Sleep is essential for your dog’s health, cognitive function, and emotional wellbeing. Understanding their natural sleep patterns, recognising signs of disruption, and providing the right environment helps your dog stay rested.
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Our Top 10 tips for supporting healthy sleep
Recognise Sleep Cycles – Dogs experience light, deep, and REM sleep, often in short naps throughout the day. Observe when your dog naturally rests, noting periods of deep sleep versus light dozing, to schedule around these.
Provide a comfortable bed – Select a bed that supports your dog’s size, age, and any joint issues. Orthopaedic or memory foam options benefit senior or larger breeds, while smaller, cushioned beds suit tiny breeds.
Keep to a Consistent Routine – Set regular feeding, play, and bedtime schedules. Consistent daily timing signals to your dog when it’s time to rest, reducing anxiety and helping regulate circadian rhythms.
Limit Nighttime Disruptions – Minimise loud noises, bright lights, or sudden activity in areas where your dog sleeps. Avoid letting other pets or children disturb sleep, and establish a safe, calming space to reduce stress.
Provide Mental Stimulation – Ensure your dog has enough exercise and mental engagement during the day. Dogs sleep better, as physical tiredness and fulfilled cognitive needs make them more likely to enter deep sleep cycles.
Monitor for Sleep Disorders – Watch for excessive daytime sleepiness, restlessness, difficulty rising, or unusual vocalisation during sleep. These may indicate pain, anxiety, or medical conditions requiring veterinary assessment.
Adjust for Age and Breed – Puppies require more sleep (up to 18 hours) for growth and development. Senior dogs may sleep more due to lower activity but might experience fragmented sleep. Adjust routines, bed types, and environment to accommodate these age-specific needs.
Temperature and Lighting – Keep your dog’s sleeping area at a comfortable temperature, avoiding extreme heat or cold. Consider blackout curtains or gentle night lights to support natural sleep cues, especially for sensitive or anxious dogs prone to waking frequently.
Safe Access to Water – Ensure your dog has easy access to water near their sleeping area. Hydration is important, but avoid placing bowls where spills may disrupt bedding. Encourage drinking earlier in the evening if your dog tends to wake frequently at night to relieve thirst.
Comfort and Reassurance – Some dogs benefit from calming scents, gentle music, or a familiar toy in their sleeping space. Positive reinforcement for settling down at night reinforces sleep habits, reduces anxiety, and supports consistent, healthy rest patterns.
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From the experts – Observe your dog’s natural sleep cycles, provide an age-appropriate and comfortable bed, maintain a consistent routine, and limit environmental disruptions. Ensure sufficient daily exercise and mental stimulation, and consult Max or your vet if unusual patterns arise
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