How to Help Puppy Sleep Better [13 Hints]
Let’s discuss how to help puppy sleep better…
Are you struggling to get your new fluffy friend to sleep through the night? It’s a common challenge many pet owners face, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this short post, we’ll be discussing some helpful tips and tricks to help your puppy sleep soundly and peacefully through the night.
So grab a cup of tea, cozy up with your furry pal, and let’s get started!
Puppy sleeping pattern
Puppies have different sleeping patterns depending on their age and breed.
Generally, very young puppies sleep for most of the day and night, with their sleep spread out throughout the day and night in short naps of 30 minutes to two hours.
As they get older, they start to sleep for shorter periods and stay awake for longer periods.
At 7–8 weeks old, puppies should get 18–20 hours of sleep per day, according to the AKC.
By 4 months old, the average puppy sleeps a little over 11 hours in a 24-hour period, and adult dogs usually sleep for 12–14 hours per day.
However, every puppy is different, and some may sleep more or less than others.
It’s important to establish a regular sleep routine for your puppy to ensure they are well-rested and healthy.
How to help puppy sleep better
The following are some of the most common ways you can help puppy sleep better:
1. Establish a Consistent Routine
Puppies thrive on predictability and routine, so establish regular schedules for meals, playtime, restroom breaks, and sleep.
When it comes to developing a sleep regimen, consistency is essential.
Following a consistent schedule will teach your puppy when it’s time to unwind and relax.
This regularity will provide a sense of security and encourage healthier sleeping patterns.
Try to feed your puppy at the same time every day, take them out for toilet breaks at regular intervals, and create a bedtime routine that includes winding down activities.
2. Gradually Introduce Crate Training
Crate training can give your puppy a safe and comfortable sleeping environment.
Associate the crate with treats, toys, and good experiences, and gently and positively introduce it.
Make it pleasant and inviting by bringing in a soft blanket or bedding.
Increase the amount of time your puppy spends in the crate gradually, starting with brief intervals, until they feel comfortable resting in it all night.
Make sure the crate is the right size for your puppy. It should be large enough for them to comfortably stand, turn around, and lie down.
3. Establish a Bedtime Routine
Developing a soothing nighttime ritual signals to your puppy that it’s time to unwind and prepare for sleep.
A nice walk, a relaxing belly rub, or a quiet play session can all be part of the routine.
Consistency is essential in creating a schedule because it helps your puppy learn cues and realize that bedtime is approaching.
For example, you may take your puppy for a short walk, then give him or her a gentle massage or brushing session before settling down for some quiet bonding time before night.
4. Limit Food and Water Before Bed
Limit your puppy’s access to food and water a couple of hours before bedtime to avoid overnight bathroom breaks.
This will lessen the likelihood of them waking up in the middle of the night to use the restroom.
However, keep hydration and nourishment in mind throughout the day.
Consult your veterinarian about the best feeding and watering plan for your puppy’s age and breed.
5. Dim the Lights and Reduce Stimulation
Dim the lights and reduce stimulating activities before night to create a calming environment.
Turn off the television, turn down any loud noises, and discourage physical play.
This eases your puppy into a more relaxed state, preparing them for a restful night’s sleep.
To hide any bothersome sounds from outside, use soft, warm lighting and play moderate music or white noise to create a tranquil and peaceful ambiance.
6. Use Soothing Sounds or Music
Soft, soothing noises or mild classical music can help to soothe your puppy.
Consider utilizing a white noise machine or playing pet-friendly music.
These sounds can help to drown out external noises while also providing a steady and relaxing background noise that promotes greater sleep.
Experiment with various sounds to see which ones work best for your puppy.
Some puppies enjoy the sound of rain or ocean waves, while others prefer instrumental music or classical music.
7. Avoid Excessive Daytime Napping
While pups require naps during the day, excessive sleeping might disrupt their evening sleep routine.
Limit daytime naps to shorter lengths to ensure they are ready for a longer and more restorative sleep at night.
Encourage your puppy to stay up and active during the day in order to manage their sleep-wake cycle.
If you observe your puppy sleeping for an extended period of time during the day, gently rouse them up and redirect their attention to an interesting activity.
8. Encourage Mental Stimulation Before Bedtime
A well-rested puppy requires mental stimulation in addition to physical exercise.
Engage your dog in interactive games, puzzle toys, and brain-challenging training sessions.
Mental stimulation helps your puppy’s brain tire out, reducing restlessness and promoting more comfortable sleep.
Toys that foster problem-solving and engage your puppy’s senses should be available. To keep things interesting and minimize boredom, rotate the toys.
9. Create a Calm Sleep Environment
Make a sleeping area for your puppy, such as a crate or a cozy bed. Choose a calm and peaceful location away from high-traffic areas and loud noises.
To offer a comfy place for your pup to lie, consider utilizing soft bedding.
Creating a peaceful sleeping environment can help your puppy link that location with rest and relaxation.
Place familiar toys or blankets within the sleeping space to make it more pleasant. This will provide your puppy with a sense of familiarity and comfort.
10. Tire Your Pup Out Before Bedtime
Regular activity is essential for getting your puppy tired and ready to sleep. Engage in playing activities such as fetch, tug-of-war, or a quick stroll.
Exercise not only expends extra energy but also induces mental and physical exhaustion, making it simpler for your dog to settle down and sleep properly.
The quantity of exercise required depends on the age, breed, and health of your puppy.
Consult your physician to discover the best exercise plan for your particular puppy.
Learn more about ways to tire out your puppy.
11. Gradual Transition to Sleeping Alone
While it may be tempting to allow your puppy to sleep in your bed, encouraging them to sleep on their own is more advantageous in the long run.
Gradually introduce them to their own sleeping area by initially placing their bed or cage in your bedroom.
Gradually transfer the bed or cage to their preferred sleeping location as they get more comfortable.
Create a pleasant link with their own sleeping environment by using positive reinforcement, treats, and gentle encouragement.
12. Provide Evening Bathroom Breaks
Take your puppy outside for a toilet break before you retire for the night.
This will aid in the emptying of their bladder and the prevention of any pain or accidents during the night.
Avoid engaging in play or stimulating activities during these restroom breaks.
This promotes the notion that it is time to rest and reduces disturbances to their sleep.
13. Avoid Late Evening Stimulants
In the evening, keep an eye on your puppy’s food, water, and stimulating activities.
To avoid midnight toilet breaks, avoid feeding them a large dinner or giving them access to drink soon before bedtime.
Additionally, limit fun and stimulating interactions in the nighttime hours, as this might raise their energy levels and make it difficult for them to fall asleep.
Learn more about why your pup is always sleeping.
Seek Professional Guidance if Needed
If, despite your best efforts, your puppy continues to have sleep problems, don’t be afraid to seek professional help.
A veterinarian or a professional dog trainer can offer tailored advice and aid in dealing with your puppy’s individual sleep issues.
They can assist in the identification of any underlying medical illnesses or behavioral issues that may be interfering with their sleep and suggest appropriate treatments.
Managing the puppy’s diet to avoid sleep disturbances
To manage a puppy’s diet to avoid sleep disturbances, it’s important to establish a routine and feeding schedule.
Puppies should be fed a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their specific dietary needs, depending on their age and breed.
Avoid feeding them right before bedtime as this may cause them to need to go outside in the middle of the night.
Additionally, avoid feeding them foods that may cause digestive issues or discomfort, such as spicy or fatty foods.
Providing plenty of exercise and playtime during the day can also help them sleep better at night.
Consult with a veterinarian to discuss the specific dietary needs and feeding schedule for your puppy.
Addressing common sleep disturbances in Puppies
Sleep disturbances are common in puppies, just as they are in humans and other animals.
There are several possible causes of sleep disturbances in puppies, including anxiety, discomfort, hunger, or the need to go potty.
To address these issues, it is important to establish a comfortable and consistent sleeping environment and routine for the puppy.
One common strategy is to crate-train the puppy, providing them with a comfortable and secure space to sleep.
Additionally, making sure the puppy has access to water and a chance to go potty before bedtime can help prevent disruptions during the night.
If anxiety is the cause of the puppy’s sleep disturbances, there are several strategies that can help, such as providing the puppy with a comforting item like a stuffed animal, playing calming music, or using pheromone sprays.
In some cases, it may be necessary to consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to develop a plan for addressing the puppy’s anxiety.
Factors That Affect Puppy Sleep
There are several factors that can affect a puppy’s sleep and potentially cause disturbances.
Some of these factors include changes in routine and surroundings, temperature, boredom or lack of stimulation, diet, sleep disorders, and health issues.
Additionally, puppies require more sleep than adult dogs and may have different sleep patterns, such as taking more naps during the day.
It is important to establish a regular sleep routine for puppies and provide a comfortable and safe sleeping environment.
Related questions
My puppy won’t sleep at night, what can I do to help him sleep better?
A good place to start is establishing a bedtime routine that your puppy can adapt to. Make sure he gets enough exercise during the day, and avoid stimulating activities close to bedtime. Give him a comfortable place to sleep, and try playing soothing music or white noise to help him relax.
Is it okay to let my puppy sleep in bed with me?
While it may be tempting to snuggle with your furry friend, it’s generally not recommended to allow your puppy to sleep in bed with you. Not only can it disrupt your own sleep and create dependency on your presence, but it can also lead to issues with behavior and territoriality in the long term. A comfortable dog bed or crate in a quiet area of your home is a much better solution.
What can I do if my puppy wakes up in the middle of the night?
Avoid giving in to the temptation to play or cuddle with your puppy if he wakes up in the middle of the night – this can reinforce bad habits. Instead, calmly take him outside for a potty break and then return him to his sleeping area. Reassure him briefly if necessary, but avoid making too much fuss or noise that could wake him up further.
Should I limit my puppy’s water intake before bedtime?
It’s important to make sure your puppy stays hydrated, but you can limit his water intake a few hours before bedtime to avoid the need for frequent potty breaks in the middle of the night. Make sure he has plenty of water during the day and offer smaller amounts closer to bedtime.
Will leaving the TV on overnight help my puppy sleep?
While some dogs may find the sound of the TV soothing, it’s generally not recommended to leave it on overnight. The constant noise and light can disrupt your puppy’s sleep and make it harder for him to fully relax. Soothing music or white noise are better options.
Learn more about how to stop your puppy from crying in the crate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, helping your puppy sleep soundly at night is not only important for their health but also for your own sanity.
By creating a consistent and calming bedtime routine, providing a comfortable sleeping space, and addressing any underlying issues, you can ensure that your furry friend gets the rest they need to grow and thrive.
So snuggle up with your pup and get ready for some sweet dreams!
