Sleeping pills are something that many people take to help them get a good night’s sleep, but they are rarely needed for dogs. If your dog is struggling to settle at night then you will need to address the underlying cause of this rather than trying to medicate them alone. So in this article, we will look at some practical steps to help your dog sleep, as well as consider some sleep aids that can be safely used in dogs.
Table of Contents
Why isn’t my dog sleeping?
Sleep disorders are very uncommon in dogs and most dogs will simply crash in the evening. However, there are some exceptions to that.
New puppies that are settling into your home are often up in the night. A study by DogsTrust demonstrated that younger dogs actually slept for less time at night than older dogs do, so this is completely normal behavior. Their brains are busy processing information from their day, plus small puppies have to wake to go to the toilet more frequently than an older dog. Try not to worry though, most dogs will naturally start sleeping through the night by around 4 months of age and they make up for their lack of sleep at night with naps during the day.
Older dogs that are suffering from a decline in cognitive function may start to become confused and wake more frequently in the night. Elderly pets may also need to toilet more frequently especially if they have underlying health issues.
Some dogs will not rest at night because they feel anxious. Separation anxiety can cause them to become distressed when they are not close to you. They might pant, pace around, become destructive, or vocalize. Training is needed to get these dogs comfortable in their own company. A qualified behaviorist might be needed to help improve things.
There are no specific sleeping pills for dogs that can be advised, unless by your veterinarian. Instead, try to improve their sleeping area and give your dog plenty of exercise during the day.
How can I help them feel settled?
Comfy Bed
Make sure your pet has a comfortable bed that he feels safe and secure in. It should be situated in a quiet spot away from any drafts. You could also consider crate training, as many dogs like the den-like security a crate gives. Though some people like having their dog sleep in their bed, you may find you both get more rest by having your own beds as you are less likely to disturb each other.
Safe Place
Providing puppies with a soft toy or a jumper that smells like you might help them feel more secure at night. Making sure the room is dark will also help encourage sleep. If they are in a room with no curtains then it’s only natural that they will wake when the sun comes up!
Enough Physical Activity
Making sure that your dog has plenty of exercise and positive mental stimulation during the day will ensure he is more relaxed at night. A happy, tired dog is less likely to be anxious or wake up during the night. Sometimes having a final runabout or a game of ball chasing can help get rid of any excess energy before bedtime.
Seek advice from a qualified behaviorist if you are struggling with a pet that has anxiety issues.
Human medications can be dangerous in some cases so it’s always best to talk to a vet before giving a dog human sleeping pills.
What medications can I use for my dog?
We can’t advise using any human medications in your pet, without your dog being examined and prescribed them by a veterinarian. Human medications can be dangerous in some cases so it’s always best to talk to a vet before giving a dog human sleeping pills. So instead we will look at a few over-the-counter products that you could try to help your dog to relax at night.
Pheromones
Dog-appeasing pheromones can be very calming for some dogs. They come in sprays or plug-in diffusers, or you can get collars impregnated with them. Using pheromones in conjunction with ensuring your dog has an optimum sleeping area can help pets to relax at night.
Calming Aids
There are many different products available that can help to calm pets. These are over-the-counter supplements that usually contain herbs and proteins that act on the calming centers of your dog’s brain to help him feel more relaxed.
Melatonin
Melatonin supplements can be useful for both people and dogs. This hormone helps the body differentiate between day and night, and has been used for a variety of sleep disorders and jet lag. Although you can buy this product at health food stores you should always speak to your veterinarian about dosage.
What happens if my pet accidentally eats my sleeping pills?
The American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has put together a list of commonly used sleep aids in people and some of their possible side effects here. These drugs include –
- Hypnotic medications such as zolpidem, eszopiclone, and zaleplon
- Trazodone
- Temazepam
- Antihistamines like diphenhydramine and doxylamine
If your dog accidentally ingests some of your medication, then you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. The pet poison helpline can be useful too. Some of these medications can be used in animals but only ever on the recommendation of your veterinarian and at the doses they prescribe.
Conclusion
There are no specific sleeping pills for dogs that can be advised, unless by your veterinarian. Instead, you could try some of the sleep aids we suggest, as well as having a look at ways to improve the area in which he sleeps. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation during the day. Don’t hesitate to speak to a veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist if you have concerns about your dog’s sleeping patterns.
FAQ
It is not advisable to give your dog sleeping pills, unless under the direct supervision of your veterinarian. Giving your dog your own medication runs the risk of unwanted side effects like hyperactivity and agitation. If your dog accidentally eats your sleeping pills then you must call your veterinarian immediately for advice.
Try pheromones and calming supplements to help your dog sleep if his night-waking is related to anxiety. However, you might need to address any underlying behavioral issues to get on top of the problem. Giving your dog plenty of exercise and mental stimulation during the day should help wear him out for bedtime.
Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009, she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat-coated retriever George!
