Why Is My Dog Restless at Night? (And How to Help)
If your dog can’t seem to settle down at night, you’re not alone. Many pet owners notice their dogs acting anxious, pacing, or whining when it’s time to sleep. A restless dog doesn’t just lose sleep themselves—they might keep you up too! The good news is, there are several possible reasons for this behavior, and once you know what’s causing it, you can take steps to help your dog feel more relaxed and get better rest.
In this post, we’ll explain why your dog might be restless at night and share simple ways to help them sleep peacefully.
1. Fear
Dogs can feel scared just like humans, especially at night when everything is quiet and dark. Loud noises like fireworks, thunderstorms, or strange outdoor sounds can make dogs feel nervous or unsafe. Dogs have very sharp hearing, so sounds that might not bother us can seem very loud to them.
Also, if your dog is in a new place, like a friend’s house or a new home, they might feel unsure or afraid. Being scared can cause them to walk around, bark, or have trouble lying down. Creating a calm and quiet environment can help your dog feel safer at night.
2. Separation Anxiety
Some dogs feel very anxious when they’re away from their favorite person. This is called separation anxiety, and it often shows up at night when the dog has to sleep alone or in a different room. It’s more common in dogs that were adopted, moved to a new home, or had big changes in their routine.
Older dogs might also feel extra lonely at night, especially if they’re used to sleeping close to their owner. If your dog seems upset when they’re not near you, separation anxiety could be the reason for their restlessness.
3. Signs of Separation Anxiety
Dogs with separation anxiety often show signs like:
Pacing or trembling when you leave the room
Barking, whining, or howling after you’re gone
Chewing on doors or scratching windows
Going to the bathroom indoors
Refusing to eat when they’re alone
These behaviors usually happen every time the dog is left alone. If you notice any of these signs, your dog may need extra comfort and support.
4. Pain or Discomfort
Dogs can’t tell us when they’re hurting, but pain can make it hard for them to sleep. You might notice your dog being more vocal (whimpering, growling), breathing fast, acting restless, or not wanting to move much. Pain could come from an injury, surgery, dental problems, or health issues like arthritis.
Older dogs are more likely to have joint pain or stiffness. If you think your dog is in pain, it’s important to visit a vet as soon as possible. They can help figure out what’s wrong and suggest treatments to make your pup feel better.
5. Common Health Problems That Cause Pain
Several health issues can lead to pain or discomfort at night, including:
Infections or illnesses like Lyme disease, giardia, or ringworm
Injuries like sprains, cuts, or eating something harmful
Post-surgery soreness and licking of wounds
Dental problems like gum disease or tooth pain
Arthritis, especially in older dogs
Bone diseases in young dogs that are still growing
Cancer, which can cause discomfort or changes in behavior
If you notice changes in how your dog moves, eats, or acts, it’s a good idea to get them checked by a vet.
6. Old Age and Cognitive Changes
As dogs get older, they may start to act differently. One common issue in senior dogs is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), which is similar to dementia in humans. Dogs with CCD may:
Sleep more during the day but stay awake at night
Seem confused or disoriented
Pace or wander at night
Have trouble remembering things
Forget where the bathroom is or have accidents inside
If your senior dog is restless at night and seems more anxious, they may be showing early signs of CCD. A vet can help with treatments or tips to manage these changes.
7. Not Enough Physical Activity
Dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy and use up their energy. If your dog doesn’t get enough playtime or walks during the day, they may feel extra energetic at night, making it hard for them to settle down.
Even if you take your dog outside for bathroom breaks, that might not be enough. Try adding a longer walk, a game of fetch, or playtime in the backyard to help burn off energy. The more active your dog is during the day, the better they’ll sleep at night.
8. How to Help Your Dog Sleep Better at Night
Now that you know what might be causing your dog’s restlessness, let’s look at some easy ways to help them sleep better.
Create a Calm and Cozy Environment
Set up a quiet, dark, and comfortable space for your dog to sleep. If they’re sensitive to noise, close windows and curtains, and try playing soft music or white noise to cover up outdoor sounds. Some dogs feel safer in small, quiet areas like a den or a finished basement—but only if they don’t have separation anxiety.
Give Them a Comfy Bed
A good dog bed can make a big difference. Just like humans enjoy a cozy mattress, dogs also like soft and supportive bedding. If your dog has joint pain or arthritis, an orthopedic bed with extra cushioning can help ease discomfort. A warm, cozy bed is much better than a cold, hard floor.
Provide Comfort Items
Puppies and nervous dogs may sleep better with a stuffed toy or a soft blanket that smells like you. Some toys even have a built-in heartbeat or gentle warmth to help your dog feel like they’re not alone. These simple items can help your dog feel more secure and relaxed.
Play Soothing Sounds
Calming music or nature sounds can help dogs sleep more peacefully. You can find playlists made just for dogs on platforms like Spotify or YouTube. These gentle sounds can block out noises that might scare your dog and help them feel more at ease.
Let Them Burn Energy During the Day
Make sure your dog gets enough physical activity throughout the day. If you have a backyard, let them run and play outside. If you live in an apartment, go for extra walks or visit a dog park. Activities like fetch, hiking, or swimming are great ways to help your dog stay active and healthy—and ready for rest when bedtime comes.
Take a Final Potty Break
Sometimes a dog is restless simply because they need to go to the bathroom. Taking your dog out right before bed for one last potty break can help prevent overnight accidents and make them feel more comfortable sleeping through the night.
Try Calming Aids (If Needed)
If nothing else works, you can try calming products for dogs. These come in the form of treats, sprays, collars, or even calming jackets. Always talk to your vet before giving your dog a new supplement or product to make sure it’s safe for them.
Talk to Your Vet
If your dog is still having trouble sleeping, your vet is the best person to help. They can check for health issues, pain, or anxiety and suggest treatments or changes that might help. Keeping a journal of your dog’s nighttime behavior can give your vet helpful information.
Should You Let Your Dog Sleep With You?
Many people wonder if it’s okay to sleep with their dog in bed. The answer is—it depends on what works best for you and your dog.
It’s Good for Your Dog’s Health
Most dogs love being close to their humans. Sleeping near you can help them feel safe and bonded. There’s no proof that sleeping in your bed is bad for your dog’s health, as long as they’re clean, healthy, and happy.
Think About Your Own Health Too
While your dog might love sharing the bed, it doesn’t work for everyone. Some people have allergies, and pet hair can make symptoms worse. Dogs can also take up a lot of space or move around at night, which might disturb your sleep. It’s a personal choice—do what’s best for you.
Reasons You Might Want Separate Beds
There are times when it might be better for your dog to sleep in their own bed. This includes:
If your dog is still being potty trained
If they’re showing behavioral problems
If they guard their sleeping space or growl
If you need more room to sleep comfortably
Training your dog to sleep in their own bed can be a good long-term solution for better sleep on both sides.
Do Dogs Dream?
Yes, dogs dream! Just like us, dogs go through sleep stages, including REM (Rapid Eye Movement), which is when dreams happen. You might see your dog twitching, moving their paws, or making little sounds during this stage—this means they’re dreaming!
What Do Dogs Dream About?
We can’t know exactly what dogs dream about, but it’s likely they dream about everyday things like running, playing, chasing toys, or even spending time with you. If your dog moves or barks in their sleep, they’re probably acting out part of a dream.
How Can You Tell If Your Dog Is Dreaming?
Dogs usually start dreaming about 20 minutes after they fall asleep. If you look closely, you might see their eyes moving under their eyelids or their paws twitching. These are signs they’re in the REM stage and probably dreaming.
How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?
Dogs need different amounts of sleep depending on their:
Age (puppies and older dogs sleep more)
Breed (working breeds may be more active)
Health (sick or recovering dogs rest more)
Daily routine (busy days may lead to deeper sleep)
On average, dogs sleep about 12–14 hours a day, including naps.
Final Thoughts
If your dog is restless at night, it could be because they’re scared, anxious, bored, in pain, or simply didn’t get enough activity during the day. The good news is that many of these problems can be fixed with love, care, and a few simple changes to their routine. With your help, your furry friend can enjoy peaceful, restful nights—and you can too!