"Why Can’t My Dog Sleep?” — 5 Surprising Bedtime Mistakes You Might Be Making
Some dogs snore peacefully within minutes of hitting their bed. Others? Pacing, whining, pawing at the door, or wide-eyed stares at 2 a.m. sound familiar?
If your pup's sleep routine is more chaos than calm, here are 5 sneaky reasons your dog might be staying up — and what to do about it.
😳 1. Too Much Excitement Before Bed
A game of fetch at 9 p.m.? Yep, guilty. While play is great, revving your dog up right before bedtime can trigger restlessness.
Try this instead: Swap high-energy games for slow cuddles, soft music, or a short sniff-walk under the stars.
🍗 2. Late Night Snacking
Just like us, dogs can feel bloated or uncomfortable trying to sleep with a full belly. If they’re gulping down dinner too late, it might disrupt their rest.
Tip: Feed dinner a few hours before bedtime. Save treats for earlier in the evening.
🔊 3. Noise in the House
TVs, phones, and even loud heaters can keep some pups on high alert. Dogs hear frequencies we don’t — and it could be enough to spike their anxiety.
Zen solution: Turn off screens, dim the lights, and play soothing sleep sounds just for dogs. It works like white noise for humans.
😕 4. Inconsistent Sleep Spots
One night on the couch. One night on your bed. Then suddenly… the crate. If your pup doesn’t have a familiar place to sleep, it’s hard to relax.
Try: Creating a cozy sleep nook with a familiar blanket, toy, or even a calming wrap. Bonus if it smells like you.
😬 5. You’re Not Calm (and They Know It)
Dogs are emotional mirrors. If you’re wound up or stressed before bed, your pup may feel it too.
Best fix: Build a simple nighttime ritual together. Wind down with soft music or some light stretching or snuggling.
💤 Final Woofs
A few small changes can lead to big snoozes. Whether it's sound, scent, or routine, helping your dog sleep better starts with creating a calm environment — one peaceful pawstep at a time.
🛋️ Here’s to slower evenings, softer music, and pups who sleep like champs.