So, Why Is Your Dog Restless At Night?

There are a number of reasons why your
dog might be moving around while they sleep. If you haven’t got time to read
the full article, here’s a list of the most common reasons we’ve covered:

1. They Are Trying To Get Comfortable
2. They Are
   Too Hot or Cold
3. They Need
   To Go To The Toilet
4. They’re
   Having A Dream (and Chasing Rabbits!)
5. They Have
   An Underlying Medical Condition
6. It’s Just
   Their Natural Instincts
7. They’re
   Bored and Need More Mental Stimulation
8. They miss
   you!
9. They
   suffer from anxiety or fear
10. They have a sleeping disorder

Each of these reasons will be explored
in more detail below, along with tips on how to help your restless dog get a
peaceful night’s sleep.

Your Dog Can’t Get Comfortable

Dogs, just like humans, need to find
the right spot and position to feel comfortable and drift off into sleep. If
your dog is moving around frequently, it could be a sign that they’re not
getting on with their dog bed.

There are loads of dog beds on the
market in various shapes and sizes, from vet bedding through to dog bed mattresses.

The RSPCA suggests thinking about two key factors
when choosing a dog bed, which are size and material.

If the bed is too big, they won’t feel
secure, and if it’s too small, they might not have enough room to move around
comfortably. Material-wise, some dogs prefer a firmer surface, while others
like to sink into cushioning.

They’re Having Temperature Troubles

Just like Goldilocks’ porridge, your
dog’s temperature needs to be just right for them to have a good night’s sleep.

If your dog is too hot or cold,
they’ll likely move around the house trying to find a more comfortable spot.

For those dogs that struggle with the
heat, try investing in a cooling mat for them to lie on during those warmer
nights. Alternatively, if they’re always chilly, consider getting them a warm
and cosy blanket to snuggle up in.

Be aware that some dog breeds,
especially those with thick coats like Huskies or Malamutes, are more sensitive
to heat and may need a cooler environment to sleep comfortably.

Night Time is Toilet Time

If your dog is moving around a lot
while they sleep and seems unsettled, it could be that they need to go outside
for a toilet break.

Puppies and senior dogs are more prone
to needing toilet breaks during the night, so if your dog falls under this
category, try taking them out before bedtime to prevent any nighttime
disruptions.

According to PetMD, “It takes between 8-12 hours for a meal
to be fully digested, with puppies digesting food faster than older dogs. If
your dog eats a smaller meal, they’ll digest it faster than a larger meal,
also. So if you’re feeding your dog two meals a day, they are likely going to
have to defecate about twice per day.”

Dreaming Doggos Can Look Like Restlessness

We’ve all seen it- our dog’s legs
twitching as they doze off into a deep sleep. It’s easy to assume that they’re
dreaming about chasing rabbits or playing in the park, but what does this
actually mean?

According to VCA Hospitals, dogs do dream and go through
the same sleep cycles as humans. During their REM (rapid eye movement) stage of
sleep, they may twitch or move around as they dream, and this is completely
normal behaviour. So, if your dog is moving around while sleeping, it could
just mean they’re having a particularly exciting dream!

Your Dog Is Experiencing Underlying Medical Conditions

If your dog’s restlessness at night
persists for a long period of time or seems to be accompanied by other symptoms
like whining or discomfort, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian.

There are a number of medical
conditions that could be the root cause of your dog’s sleep troubles, including
arthritis, gastrointestinal issues, or even hormonal imbalances.

By taking your dog for regular
check-ups and addressing any potential health concerns, you can help ensure
they get a good night’s rest without any underlying issues causing discomfort.

It’s Natural (Instincts)

In the wild, dogs are creatures of
habit and would typically change sleeping locations throughout the night to
ensure their safety. This behaviour is still ingrained in domesticated dogs,
which could explain why they move around while sleeping.

If your dog seems to be moving from
spot to spot without any other apparent reason, it could be their natural
instincts kicking in. To help your dog feel more secure, ensure their sleeping
area is in a quiet and safe location within your home.

The best spots in the home to set up
your dog’s sleeping area are typically away from high-traffic areas and any
potential sources of disturbance, such as noisy appliances or open windows.

It Could Be Boredom or Lack of Mental Stimulation

Dogs that are under-stimulated during
the day may have a hard time settling down for sleep at night. If your dog is
not getting enough physical exercise or mental stimulation, it could lead to
restlessness at night.

To help combat this, ensure your dog
gets plenty of exercise during the day. This could include going for walks,
playing fetch, or engaging in other activities that get their heart rate up and
their mind stimulated.

You can also provide your dog with
puzzle toys and interactive games to keep their brain engaged and tire them out
mentally before bedtime. Lick mats and frozen Kong toys filled with tasty
treats can keep your dog occupied and mentally stimulated.

Your Dog Misses You & Is Experiencing Separation Anxiety

Dogs are social creatures, and they
crave companionship and attention from their owners. If your dog is used to
sleeping next to you or in the same room as you, they may feel anxious when
separated at night.

To help ease separation anxiety, try
gradually getting your dog used to sleeping in their own bed or crate in a
different room. Provide them with a familiar blanket or toy to help them feel
more at ease.

You can also try leaving a radio or
white noise machine on to create background noise and help your dog feel less
alone.

It’s Possible They Have A Sleeping Disorder

Carrie Tooley and Sarah E. Heath, the
lead authors of a paper on Sleep Characteristics in Dogs suggest that
“There are strong arguments for a relationship between sleep, in
particular REM sleep, and emotional health and behaviour in a variety of
species”.

The report goes on to say dogs getting
less than 8-10 hours of sleep are much more likely to exhibit problem
behaviours. This not only includes restlessness but aggression and anxiety,
too.

Identify The Issue & Help Your Pooch Catch More Z’s

The first step to helping your dog
sleep better is understanding the cause of their restlessness. By taking note
of any patterns or changes in behaviour, you can identify the root cause and
take appropriate action.

Remember to provide your dog with a
comfortable sleeping area that meets their size and material preferences, and
ensure they are getting enough exercise and mental stimulation during the day.
If all else fails, consult with your vet to rule out any underlying medical
issues and address any potential sleeping disorders.

Hang In There!

With patience, love, and attention,
you can help your restless dog get the peaceful night’s sleep they deserve.
After all, a well-rested pup makes for a happy owner! So next time you see your
beloved pooch moving around while sleeping, remember there could be many
reasons behind it and try not to worry too much.

After all, a dog’s sleep pattern may
be different from humans, but they still need their beauty rest just as much.