My Dog is Restless at Night, is something wrong?

Wondering Why Your Dog is Restless at Night?

If your dog struggles to settle at night – pacing, panting, whining or constantly changing position, you’re certainly not alone.

Nighttime restlessness is common in dogs, particularly seniors.  Although dogs generally sleep for around 12 to 14 hours a day, pain, anxiety, cognitive changes and an uncomfortable sleeping environment can all cause you to wonder why your dog is restless at night.

What to consider when a dog is restless at night

Pain or discomfort

Arthritis and other painful conditions can make it difficult for a dog to find a comfortable sleeping position. You may notice stiffness, repeated repositioning, reluctance to lie down or difficulty getting up.

Canine cognitive dysfunction

Older dogs can experience canine cognitive dysfunction, sometimes called doggy dementia. This may disrupt their sleep-wake cycle, causing them to wander, vocalise or appear confused at night which can be one reason your dog is restless at night.

Speak to your veterinarian if you notice these signs, as early diagnosis can help manage the condition and support your dog’s quality of life.

Anxiety or changes in routine

Changes within the home, separation-related anxiety, unfamiliar noises or disruptions to your dog’s usual routine may make it harder for them to relax, another leading cause for why a dog is restless at night.

Not enough daytime activity

Dogs need an appropriate balance of physical exercise and mental stimulation. Without enough activity during the day, some dogs may still have excess energy at bedtime.

An uncomfortable sleep space

If your dog is restless at night, consider if the room is too hot, cold, bright or noisy.  If the bed doesn’t adequately support an older dog’s joints, it can also interfere with sleep. Learn how to support your senior or arthritic dog when choosing a dog bed HERE.

How to help your dog sleep better at night

If your dog is restless at night, there are a few simple changes that may help your dog feel calmer and more comfortable:

• Provide suitable walks, play and enrichment during the day.
• Give them a supportive bed in a quiet, cool and cosy location.
• Include a final toilet break before bed.
• Keep bedtime and waking times consistent.
• Introduce a calm wind-down routine each evening.

Dogs often find predictable routines reassuring, particularly when they include something positive to signal that it’s time to settle.

A quiet belly rub or massage, followed by a small bedtime treat can become a helpful sleep cue. The Paw Grocer Bedtime Bickies are oven-baked in Australia with natural ingredients, including chamomile and L-theanine. Their crunchy texture and peanut butter base also make bedtime something dogs can look forward to.

When should you see your vet if your dog is restless at night?

Nighttime restlessness shouldn’t automatically be dismissed as part of ageing. Arrange a veterinary check-up if the behaviour is new, worsening or accompanied by signs such as persistent panting, coughing, pain, confusion, increased thirst or changes in toileting.

Ultimately, helping your dog sleep well is about creating a routine in which they feel safe, comfortable and relaxed – because a better night’s sleep benefits your dog and the entire household.

Visit The Paw Grocer to find Bedtime Bickies for your best buddy’s evening routine.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my senior dog pace at night?

Nighttime pacing in senior dogs may be associated with pain, canine cognitive dysfunction, anxiety or needing to go to the toilet. Your veterinarian can help identify the underlying cause.

Can a bedtime routine help my dog sleep?

Yes. A consistent routine involving a toilet break, calm interaction and a familiar bedtime cue can help signal that it’s time to wind down, especially if your dog is restless at night.

Is panting at night normal for dogs?

Occasional panting may be caused by heat or recent activity, but unexplained or persistent panting can indicate pain, anxiety or illness and should be discussed with your veterinarian.

About the Author: Lara Shannon is a certified dog behaviourist and trainer, pet food nutrition specialist, Executive Producer and Host of Pooches at Play on Channel 10 and editor of Poochesatplay.com. Lara also runs her own dog training business in Melbourne’s Bayside area and is the Author of World of Dogs and Eat, Play, Love Your Dog