Just like humans, dogs can also have problems getting a good night’s sleep. If your dog seems to be cranky or a bit sluggish when the weather changes, chances are they’re experiencing some kind of seasonal sleep problem.
The temperature extremes that occur during summer or winter are the most common culprits. Do you constantly see your dog splooting on the floor during the summer, or curled up in a tight fuzzy ball during winter? That means that they’d likely benefit from some temperature regulation.
Other causes of seasonal restlessness, however, aren’t so obvious. Again, like humans, dogs can be sensitive to various allergens that come up during the spring and fall. Many dogs are sensitive to pollen and mold, and a few may even be allergic to other pets in the household who may want to snuggle up next to them on colder nights.
Likewise, the varying amounts of sunlight and darkness throughout the seasons can also disrupt your dog’s internal clock. This can be a problem if you’ve just moved from a tropical or subtropical latitude to a temperate zone.
Knowing about these bedtime challenges should give you an idea of how you’ll best alleviate your furry friend’s woes. Let’s go through some of the things you can do to guarantee your dog has a good night’s sleep all year round:
1) Provide Them with a Comfortable Bed
Every dog has their own sleeping preferences. Some might prefer to crash on your sofa, while others may not settle for anything less than your bed.
Understandably, the latter is not always an option for hygiene and comfort reasons. In most cases, custom dog beds are a must, since they’ll provide your dog with a warm, comfy spot that offers support for their joints. A machine-washable bed with removable covers is ideal for sanitation, especially if your pet suffers from seasonal allergies.
2) Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Hydration is a basic, but crucial thing for a good night’s sleep, particularly during hotter summer nights. Whatever the season, your dog must be given ready access to clean water throughout the night, not just to ensure optimal health but also to prevent uncomfortable dry mouth during sleep.
3) Adjust Their Sleeping Environment
If the weather is making you uncomfortable, it’s making your dog uncomfortable too. Use fans or air conditioning during hot months and provide cozy blankets or heated pads during cold months.
4) Create a Dark, Quiet Space That’s Conducive to Rest
Dogs have very sensitive hearing and are more prone to waking up because of nearby noises. Do your best to reduce noise and light disturbances in your dog’s sleeping area by closing windows and turning off the lights at bedtime. Consider getting a PrideBites dog teepee to give them a dark, quiet space to sleep in.
If your dog sleeps in a living room or some other space that you need to use at night, install dimmable lights so that the impact of artificial lighting on them is reduced. Likewise, refrain from turning on your TV at full blast if your dog is sleeping.
5) Control Air Quality and Allergens
What if your dog sleeps on a bed in a quiet, climate-controlled environment but still experiences interrupted sleep? In that case, they may be waking up because of allergens and other irritants in the environment. Regularly wash your dog's bedding, and vacuum frequently to reduce nighttime flare-ups. Consider investing in an air purifier to clear up the air in your dog’s sleeping space.
6) Maintain a Consistent Routine for Your Dog
Most dogs thrive when they’re given a regular schedule for feeding, walks, and bedtime. Your dog can’t read clocks, and external events like these are their main way of regulating their internal clock, which they depend on to prime them for sleep. If the season makes it harder for you to keep track of the time, for example because it’s constantly dark or rainy during the day, set an alarm for key events like meal time so that you can be more consistent in helping your dog be active and rest when they need to.
7) Exercise Regularly
As the weather turns hotter or colder, the frequency of outdoor activities with your dog can taper off, leading to restlessness. If you have a more skittish breed like a Jack Russell or greyhound, a lack of exercise can make it next to impossible for them to sleep. Regardless of your dog’s breed or disposition, commit to at least some level of activity on most days to ensure that your dog has a chance of getting a good night’s rest.
8) Use Calming Aids
Some dogs have persistent anxiety issues that impact their sleep quality. These problems are especially common in rescue dogs that once had a tough life, and may be exacerbated in certain seasons.
If your dog has been exhibiting anxiety symptoms, try offering calming aids such as anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers, or supplements to help your dog relax. Should these symptoms persist, consult your vet to discuss other interventions that may help your dog sleep better.
PrideBites Accessories That Help Your Dog Rest Easier Throughout the Seasons