Dogs Dog Health & Wellness Dog Diseases & Disorders

How to Treat Insomnia in Dogs

Are There Sleeping Pills for Dogs?

Light brown fluffy dog laying on light gray fluffy bed

The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak

Sleeping pills aren't typically used for dogs with trouble sleeping, partially because insomnia isn't as common in dogs as it is in people. However, some dogs will become restless at night for several reasons. They may pace, bark, whine, play, or otherwise bother you while you try to sleep. Fortunately, there are some natural insomnia treatments you can try that may help your dog calm down and sleep. Here's what you need to know about insomnia in dogs and how to use sleep aids safely.

Why Can’t My Dog Sleep?

Dogs typically have no problem sleeping and many will zonk right out whenever they get the chance. They tend to get plenty of naps while you're at work, so they may have lots of energy to stay awake at night to guard the house, play, and pester their snoozing humans. You may notice this more in puppies and high-energy dog breeds.

If your dog has always slept well, but now has insomnia, a physical or behavioral issue may be preventing them from getting a good night's sleep. Some of the most likely causes of insomnia in dogs include:

If your dog has trouble sleeping, it's best to schedule a check-up with your veterinarian. Be sure to tell the vet about any other unusual behaviors your dog is exhibiting as it may help with the diagnosis.

New Dogs

It's not unusual for dogs to have trouble sleeping after arriving in a new home. Puppies have just left their mother and siblings where they probably slept in a pile, and now they are asked to sleep by themselves in a strange new place. Adult dogs may have come from shelters or foster homes and need to adjust to the new environment. Once your new dog has settled in and learned your routines, they'll typically sleep well.

Are There Sleeping Pills for Dogs?

No, there are no sleeping pills made specifically for dogs, and many human sleep aids are toxic to dogs. Never give your dog sleeping pills or other medications without first discussing it with your veterinarian.

Warning

If your dog gets into your sleeping pills, contact a veterinarian immediately. Make note of how many pills they ate and how long ago, if known.

How to Treat Insomnia in Dogs

Once your veterinarian has ruled out health issues, there are several methods you can use to prompt your pet to sleep on your timetable.

Calming Aids

There are many calming aids available that are designed to relieve stress and relax anxious dogs. These may be particularly helpful when a dog is trying to adjust to sleeping in a strange place.

  • Calming supplements are often available as chewable treats or liquids that you add to your dog's drinking water.
  • Pheromone products, such as Adaptil, send calming scent messages to dogs and can help create a relaxed environment. These are typically available as collars, sprays, and diffusers.
  • Prescription medications may be recommended by your vet for extreme anxiety.

It's best to consult your vet before giving your dog any calming product to ensure it won't negatively affect your dog's health. This is particularly important with young puppies, breeding females, and dogs with medical conditions.

Melatonin

The time-keeper hormone melatonin tells people and animals when to sleep and when to wake up. Melatonin supplements have been used in people to treat jet lag and sleep disorders, and some veterinarians recommend using it to help pets sleep too. Melatonin is available at health food stores, but ask your vet about the proper dosage before giving it to your dog.

Play and Exercise

Sometimes all you have to do is put more effort into wearing your dog out. Provide plenty of daily exercise and consider adding an evening walk. Try scheduling playtime about 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime. Something active, like a game of fetch or tug-of-war, should do the trick. The goal is to burn off your dog's excess energy so they'll be ready to crash when you do.

In a household with multiple pets, it's a good idea to wear all of them down before bed. Cats are naturally more nocturnal, so a nighttime game with a teaser toy may keep your kitty from waking up the dog. Also, if you're being pestered far too early in the morning to fill a food bowl, a small late-night meal may do the trick.

Dog Bed Location

Rethink the placement of your dog's bed. Although some dogs will sleep in the bed with you, they should still have a comfortable place to settle down alone. Moving your dog's bed closer to your own may improve the pooch's rest.

If your dog sleeps in a crate or another room, outside distractions can keep them awake. Try covering the crate with a large blanket or comforter to keep out noise and light. Keep the lights in the room dim and choose a location away from noise, if possible.

Music

Music therapy can work wonders to naturally calm pets. Try playing slow, calm, instrumental music at a low volume to soothe your dog and help lull them to sleep.

Massage Therapy

Try giving your dog a bedtime massage to soothe them into a restful state. Slow gentle strokes can relax uptight dogs so they sleep better throughout the night.

How to Prevent Insomnia in Dogs

The best way to prevent sleeping problems in dogs is to keep them healthy and happy.

  • Establish a daily routine and stick with it.
  • Provide daily exercise and playtime.
  • Bring your dog to the veterinarian for annual or biannual wellness checkups.
  • Take your dog out for one last potty break before bed.
  • Feed a late-night snack to prevent early morning hunger.

If your dog is into midnight playtime, the biggest mistake you can make is to give them attention. In most cases, just ignoring the antics teaches the dog that they won't get attention for disturbing your slumber. Any sort of attention reinforces the behavior, so your dog will continue the pestering routine. Close your eyes, grit your teeth, and don't move a muscle. If you have trouble practicing tough love, you can always resort to earplugs. However, if you suspect your dog's insomnia is related to a health concern, contact your vet right away.

If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.