The dog does not sleep at night. What to do?
In fact, dogs are famous sleepers. On average, they need about 14-16 hours of good sleep every day. This indicator varies slightly and depends on the breed of the pet and its individual characteristics. In addition, the quality of sleep also differs. For example, large dogs such as Newfoundland and St. Bernard, sleep soundly and for a long time, while active and service breeds – for example, husky, jack russell terrier or border collies prefer alternating short periods of sleep and wakefulness.
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Causes of Insomnia
Most often, the rhythm of the life of a domestic dog coincides with the rhythm of the life of its owner. The animal is awake when a person is at home, and sleeps at night and in his absence. But, unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Just like humans, dogs often fall asleep out of boredom. Pets sleep much more than their street relatives: it’s just that there is much less entertainment for them in the apartment than on the street.
So why does the dog not sleep:
Lost the rhythm of life The owner was forced to stay up late for several days, and the dog got used to this daily routine. It is not always possible for an animal to return to a normal sleep pattern quickly.
Various diseases There are many diseases, one of the symptoms of which is sleep disturbance – drowsiness or, conversely, insomnia.
Age It is known that puppies, like children, sleep most of the day, and they too can get up several times a night. This usually goes away as the dog gets older. The rhythm of life can go astray in an elderly pet. Excess sleep during the absence of the owner during the day can cause the dog to stop sleeping at night.
emotional experiences Insomnia, accompanied by barking, whining and howling, can be associated not only with the disease, but also with emotional disorders. Sadness, longing, fear of loneliness – this is only a small part of the reasons for the destructive behavior of the dog.
How to deal with pet insomnia?
First of all, it is necessary to establish the true reason for the pet’s wakefulness. Any sudden change in your dog’s behavior should be cause for concern. If your pet gets tired, refuses to eat, or becomes nervous, call your veterinarian. Only a specialist can determine the causes of the disorder and prescribe the appropriate treatment. In no case should you engage in the diagnosis of the disease yourself. Self-treatment can lead to serious consequences, lost time and loss of chances for recovery of the pet.
It is normal for a puppy to be awake at night. If your pet can’t sleep and tries to arouse your interest (for example, he whines, barks and scratches), ignore him. Play and affection on your part is a sign of encouragement for such behavior.
Once praising your pet, be sure: the next night he will surely come again for his portion of love and attention.
To accustom the puppy to the regimen should be gradual, providing him with everything he needs for a good sleep.
If the mode has gone astray in an adult dog:
Contact the cinematographer If the dog’s insomnia is associated with psychological problems, a specialist consultation is required – a zoopsychologist or a cynologist. He will determine the exact cause of this violation and help to cope with the problem.
Increase the time and intensity of the walk Try to “wear out” your dog with exercise and play during your evening walk. But you shouldn’t do it right before going to bed: the pet needs time to calm down after a walk and feel tired.
Feed your pet After an active walk before going to bed, the dog must be fed. Dinner will help her relax, the animal will not wake up at night from hunger. At the same time, watch the portion size: too heavy dinner can provoke digestive problems and, as a result, insomnia.
It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question why the dog does not sleep at night. There are many causes of sleep disturbance in a pet, and they all have their own consequences. The most unpleasant and nervous for the owner is the situation when the animal barks, whines and even howls at night, especially if the family lives in an apartment building. During treatment, try to talk to your neighbors, explain the situation to them. Remember that you are responsible for the pet, and love and care is the best thing you can give him.
