It is a sincere belief that if everyone starts the day by petting their sleeping pet mutt, which loves them, the world would be a better place! Constancy is the key motivational factor in aiding your four-legged mate to learn certain behavioural traits. You are the best person to teach all the right characteristics in them. If your dog gets the green signal of waking mid-night to relieve himself, he will imbibe this habit. It will feel accepted in doing this particular activity every night, provided you permit the same. So, to help your most loyal four-legged companion, you should set up a routine and follow it religiously.
A polyphasic sleep pattern is what our four-legged mates follow. In simple terms, it is the amount of daytime naps they enjoy. But it differs, as they grow old. An adult dog sleeps 12-14 hours on an average, daily. While the small ones or the puppies sleep much less, controlling the pooch's nap is never in our hands. You can try certain modifications to make your pet pooch learn so that their sleep pattern changes. They will then start sleeping well during the entire night, for a good eight hours! Many useful sites are readily available for helping your royal canin sleep the whole night in a better manner. When you have many questions, like can dogs see in the dark, the following helpful tips will assist you in the whole process.
Causes behind their sleepless nights-
Need for emptying their bladder -
First-time dog owners must accept that their adorable pooches need to realize their bladder every couple of hours. If not, the owner and the little canine will continue experiencing sleepless nights. Humane Society claims that four or five months old puppies can control their need to go out and release for about an hour or so. It increases with an hour with every month of their age. In a nutshell, an eight-month-old puppy can wait for eight hours before releasing its bladder!
Not adequately tired -
This particular point sounds obvious, but it is right in its sense and very common amongst dog breeds. Their significant amount of daytime sleep leads to their lack of sleep at night. Most races turn very fidgety, while some keep on whining or barking. Sleep Advisor says lack of physical exercise results in irregular sleep at night. It disrupts their entire sleep cycle. Also, they start showing signs of sleep apnea or dementia as they age.
Being alone -
The anxiety behind separation mainly causes specific behavioural issues with dogs of all age groups. From newborn puppies to aged ones, they go under anxiety problems, leading to inevitable glitches in their characteristics, like bad things, continuous barking or whining, scratching the floor, and so on.
Experiencing some physical agony -
These loving souls cannot disclose their pain. But you being their owner, should act as a responsible parent. It is challenging for these innocent souls to sleep if they suffer from physical problems, like stomach pain, muscle or joint pain, mild fever, or cold. Specific injuries also cater to their disturbed sleep. You have to be extra cautious to make them comfortable.
Ways to help –
Some dogs are alright with a tad little change in their routine. Others find adjusting initially difficult but slowly adapt to the new changes. Once you gauge the problem, you are the best person to move forward with once you calculate the problem. Be patient to decipher what suits these adorable four-legged mates best. Read below the five ways to help your dog sleep well every night.
Introduce mind-stimulating games before bed-time -
During night-time, if your puppy or grown-up dog keeps roaming around the house, or avoids settling down in his dog mat, fill his day with some exercise. An hour of physical activity benefits them a lot. It aids their body with extra enrichment and stimulation.
Plan for a walk every day, at least for an hour. Plan the exercise to make your pooch reach the right level of tiredness. But then, be careful of their health, breed, age, and other characteristics. Find the correct balance, and only force these canines into a bit of exercise. Also, involve them in different mind-stimulating games, like snuffling the dog mats, a treasure hunt for their toys, etc.
Ensure their toilet break before bed-time -
Ensure your royal and lovable canine's bladder is empty before hitting the night bed. Please ensure the dog won't drink water before hitting the hay at night. Too much drinking will make them restless the entire night. Include it in your daily activity with your pooch. Go out routinely, every night for a toilet break, right before bed-time
Melatonin for dogs –
Melatonin supplements are essential dog supplements containing the required amount of vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients to help maintain optimal pet health. It works in various ways by controlling your pet pooch's neurological issues, hyper-activeness, separation anxiety, and sleep disorders. Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant, aiding in regulating the 24-hour sleep cycle. It assists them in sleeping well, with less amount of physical restlessness. With a perfect circadian cycle, your pet pooch will sleep well every night. Most dogs suffer from Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. It is somewhat similar to human Alzheimer's disease. Consult your veterinary doctor for the correct dosage of the same.
Guarantee their comfort
Following their crate training, ensure their comfort factor also. Irrespective of sleeping in their crate, dog mats, or bed, they should have a secure place that is friendly, comfortable, and safe. Let them snuggle with soft dog blankets, pillows, or any of their favourite toy. Act like a concerned parent, and make your four-legged pet child at ease.
Different dog breeds prefer various activities or things. Feel free to experiment with your 'sonny boy' and try appreciating whatever they like the most—experiment by switching off the room lights or a night bulb. Or try determining whether they want to lie down on cold surfaces or always prefer something extra warm and soft.
Take immediate action against their health issues.
Be a concerned parent. If you suspect some behavioural change, infection, or an injury that keeps your mutt awake the entire night, immediately visit the vet. While playing outside or walking, they might get minor injuries, especially in their paw zone. Check their paws after long walks. In some situations, a pain-relief medicine also aids in easing their soreness and helping them relax. Being restless during the night's sleep also hints that your pet pooch is distressed due to some undiagnosed medical issue. And they require your assistance. At certain times, minor bugs, fleas, or mites annoy them. To assist your young or elderly dog in getting a night of sound sleep at night, you have to be conscious of tracing out the root cause.
Cuddling up!
As parents, we all appreciate the true meaning of sleepless nights. But seldom are we aware of the same concerning our pet pooch. Many dog owners learn the hard way. They start appreciating that their dogs never respect their owner's desired sleep schedule. Show your love for your pet pooch by caring for their well-being. Train them accordingly. Cater to their comfort and let them get a good night's sleep. Remember that a good laugh and a long, comfortable sleep are the best cures!
