Why Won't My Dog Sleep At Night?

When it's time to settle in for the night, are you having an easier time than your pup? 

Do they pace the house, whining and barking? Are they tossing and turning at the foot of your bed? Do they take "the witching hour" a little too seriously?

If your dog isn't sleeping at night, there's a good chance you aren't either. But, what's causing this insomnia in your furry friend?

If you're wondering "why won't my dog sleep at night?" we've got you covered. Continue reading for the most common reasons your pup is staying awake and some possible solutions. 

They're Lonely

If you've recently adopted your pup from a shelter -- congrats, by the way! -- it's possible they're missing the other dogs around them. While being in a shelter is very stressful, they do form a sense of camaraderie with the other dogs.

If you've brought home a puppy from a private breeder, they could be missing their mom and siblings. It takes time for a new family member to adjust to their surroundings, so don't get worried about his "dog sleep schedule."

Try putting their crate or dog bed next to your bed. This will comfort them and ease their loneliness. Over time, start moving it farther away a little each night, until it's in the desired area you want "their room" to be.

If you don't mind them being in your room, that's fine too!

You can also try putting a ticking alarm clock next to your puppy -- but don't set it! This can mimic the sound of their mother's heartbeat. Heat up a bottle of water and wrap it in a towel so they have a sense of warmth like when they were in their litter.  

They Have Too Much Pent-Up Energy

Your pup misses you when you're gone all day at work. They spend most of the day napping. When you get home, they want to love you and play. 

Unfortunately, we live busy lives. We have dinner to cook and kids to take to activities. Sometimes, it gets away from us and we don't spend as much time playing with our dogs as we should.

Make it a point to carve out time for your pup when you get home from work. Invest in some great toys that hold their attention while you're gone. If they're getting the stimulus they need, they won't have so much pent-up energy when it's time for bed.

Nighttime Critters Keep Them Awake

We know dogs hear things humans can't. That includes critters that run about during the night. They can't find the source of the noise and it drives them crazy.

Call a pest control service and have them do an inspection on your home. If they don't find anything, keep troubleshooting until you find the source that's your pup awake. 

They're Not Feeling Well

If dogs aren't feeling well, they're not going to get the proper sleep and the proper times. This includes both emotional turmoil and a physical ailment. 

Take them to the vet to make sure your puppy hasn't gotten hurt. They could also have a rash that's irritating them or they're sick.  

Share your concerns with the vet and get their advice on why your dog isn't sleeping at night. They may suggest you give them an herbal remedy to ease anxiety. 

Proper Dog Sleep Makes For a Happy Pup and Parent

When your pup gets good dog sleep, you'll feel better too. They won't wake you up in the middle of the night with scratching, whining, or barking.

If you can't figure out what's keeping them up, don't hesitate to contact your vet. There could be an underlying issue with your dog you aren't aware of.

If you're looking for a new crate or pad for your pup, check out our collection! We make homes for dogs, designed for people.