8 Tips to help your pet sleep through the night
Sleep is precious and we all know how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. But what if your pets have a different idea. Do they wake you up early? Do they want to play through the night? Or do they prefer to get all their sleep during daylight? Most pets can be trained to sleep through the night with a few adjustments throughout the day. We have some tips to help.
Common reasons your pet won’t sleep through the night
Natural instincts – dogs and cats are crepuscular which means they are most active at dawn and dusk. In the wild, they would hunt at night or early in the morning. This is when the temperature is the coolest and their excellent eyesight can help them catch their prey while remaining undetected. They would spend the time in between resting and recovering.
They need the toilet – puppies and kittens have small bladders. It is normal for them to wake during the night to go to the toilet. If your puppy or kitten cries during the night, take them to the toilet and put them back to bed without any treats or playtime. If you have an adult pet waking you through the night to go to the toilet, it may be a medical problem such as a urinary tract infection or bladder infection, so it is worth taking them to the vet. Senior pets can also suffer from incontinence or need to go to the toilet more regularly.
They are not tired - All pets need playtime and exercise to burn calories, stimulate their minds and stay healthy. If they are alone, bored and sleeping through the day, they will have a build-up of unused energy during the night.
They are lonely – puppies and kittens can cry at night when you first bring them home. It is important to offer them a comfortable sleeping area, with a comfort toy and blanket to help them settle in and feel safe and secure. Other items that can help include filling a hot water bottle with warm (not hot) water and wrapping it in a blanket to put amongst their bedding. You can also hide a ticking clock under or near their bed to mimic mum’s heartbeat. For kittens, make sure they have access to their water bowl, food and litter tray near their sleeping area. Pets can also develop separation anxiety than can lead to whining, barking and destructive behaviours. For tips to help your pet through separation anxiety click here.
They are in pain – we all have difficulties sleeping when we don’t feel well. An upset stomach, joint pain, skin issues, parasites and side effects of injuries or illnesses can all have an impact on your pets sleep. If you suspect your pet is in pain, take them to the vet to have them checked out.
Change – can influence your pets sleeping habits, especially cats who prefer routine and the familiar. Examples of change can include moving house, guests staying over, renovations, change in time spent at home and moving your pet’s bed.
8 Tips to help your pet sleep through the night
Address medical issues – we all have difficulties sleeping when we don’t feel well. An upset stomach, joint pain, skin issues, parasites and side effects of injuries or illnesses can all have an impact on your pets sleep. If you suspect your pet is in pain, take them to the vet to have them checked out.
Schedule daytime play/exercise - all pets need playtime, exercise and socialisation to burn calories, stimulate their minds and stay healthy. If they are alone, bored and sleeping through the day, they will have a build-up of unused energy during the night. Your pet needs toys to stimulate them throughout the day when you aren’t home, in addition to regular playtime and exercise when you are. Your pets exercise needs will vary based on their breed, lifestyle, age, size or health requirements. Ask your vet if you have any questions about exercising your pet.
Create a comfortable sleeping space - your pet needs a comfortable place to rest where they feel safe and secure. For dogs, they need a suitable place to rest, away from drafts and off the floor. A dog bed with a washable rug, cushions or blanket is ideal, provided in a weatherproof kennel or indoors. Cats need their own comfortable, dry place to rest in your home. A cat bed, chair, box or basket with a soft, washable blanket or towel is optimal.
Don’t feed them too close to bedtime – about 3 hours before bedtime, feed your pet their last meal for the day and plenty of water to drink. Avoid feeding them directly before bedtime as their food will digest and energise them hours later.
Take them to the toilet before bed – about 10-15 minutes before bed take your pet to the toilet. This will ensure their bladder is empty when they go to sleep.
Keep evenings calm - about an hour before bedtime, start winding down playtime and offer pats and cuddles instead. This will ensure they are relaxed and calm, rather than excited and ready to play when it comes to bedtime.
Don’t reward night-time behaviour – if your pet cries out through the night, take them to the toilet and put them back to bed without any treats or playtime. Establish a bedtime routine and stick to it. This will help your pet understand what is expected and normal when the household goes to sleep. Any medical issues need to be addressed first.
Be patient and positive – training your pet to sleep through the night can take time. Patience, consistency and positive reinforcement will make all the difference.
Training your pet to sleep through the night can have a big impact on the quality of your own sleep. If you are not having any success in adjusting your pets sleep schedule, get in touch with your local veterinarian or a behavioural professional.