You love your pet, and you want what’s best for him or her. That includes a veterinarian you trust, healthy food, and a safe environment. Have you thought about how you can help your dog sleep better? Read on to learn some easy ways to improve your pet’s Zzzzs!
Exercise Your Dog Frequently
Your dog needs exercise to stay healthy and encourage a good night’s rest. Similar to the strategy of tiring out children by letting them play all day, the more your dog moves and runs, the better he is going to sleep. Avoid exercising your dog too close to bedtime because that may lead to the consumption of a lot of water and the need for another potty break late at night. A long walk a few hours before bedtime, possibly right after dinner, may be the perfect time to let your dog exert the energy she needs to ditch before bed.
Depending on the size of your dog, the recommended amount of exercise will vary. For smaller dogs, thirty minutes may do the job, but for larger breeds, somewhere around a couple hours may be more appropriate. Ask your veterinarian if you’re looking for more information regarding the “magic number” for your pet.
Implement A Sleep Routine
By keeping a relatively consistent schedule with your dog, they are able to recognize when bedtime is rolling around. Take them on walks around the same time each day. Their body will learn to expect what is to come. The same goes for a feeding schedule. Plan to feed them at consistent times every evening. Once they have finished eating, take them outside to go potty and burn off a little bit of energy before bed.
Many times when dogs wake up in the middle of the night and pester their owners, it’s because they need to go to the bathroom. By letting them out after they have consumed their last meal before bed, your dog is more likely to be able to sleep straight through the night.
A Healthy Sleep Environment is Key
Although this piece of advice may be controversial, we believe it is one of the most vital to sleep training your dog: Don’t let your dog sleep in your bed with you.
Studies show that 63% of humans and pets have a lower quality of sleep when they share a bed. We know that cuddling up with your dog under the covers can become one of your favorite routines or even a stress reliever, but it becomes unhealthy very quickly–it’s ruining your sleep.
Make sure your dog has their own safe place that they can depend on at bedtime. A bed in the corner of your room may be a perfect solution if you want to keep them close! Being able to have their own space and avoid the distraction of your movement at night will ensure your pup a better sleep.
Consider the Addition of Supplements
Even after working to create the perfect setup for your four-legged friend to doze off in, it may not be enough. Some dogs suffer from medical diagnoses that affect their ability to sleep well. If your dog struggles with anxiety, restlessness, or they’re not able to relax before bed, consider a Cannibidol (CBD) treatment. CBD comes in all sorts of forms and works to ease the endocannabinoid system which will relax your dog before bed so they can sleep easier. Melatonin is another over the counter solution that naturally aids in a more restful sleep for man’s best friend. Before using any kind of sleeping supplement on your dog, talk to their veterinarian about it.