How to calm a restless dog at night

As pet parents, few experiences unsettle you quite like being jolted awake by your beloved furry friend pacing, panting, or whining in the middle of the night. You glance at the clock, and it's nowhere near dawn. Your initial concern likely centers on their immediate need—perhaps a potty break—but when this restlessness becomes routine, it quickly transforms into a source of stress for both you and your canine companion. Learning how to calm a restless dog at night becomes essential, not just for your convenience, but because these disturbed sleep patterns signal that your dog may be experiencing discomfort, anxiety, or an underlying medical issue that requires your attention and investigation.

My goal, as your veterinarian and partner in your pet's health, is to empower you with the knowledge to distinguish between simple behavioral habits and serious medical warning signs. Together, we can work to restore a peaceful night's sleep for your whole household and help your dog relax into the restful sleep they deserve.

When your restless dog paces—moving back and forth—or simply cannot settle, they're essentially signaling discomfort or distress to you. While some dogs may constantly seek your attention, the behavior sometimes points to something more structural or systemic happening beneath the surface. I want you to remember that unusual restlessness in familiar surroundings is much more likely to have medical significance than if it were occurring in a new environment.

To help us determine the cause, I encourage you to begin tracking your dog's activity patterns. Consider whether the restlessness is constant or episodic, and carefully note its relationship to daily activities like physical exercise or sleep. You'll want to watch for subtle signs of behavioral distress—these may include excessive motor activity (like pacing), vocalization (whining or barking), panting, lip licking, or yawning.

If your furry friend shows new or concerning behaviors like being unusually withdrawn, seeking more attention than normal, or experiencing disrupted sleep patterns, a thorough medical assessment is warranted. These signs might indicate structural forebrain problems that need your veterinarian's attention.

In veterinary medicine, I find it essential to recognize the underlying emotional state—such as anxiety or fear—because emotional arousal directly impacts your pet's physiological state.

Therefore, addressing the root cause, whether it's physical pain or mental distress, becomes your first step toward effective management and achieving a good night's sleep for everyone in your home.

I need you to understand that unusual nighttime restlessness or night waking is frequently linked to underlying health conditions that disrupt your dog's comfort or their natural sleep-wake cycle. When you observe these signs in your canine companion, they warrant a detailed conversation with your veterinary team, as medical therapy may be required to resolve the underlying cause and improve your dog's sleep quality.

Pain is a significant factor causing nighttime unrest and physical discomfort in your dog. Dental diseases and their treatments, for instance, are often quite painful for your pet. Chronic pain syndromes lower your dog's pain threshold, making everyday pressure or movement more uncomfortable than you might realize.

For instance, your arthritic older dog lying in a single position for prolonged periods can develop additional discomfort in areas unrelated to the primary issue. This contributes to a less settled state and prevents your dog from achieving the restful sleep they need.

Since your pet cannot verbalize their pain to you, identifying these issues relies entirely on our ability—as clinicians and as observant owners—to recognize subtle signs in your dog's behavior. A comprehensive assessment, including X-rays or dental charting, may reveal "invisible" problems like tooth resorption or oral pathology that serve as sources of chronic pain. I cannot overstate the importance of adequate pain management, which often includes medications and regional nerve blocks. These interventions are essential for improving your dog's well-being, promoting rest, and helping your senior dog achieve better sleep.

One of the most critical causes of restlessness at night that I encounter is difficulty breathing when lying down—this is a common sign in dogs suffering from Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). This restlessness you're observing reflects respiratory distress, which we call dyspnea, or fast breathing, known as tachypnea. Both conditions create significant physical discomfort for your dog.

If your dog has been diagnosed with heart disease, you play an active and vital role in monitoring their breathing daily. I teach pet parents like you to count your dog's Resting Respiratory Rate, or SRR, preferably while your dog sleeps or is in deep rest. An SRR consistently greater than 30 breaths per minute warrants further investigation on your part, as this can indicate developing CHF. Monitoring and reducing stress through environmental factors is also important in your role, as your dog's anxiety can worsen their breathing difficulties and prevent a good night's sleep for both of you.

As your dog ages, they may develop what we call Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, or CDS—also referred to as canine cognitive dysfunction or canine dementia. I sometimes compare this to Alzheimer's in humans to help you understand what your pet is experiencing. CDS often causes a loss of the normal sleep-wake cycle, resulting in your pet altering their routine in ways that may seem strange to you. They may eat at odd times, play less often, and often sleep more during the day but become restless at night, waking up in the middle of the night howling.

Pet parents like you often describe your furry friend as being "out of sync," experiencing what essentially amounts to senior dog anxiety.

If I suspect your dog has canine cognitive dysfunction, I'll provide you with a clear explanation of what's likely occurring in your pet's brain, along with guidance on the patience you'll need moving forward. It's important for you to understand that while our treatment focuses on managing your expectations, improvements in your dog's sleep quality are possible through establishing a consistent bedtime routine and making environmental modifications that promote relaxation.

Additionally, I see conditions causing what we call polyuria— excessive urination and thirst—such as diabetes mellitus or chronic renal failure. These can lead to restlessness because your dog constantly seeks to go outside to eliminate, disrupting their ability to maintain a consistent nighttime routine. Dogs with diabetes may also exhibit restlessness, canine anxiety, or attention-seeking behavior during what we call the prodromal phase, which occurs before a seizure.

In these complex cases, managing the underlying disease becomes paramount for you and your veterinary team. This sometimes involves adjusting insulin requirements to avoid clinical complications and help your dog achieve the restful sleep they need.

While we must rule out medical issues first, I find that management of restlessness often hinges on implementing proactive behavioral and environmental strategies that foster security and encourage healthy sleep habits in your dog. These approaches help you reduce anxiety in your pet, provide mental stimulation during appropriate times, and create conditions that allow your dog to relax into a peaceful night's sleep.

For your dog, their relationship and communication with you as their human are paramount to their sense of security. A vital component of reducing stress in your pet is maintaining consistency in their daily life and environment. If you allow your dog to sleep on the sofa or in your bedroom when they are a puppy, then later attempt to change this routine, the inconsistency can become a source of stress and conflict for your pet, potentially leading to separation anxiety.

You, as pet parents, must start as you mean to go on—establishing clear, predictable rules regarding sleeping arrangements and daily activities from the beginning. A consistent bedtime routine helps signal to your dog's brain that it's time to wind down for the evening. This routine might include a final bathroom break, dimming the lights, and settling your dog into their own bed or designated comfortable space. Consistency and predictability in your communication and routine are essential to reduce anxiety in your dog and help them achieve a good night's sleep.

Your dog's behavior, including their ability to settle at night, is heavily influenced by the daytime routine you provide. Treatment for restlessness requires you to focus on creating a stimulating daily routine that includes sufficient physical exercise and mental stimulation during the day. Without adequate physical activity and mental exercise, your dog may have excess energy at bedtime, making it difficult for your furry friend to achieve the restful sleep they need.

Providing your dog with daily walks, interactive play sessions, and training sessions helps tire out both your dog's body and your dog's mind. Physical stimulation through activities like fetch, swimming, or agility training burns that excess energy, while puzzle toys, interactive toys, and training commands provide the mental stimulation that engages your dog's brain. When your

dog receives enough exercise and mental challenge during the day, they're much more likely to settle into a peaceful night's sleep when evening arrives.

For dogs struggling with weight—which can worsen conditions like osteoarthritis and contribute to general physical discomfort—I may recommend a specific dietary plan for you to follow. Maintaining a balanced diet supports your dog's physical health and overall well-being. If food-seeking behavior is fueling your dog's restlessness (which I see commonly in some endocrine conditions), increasing feeding frequency or using food puzzle devices can address these behaviors and promote satiety in your pet.

You can also address what you perceive as "food begging" by taking time to play with your pet instead, as their core need might be for your general attention rather than food itself.

Getting your restless dog to settle at night involves creating an environment and routine that promotes relaxation—and you control both of these factors. Start by ensuring your dog receives adequate physical exercise and mental stimulation during the day. Insufficient exercise is a primary cause of nighttime restlessness in your dog. Remember: a well-exercised dog is a well rested dog.

I encourage you to establish a consistent bedtime routine that signals the transition to sleep time for your pet. This might include:

• A calm evening walk: to help your dog unwind

• Interactive play sessions earlier in the evening: not right before bed

• A final bathroom break: before settling down

• Dimming lights and reducing household activity: to signal rest time

• Gentle petting or massage: to help your dog relax

• Playing calming music or using white noise machines: to mask environmental factors like loud noises

The key for you here is consistency— repeating the same sequence of activities each night helps your dog's body recognize these sleep signals. Over time, this consistent bedtime routine you've established becomes a powerful tool to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in your pet, allowing your canine companion to transition smoothly into restful sleep.

The immediate environment you create plays a huge role in minimizing stress and maximizing comfort for your dog, which is crucial for their rest. Creating a calming environment involves attention to multiple environmental factors that affect your dog's ability to relax and achieve a good night's sleep.

You need to ensure the sleeping area provides superior comfort for your pet, especially for senior dogs who may suffer from degenerative joint disease and physical discomfort. Use soft bedding or orthopedic beds that support your dog's joints properly. For your older dog with inadequate bedding, upgrading to supportive surfaces can dramatically improve their sleep quality. Items with familiar scents from your home also help create a comfortable space that reduces stress in your pet.

Temperature control is vital for your dog's comfort—ensure your dog is warm and comfortable, as maintaining the ideal temperature supports their well being during rest. Some dogs, particularly your senior dogs, may need additional warmth through blankets or heated beds that you use safely.

You should minimize noise and disturbances, as high environmental noise can increase your dog's stress and create a less calming environment. Playing classical music or species-specific calming music has been shown to create a calming environment that helps your dog relax. These auditory tools you implement mask unpredictable loud noises that might startle your dog and disrupt their night's sleep.

White noise machines can also provide consistent background sound that drowns out sudden environmental factors like traffic or other dogs barking in your neighborhood. This acoustic consistency you create helps your furry friend maintain restful sleep throughout the night, contributing to their overall well being.

If the restlessness is tied to anxiety your dog experiences when alone—separation-related problems or separation anxiety—the focus must shift to teaching your dog how to settle, relax, and be calm in a specific, safe location, even while you as pet parents are home. This foundational training through training sessions helps manage anxiety in anticipation of separation from you.

For dogs experiencing separation anxiety, I recommend you gradually increase the time your dog spends alone during the day, combined with positive reinforcement during training sessions to build their confidence. Basic commands like "settle" or "place" teach your dog that they need a designated spot for rest. This same approach you apply during your nighttime routine helps your dog understand that nighttime is for rest, not vigilance, ultimately improving sleep quality for both you and your canine companion.

When behavioral modifications and environmental factors alone don't resolve your dog's restlessness, therapeutic interventions may help your dog achieve better sleep. I always advise you to consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist before introducing any supplements or medications to your pet.

Natural supplements can provide gentle support to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in your dog without the side effects of prescription medications. Several options exist that may help your dog relax, and I'll walk you through them:

• Calming supplements: products containing L-theanine, Alpha-casozepine or L-tryptophan may help reduce stress in your dog and support a calming environment internally. These natural supplements work with your dog's body chemistry to promote relaxation without causing sedation.

Your dog's diet plays a significant role in their overall well being and sleep quality—more than many pet parents realize. Certain dietary adjustments you make can help your dog settle more easily:

• Tryptophan-rich foods: this amino acid serves as a precursor to serotonin, which promotes relaxation in your dog's brain. Some dog foods are formulated with increased tryptophan specifically to reduce anxiety in pets.

• Balanced diet timing: feeding your dog a balanced diet at consistent times helps regulate their body's natural rhythms and prepares them for rest. Avoid large meals right before bedtime, which can cause discomfort, but a small snack might help some dogs settle better.

• Avoid stimulants: ensure your dog's diet doesn't include ingredients that might increase energy or restlessness at night when you're trying to help them wind down.
  
  

Beyond supplements and medications, several relaxation techniques can help your dog unwind under your care:

• Massage and touch: gentle massage helps your dog relax by releasing tension in your dog's body and promoting bonding between you and your pet. Focus on long, slow strokes along your dog's body, paying attention to areas where they hold tension.

• Pressure wraps: products like anxiety wraps or thunder shirts provide gentle, constant pressure that can reduce anxiety in some dogs. They work in the same way swaddling calms infants—providing a sense of security and comfort.

• Interactive play sessions (timed appropriately): while vigorous interactive play sessions should occur earlier in the day to burn your dog's excess energy, gentle, calm play or training commands in the evening can provide mental stimulation and strengthen your bond without over-exciting your furry friend before bedtime.

As your dog ages, their sleep needs and patterns change significantly—I see this frequently in my practice. Understanding these changes helps you provide appropriate support for your older dog.

Your senior dog faces unique challenges that impact their night's sleep:

• Cognitive dysfunction: canine cognitive dysfunction becomes increasingly common as your dog ages, fundamentally altering their sleep-wake cycles. Dogs with this condition may experience confusion, disorientation at night, and anxiety when alone without you. Managing canine dementia in your pet requires patience from you, consistency in routines, and often medication to improve their sleep quality.

• Physical discomfort: arthritis and joint pain worsen as your dog ages, making it difficult for your older dog to find comfortable sleeping positions. Inadequate bedding becomes a more serious issue for your aging pet, as their joints need more support than before. Orthopedic beds and elevated feeders can reduce strain on your dog and promote relaxation.

• Sensory changes: declining vision and hearing can make your older dog more anxious at night when sensory input is already reduced. Nightlights and consistent positioning of furniture help your senior dog navigate safely, reducing the stress that interferes with their rest.

• Medical conditions: your senior dog is more prone to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease—all of which can disrupt their sleep. Regular monitoring of your older dog's health through vet visits becomes increasingly important as they age.

To help your senior dog achieve restful sleep, I recommend you:

• Provide extra cushioning through orthopedic bedding specifically designed for your aging dog

• Consider ramps or steps to make accessing their own bed easier for your pet

• Maintain your consistent nighttime routine even more strictly, as changes are harder for your senior dog to process

• Increase frequency of bathroom breaks if your older dog needs them

• Use night lights to reduce disorientation your dog may experience

• Consider natural supplements or medications specifically formulated for senior dog anxiety

• Provide gentle mental stimulation appropriate for your older dog's energy level

• Ensure their comfortable space is easily accessible and on the same level where you as pet parents spend time

Physical exercise is crucial for helping your dog relax and achieve a good night's sleep, but the timing and intensity matter significantly—and you control both factors.

Adequate daily walks provide the physical stimulation that burns your dog's excess energy. Most dogs benefit from at least 30-60 minutes of physical exercise daily, though this varies by breed, age, and your individual dog's needs. High-energy breeds or younger dogs you own may require significantly more activity.

Interactive play sessions, such as fetch, tug-of-war, or playing with other dogs, provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation for your pet. These activities tire your dog's body while engaging their dog's mind, creating the ideal conditions for restful sleep later in the evening.

Training sessions throughout the day offer mental exercise that complements the physical activity you provide. Teaching your dog basic commands or more advanced training commands requires focus and problem-solving from your pet, providing mental stimulation that's equally tiring as physical work.

While sufficient exercise is essential for your dog, the timing matters significantly. Vigorous physical exercise right before bedtime can actually increase your dog's energy rather than promote relaxation. Instead, I recommend you:

• Schedule intense physical exercise and interactive play sessions for morning or early afternoon

• Reserve evening for calmer activities like training sessions focusing on relaxation, gentle walks, or quiet play with your dog

• Allow at least 2-3 hours between vigorous activity and bedtime for your dog to unwind properly

• Use the last hour before sleep for your nighttime routine that signals rest time to your pet

This approach ensures your dog receives enough exercise to be tired but isn't overstimulated when it's time for your dog to sleep.

Every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another pet in your care. Understanding your canine companion's individual personality, history, and needs is crucial for you to successfully address nighttime restlessness.

Different breeds have varying energy levels, exercise requirements, and anxiety tendencies that you need to consider. Working breeds typically need more mental stimulation and physical exercise than companion breeds require. I encourage you to research your dog's breed characteristics to ensure you're meeting their specific dog needs appropriately.

Consider where your furry friend is in their dog's life journey right now. Puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs have different needs that you must address:

• Puppies: may wake at night needing bathroom breaks from you; benefit from crate training and consistent bedtime routine establishment

• Adult dogs: require adequate daily stimulation from you; may develop restlessness from boredom or insufficient exercise

• Senior dogs: need extra comfort from you, more frequent bathroom breaks, and patience with cognitive changes
  
  

Some dogs naturally have more anxious temperaments, requiring more support from you to reduce anxiety effectively. Dogs with past trauma may need specialized help from a veterinary behaviorist to address deep-seated fears. Understanding your dog's individual history helps you provide appropriate support that promotes their well being.

Successfully helping your restless dog achieve a peaceful night's sleep requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses physical, mental, and emotional needs. Here's how you can create a comprehensive strategy:

Consult your pet health expert to ensure no underlying health issues are causing your dog's restlessness. This becomes especially critical for you if:

• Restlessness appeared suddenly in your dog

• Your older dog shows cognitive changes

• You notice signs of physical discomfort in your pet

• Breathing seems labored when your dog sleeps

Ensure your furry friend receives from you:

• Adequate physical exercise through daily walks and play

• Mental stimulation via puzzle toys, interactive toys, and training sessions

• Social interaction with both you as pet parents and, where appropriate, other dogs

• A balanced diet with appropriate timing and portions

Make their sleeping area a true sanctuary by ensuring you:

• Provide comfortable, supportive bedding for your dog

• Control temperature for optimal comfort

• Manage loud noises through white noise machines or calming music

• Ensure the space feels safe and secure to your pet

• Keep the environment consistent night to night

If behavioral and environmental modifications you've made aren't sufficient, explore with your veterinarian:

• Natural supplements like calming supplements

• Dietary adjustments to your dog's diet that support relaxation

• Professional support from a behaviorist for complex cases

Track what works and what doesn't for your dog. Be prepared to adjust your approach as you learn more about what helps your dog relax best. Remember that as your dog ages, their needs will change, requiring ongoing adaptation of your strategy.

Nighttime restlessness is a serious issue that you should never ignore in your pet. It serves as a valuable signal that your dog's physical or emotional needs are unmet, whether due to chronic pain, respiratory difficulty, cognitive decline, or inadequate mental stimulation and physical exercise during the day that you provide.

1. Monitor Resting Respiratory Rate (SRR): if your dog has a known heart condition or is a senior dog, I want you to regularly count their breaths per minute while your dog sleeps. If the count is consistently over 30 breaths per minute, contact your pet health expert immediately for guidance, as this signals potential respiratory distress affecting your dog's physical health.

2. Ensure a strong daytime routine: provide your dog with ample daily physical activity and mental stimulation (using puzzle toys, interactive toys, or engaging training sessions) to help your dog feel fulfilled and relaxed when it's time to rest. Address insufficient exercise by increasing daily walks and interactive play sessions you provide, ensuring your furry friend has burned excess energy before bedtime arrives.

3. Prioritize comfort and consistency: establish a predictable consistent bedtime routine and provide your dog with a designated "sleep sanctuary" featuring soft, familiar bedding and a calming environment, which may include playing calming music or using white noise machines. This comfortable space becomes your dog's signal that it's time for a peaceful night's sleep.

Managing complex issues like cognitive dysfunction, diabetes, severe anxiety, or chronic pain requires close collaboration between you as pet parents and your pet health expert. Be open with me about your observations and commit to providing the necessary diagnostic information, such as tracking behavior changes or monitoring your dog's diet and intake.

I want you to remember that helping your restless dog achieve a good night's sleep is a journey, not a destination. As your dog ages and their dog's life evolves, their needs will change with time. Stay attuned to these changes in your pet, remain flexible in your approach, and don't hesitate to seek professional help when your dog's restlessness persists despite your best efforts.

Your dedication to addressing the cause, not just the symptom, is the key to ensuring your canine companion achieves high quality of life and that both you and your furry friend enjoy peaceful, restful sleep together. By implementing these strategies—from establishing a consistent bedtime routine to providing adequate mental stimulation, from optimizing environmental factors to seeking professional support when needed—you're investing in your dog's well being and strengthening the bond you share with your pet. 

Every dog deserves to feel safe, comfortable, and secure enough to relax into restful sleep. With your patience, consistency, and the right support, you can help your dog achieve the peaceful night's sleep they need to live their best life.Together, you and your canine companion can look forward to many nights of restorative rest and the joy that comes from both being well rested and ready to embrace each new day together.