How to Help a Restless Dog Sleep

Your dog is a creature of habit, and any change can throw off his groove. Diet changes, a move or even something as simple as rearranging the furniture can upset your dog. If your dog is pacing, whining and seems ill-at-ease, try some of these suggestions and hints to calm him down and help him sleep.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Dog bed
  • Hot-water bottle
  • Ticking clock
  • Anti-anxiety drops
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check for problems. Make sure that your dog isn't in pain or ill. See if he is eating normally or seems listless. Run your hands over his body and check for flinching, yelps or warm spots that could indicate infection. Stay calm so that he does, too.

    • 2

      Take your dog outside. She may need to relieve herself.

    • 3

      Look for any changes to your dog's routine. Does she normally sleep in a crate and is now in an open room? Does she usually sleep with another dog? Dogs respond negatively to change.

    • 4

      Feed your dog earlier in the day. If you feed your dog in the late evening, he will be too energetic to settle down and sleep.

    • 5

      Exercise your dog daily. Dogs need to run, jump, play and tire themselves out. Every dog should get at least an hour of exercise a day. This will decrease behavioral issues and help your dog sleep.

    • 6

      Give your dog a space of her own. Get her a crate or set up a bed for her. If you're dealing with a restless puppy, add a hot-water bottle and a ticking clock to her bed. The heat and soothing sound will calm her and allow her to sleep.

    • 7

      Use an anti-anxiety formula for dogs if all else fails. You can buy these drops at any pet store to add to your dog's water.