How to Help Your Dog Sleep Better: A Comprehensive Guide (2025)

When my French Bulldog, Milo, started pacing at night in our Texas home, I was exhausted and worried. My vet, Dr. Carter, helped me establish a routine with exercise, a cozy bed, and calming strategies to ensure Milo slept soundly. This guide combines my experience with Milo and Dr. Carter’s expertise to help US dog owners address sleep issues, whether in Miami apartments or Texas suburbs. A consistent routine and veterinary guidance are key to a happier, healthier dog.

Why Do Dogs Struggle to Sleep?

Dr. Carter identifies common causes of sleep disruptions [1]:

• Lack of Routine: Inconsistent schedules for feeding or walks can confuse dogs [1].
• Insufficient Exercise: Pent-up energy leads to restlessness, especially in high-energy breeds like Labradors [2].
• Anxiety or Stress: Triggers like loud noises or separation disrupt sleep [1].
• Medical Issues: Pain, urinary issues, or conditions like arthritis can prevent rest [2].
• Environmental Factors: Noise, light, or uncomfortable bedding affect sleep quality [1].

Milo’s nighttime pacing was due to anxiety and lack of exercise, Dr. Carter found [1].

How to Help Your Dog Sleep Better

Dr. Carter’s vet-recommended strategies for better sleep, tailored for US dog owners [1][2]:

1. Establish a Routine:
   • Set fixed times for feeding (e.g., Purina Pro Plan at 7 AM and 6 PM), walks, and bedtime [1].
   • Take your dog for a 10–15 minute potty break 30 minutes before bed [2].
   • Milo’s 8 PM walk became his sleep signal, Dr. Carter notes [1].
2. Ensure Ample Exercise:
   • Provide 30–60 minutes of activity daily (e.g., fetch with a Kong toy or brisk walks) based on breed needs [1].
   • High-energy breeds like Cane Corsos need more; low-energy Pugs need less [2].
   • Titan’s backyard play sessions tire him out for sleep [1].
3. Create a Cozy Bed:
   • Use a supportive bed like a PetSafe orthopedic mattress in a quiet, dark, well-ventilated room [2].
   • Avoid hard floors or drafty areas near windows [1].
4. Minimize Distractions:
   • Place the bed away from doors or noisy areas in New York apartments [2].
   • Use blackout curtains or a crate cover for darkness [1].
5. Crate Training for Comfort:
   • Introduce a crate (e.g., MidWest Homes) with soft bedding and Zuke’s treats to create a safe space [1].
   • Never use the crate as punishment; make it inviting [2].
   • Milo loves his crate for naps, Dr. Carter observes [1].
6. Play Soothing Sounds:
   • Use calming music or white noise (e.g., Pet Tunes speaker) to reduce anxiety [2].
   • Play 20–30 minutes before bed to signal rest time [1].
7. Offer a Pre-Bedtime Routine:
   • Combine a potty break, a short walk, and calm petting to wind down [1].
   • Avoid feeding within 2 hours of bedtime to allow digestion [2].
8. Keep Them Hydrated and Fed:
   • Provide fresh water via a PetSafe fountain and a balanced diet (e.g., Purina Pro Plan) [1].
   • Avoid sugary human foods like candy, which are toxic [2].

These steps helped Milo sleep through the night, Dr. Carter confirms [1].

Addressing Underlying Health Issues

Dr. Carter stresses the importance of veterinary check-ups for sleep problems [1][2]:

• Monitor Symptoms: Note signs like frequent waking, panting, or accidents [1].
• Schedule Exams: Visit VCA Hospitals to rule out pain, urinary issues, or arthritis [2].
• Discuss Medications: If anxiety or medical issues persist, vets may prescribe safe options like trazodone, not human sleep aids [1].
• Behavioral Causes: Anxiety or stress may require training or calming aids like NaturVet supplements [2].

Milo’s sleep improved after Dr. Carter treated his mild anxiety [1].

Breed-Specific Sleep Considerations

Breed	Sleep Needs (Hours/Day)	Considerations
French Bulldog	12–14	Prone to anxiety, needs calm space
Cane Corso	10–12	High energy, requires more exercise
Labrador Retriever	12–14	Active, benefits from routine
Pug	14–16	Sensitive to heat, prefers cool beds

Things to Avoid When Helping Your Dog Sleep

Dr. Carter highlights mistakes to steer clear of [1][2]:

• Inconsistent Routines: Varying feeding or walk times confuses dogs [1].
• Overfeeding Before Bed: Feeding too close to bedtime can cause discomfort [2].
• Toxic Treats: Avoid human foods like candy, which are harmful [1].
• Punitive Crating: Using crates as punishment creates negative associations [2].
• Ignoring Health Issues: Sleep problems may signal medical conditions; don’t delay vet visits [1].

When to Seek Veterinary Help

Dr. Carter advises consulting a vet if:

• Sleep issues persist despite routine changes [1].
• Your dog shows signs of pain, anxiety, or frequent waking [2].
• You’re unsure about safe calming methods or medications [1].
• Behavioral issues like pacing or whining worsen [2].

The ASPCA recommends vets for diagnosing sleep-related issues [3].

Preventing Sleep Problems

To promote healthy sleep, Dr. Carter suggests:

• Consistent Schedules: Maintain fixed feeding, walk, and bedtime routines [1].
• Daily Exercise: Use Kong toys or walks to burn energy [2].
• Comfortable Environment: Provide a PetSafe bed in a quiet, dark space [1].
• Regular Check-Ups: Annual exams at VCA Hospitals catch health issues early [2].

FAQs

• Why can’t my dog sleep? Lack of routine, exercise, anxiety, or health issues may be causes [1].
• How do I help my dog sleep? Set routines, provide exercise, use a cozy bed, and play calming music [2].
• When should I see a vet? If sleep problems persist or your dog shows pain or anxiety [1].

Final Thoughts

Helping Milo sleep with a routine and a PetSafe bed transformed our nights in our Texas home. These strategies work for any dog, from a Pug to a Labrador. Shop PetSafe, Zuke’s, or NaturVet products at PetSmart or local pet stores, and consult your vet or an ASPCA-recommended clinic for tailored advice to ensure your dog sleeps soundly and stays healthy.

References:

1. VCA Hospitals, “Dog Sleep and Behavior”.
2. Rover, “Helping Your Dog Sleep Better”.
3. ASPCA, “Pet Health and Veterinary Care”.