who like to curl up. Its raised edges make the perfect head rest if he doesn’t want to keep his head tucked in. And you can throw the whole bed in the washing machine. A round bed is paw-fect for pups who like to curl up at night.
If your dog won’t sleep at night, take a look at his bed. If he doesn’t use it, or no longer uses it regularly, he likely needs a new bed better suited to his needs.
Step 3: Find His Favorite Cuddle Toy
Do you remember how safe and secure you felt as a child when you snuggled in bed with your favorite teddy bear? Well, dogs can also find security from a special toy.
Now, not just any old toy will make the paw-fect bedtime buddy. Don’t give him anything with squeakers – that will probably just wind him up and get him in the mood to play! Similarly, anything you usually use to play fetch or tug with may not be the best choice. Ideally you want a toy that only comes out at bedtime or other “down” times.
This adorable duck makes the perfect bedtime buddy. It’s super soft, squeak free, and it won’t encourage thoughts of rambunctious play.
Step 4: Using Calming Scents
Many pet parents ask, “What can I give my dog to sleep at night?” However, rather than immediately turning to medications, you might try some more natural therapies.
Some scents can have a calming effect on the human members of the family, and the same is true for our tail wagging friends. Spraying your dog’s bed or bedtime toys with a calming blend of essential oils is a great way to alleviate any lingering anxiety from the day and get your pup ready to sleep through the night.
I love this all natural essential oil spray from ThunderEssence, the makers of the ThunderShirt! It’s made with lavender, chamomile and Egyptian geranium essential oils, and it smells amazing! I’m tempted to spray it on my own pillow, but for now I’ll save it for Chilly’s bed and cuddle toys!
Step 5: Calm Him with Together Time
Once your pup is all calm, it’s time for my favorite part of the bedtime routine – the special together time! Choose any quiet activity that you and your pooch both enjoy, like a gentle ear rubbing while you thank him for being such a good boy that day.
With a calming bedtime routine, you can ease the day’s anxiety and tuck your pup into bed ready to doze off and enjoy those sweet, happy doggie dreams!
3 Effective Therapies to Ease Your Pet’s Anxiety
I am an experienced dog owner who adopted a senior dog that was severely malnourished with other signs of severe neglect when we adopted him.
He is a very loving dog and not aggressive but never been healthy because of everything he has been through in combination with his age.
We’ve got good vets and received second and even third opinions on right meds to control severe gastrointestinal issues that send him into cycles of severe vomiting and gas that landed him in the hospital just once over last five years we’ve had him.
What is frustrating to me is that despite following all this guidance including plenty of exercise and comfy place to sleep and early mealtime he is still extremely hyperactive, bouncing off wall at 2 a.m. in morning long after we are in bed (he even has his own bedroom at other end of the house) and it makes his physical issues worse.
Is there a point at which it makes sense to inquire as to meds rather than just food or routine to make him calmer?
Hi Tony,
Gosh, this is a tough situation! First, thank you so much for rescuing and loving him!
My number one recommendation is to talk to your vet or a veterinary behaviorist. Since he has underlying medical issues, it is hard to say if a change in his routine would help or not. That being said, dogs do thrive on routine. So I would still ensure he has some sort of regular routine. That can include making sure he eats at the same time each day, goes to potty after each meal, and goes on walks at the same time every day. Those things can help calm him down and make him naturally feel more tired at bedtime.
A Veterinary Behaviorist is trained in pet behavior and they often are not more expensive than seeing your regular vet. They can help you determine why he has his hyperactivity. You can find one near you here: https://www.dacvb.org/search/custom.asp?id=4709
I hope this helps!
Kristen
I recently started fostering a senior Shepard mix (around 12 years old). He does not like his dog bed and prefers to nap on the couch or the floor. At night, all he does is pace, cry, and whine unless I am actively petting him. I understand how hard his life has been but any thoughts so I can get some sleep and be a good dog mom??
Hi Samantha,
Thank you for fostering! How long has it been since you first fostered him? It could be some anxiety associated with him adjusting to a new home/normal.
I would suggest making sure he has a clear schedule each day. Make sure he eats, goes out to the potty, goes for walks, and has a set playtime every day at the same time. This will help him get used to when bedtime is.
Before you go to bed, try giving him some calming treats. I love The Anxious Pet. They make hemp and hemp-free calming treats. My dogs love them, too! You can try them here: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1578559&u=1749246&m=96210&urllink=&afftrack=
If you find his anxiety can’t be resolved with treats, I really like Zyklene for pet anxiety. It is a supplement made out of dehydrated milk, and you just sprinkle it on his food so it’s easy to administer. You can get that here: https://amzn.to/37Mchkv
I hope that this helps! Thanks again for fostering.
We got.a Bernedoodle in August. He is turning 6 months this week. He has major anxiety. When we first got him he woke up every few hours to go potty at night which was normal. Then he started to sleep from 10:30 pm until 5:30 ish. I would take him to go potty and put him back in until 6:30 and take him out for the day. Recently he has become very anxious and we can’t put him to sleep he barks and cries. We have tried letting him bark and he will for hours on to no end. I have tried letting him go out of the crate for a few minutes then put him back in and 5 minutes later he barks again. I have given him socks from family members with their scent on it and that didn’t help. We tried melatonin but that doesn’t seem to be helping. I’m hoping there might be a suggestion of something else to try. We did do the training with putting him in with a treat in our hand with the door opened then the door shut with longer time increments. That works during the day and at night he gets upset. Hoping you could help. Thanks
Hi Jordana,
I am so sorry to hear about your puppy’s anxiety!
Does he have a set routine during the day? Having predictable meal, potty, play, and walk times are really important for dogs as they thrive on routine. Has anything changed in his routine recently? A change could also cause anxiety.
Since he is still so young, I would definitely talk to your vet about this change in his behavior. There could be an underlying issue he is trying to communicate to you.
I would recommend trying Adaptil diffusers in the room his crate is in. These release natural, calming messages into the air that only he can smell. I have had success with them in the past. https://amzn.to/34SS3oC . CBD can also help to keep him calm at night. You can put some oil over his food at night when he eats. I love The Anxious Pet CBD oil: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1578555&u=1749246&m=96210&urllink=&afftrack=
I hope this helps! Please keep me posted.
Kristen
My puppy is 11 weeks old and I’ve had him for 2 weeks. I’ve been putting him in the crate every night and for every nap with no problem. Two nights ago he all of a sudden is anti the crate. Screaming in it, pooping in it when he’s been taken outside multiple times.
The vet seems to think it’s behavioral, that he’s boycotting the crate and recommended a baby portion of Benadryl. He fought that just as hard night 2.
He seems incredibly stressed. Gave him treats in the crate, his blanket, a kong full of peanut butter. Nothing is working. Any advice?
Hi Kelly,
Congrats on the new puppy! Puppies can be difficult to train. And, yours is still so little!
I would also assume this issue is behavioral, since he is still so young. The key to them sleeping in their crate is that they are actually tired when they go in there. So, ensure he has a set routine throughout the day – like plenty of walks, playtime, and set mealtimes. Then, when it comes time for bed, he will actually be sleepy.
Adaptil diffusers are also a great way to ease anxiety. Place his crate by an outlet and plug one in beside it. Adaptil diffusers release natural, calming messages into the air that only dogs can smell. This can help him stay calmer in the crate! You can get one here: https://amzn.to/39EUhJG
I hope this helps! Keep establishing that routine and ensure he gets enough exercise throughout the day.
Let me know how it goes!
Kristen
Tony is two. He loves to go to bed. He sleeps with me and my husband every night. This week he’s been keeping us up all night. Sitting on the edge of the bed wanting to get down. We take him out side but he just sits there. This is totally strange for Tony. He normally gets under the covers and is set for the night. He’s eating fine and still plays. Doesn’t seem to be in any pain. What could be the issue?
Hi Robin,
Have there been any recent changes to his routine? Disruptions in his routine can cause anxiety. If everything is the same for him, try ensuring he is going outside right before bed so he doesn’t have to go to the potty in the middle of the night. Also make sure that he is having enough exercise. Depending on his size, he may need to go on longer walks or have more playtime during the day to ensure he is actually tired at bedtime.
If you’re sure you are doing all of the above, you can try other calming methods, such as placing an Adaptil diffuser in your room. It releases natural, calming messages into the air for canines: https://amzn.to/3obiv3D The Anxious Pet also makes CBD and hemp products that are veterinary formulated for pets. I trust them, and my pets gobble them up! You can find those here: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1578559&u=1749246&m=96210&urllink=&afftrack=0
Let me know how it goes!
Kristen
Hi! My dog Bella she’s 5-8 years old (Shes a resuce they didn’t know her exact age) she can’t sleep with anyone cause when she does halfway through the night she’ll bark and bark until we let her out and let her roam the house but she is also very loud. The past couple of months she’s been perfectly fine but up until this week she’s been freaking out every night and has been very aggressive when we try and keep her in the living room to sleep and she only stops when someone sleeps in the living room with her but we can’t always do that. Meds also dont work with her well and just make her more aggresive any tips on what I can do to help her or should I just bring this up with my vet?
Hi Che,
Aww, I am sorry to hear that Bella is having night anxiety. Did you recently rescue her? She could just be adapting to her new home.
I would definitely bring this up with your vet, especially if medication makes her more aggressive. In the meantime, Adaptil diffusers https://amzn.to/3tOciyu can help her feel more calm in her environment. They release all natural calming pheromones into the air. You can’t even smell them! Zylkene could be another non-medication option. It is made from dehydrated milk, so it is all natural. https://amzn.to/3aU35Mw
Let me know how it goes!
Kristen
Hi. I have a 13 yr old Peekapoo. We also have two cats. They all would sleep with us and sometimes he couldn’t get in the bed for the cats but once I would move the cats out of the way he would get in bed. My husband and I thought we needed a bigger bed for all of us. We got a king the cats love it, but my dog will not get in the bed, even if I put him in the bed he jumps right back down. He is ok in the floor under the bed for about 3 hours and then he is whinny until I get up and go somewhere else to sleep and then most of the time he is tickled to death and sleeps the rest of the night. Needless to say I am not getting much sleep. I just bought one of the round dog beds I am hoping that works. Do you have any other suggestions that I might could use the reason he is whinny so much. If I am at work and there with my husband he does not act this way, he says he is good as gold.
Hi Terry,
Gosh that is frustrating! It does sound like he is experiencing some kind of anxiety now that you have changed his normal sleeping spot. Have you ever tried CBD for him? Right before bed, give him a hemp treat or CBD oil to help him feel calm. I use The Anxious Pet for my dogs and it works like a charm! https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1578559&u=1749246&m=96210&urllink=&afftrack=0
If you don’t want to use that, try Adaptil diffusers in your bedroom. These release all-natural, calming pheromones into the air that only dogs can smell. https://amzn.to/3dmeHLh
I hope this helps! Keep me posted.
Kristen