How to Get Your Dog to Sleep Through the Night

As man’s best friend, there’s no denying that dogs are loyal creatures. But if their need for attention stems into the night, it isn’t particularly helpful to your sleeping pattern. We all know a good night’s sleep can be difficult enough without the incessant sound of your dog crying into the early hours. So, for a quiet night, here are a couple of tips and tricks for how to help your dog get to sleep at night.

Like most animals, dogs follow a polyphasic sleep cycle. What this means is that they sleep multiple times around the clock, as you’ll have noticed after the many daytime naps. According to Petful, adult dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day on average, so if you find they’re kipping for the duration of the day, it’s unlikely they’ll remain asleep overnight for the 8 hours you do. While you can’t control your dog’s napping while you’re away at work, there are some measures you can take to make them more likely to doze during bedtime.

There’s nothing more frustrating than a dog who scoots around downstairs all night making noise. Here, we explore 5 tips for helping your dog sleep from sunset to sunrise.

Just before you and your pet hit the hay, keep the hour before bedtime as relaxed as possible. Avoid excessive treats or exciting activities. Most importantly, ensure your dog does his business just before bed, so he won’t be needing the toilet again come 3 am.

Studies show that 63% of pet owners who share their bed with their four-legged friend experience poor sleep. Despite the obvious sleep disruptions through movement and possible barking, sharing your bed with your dog increases the risk of skin infections and has terrible effects for those with asthma or allergies. It’s also more difficult for your dog to sleep, if you’re tossing and turning throughout the night, he or she most likely will be as well.