Nighttime Puppy Slumber Solutions: 5 Veterinary Recommendations
In the journey of raising a new puppy, ensuring a good night's sleep for both you and your furry friend is crucial. Here are some simple and effective tips to help your puppy develop healthy sleeping habits.
Firstly, establishing a consistent bedtime routine is essential. Set a regular bedtime for your puppy and stick to it to regulate their internal clock. This helps them anticipate sleep time and settle more easily[1][3].
Secondly, ensuring plenty of exercise and mental stimulation during the day is vital. A tired puppy sleeps better. Long walks, playtime, and puzzle toys help expend energy and promote sound sleep at night[1][3].
Thirdly, offer a final bathroom break just before bedtime. Taking your puppy outside to toilet reduces the risk of nighttime accidents and helps them feel comfortable sleeping through the night[1][3].
Creating a comfortable, quiet, and dark sleeping environment is also crucial. Use a cozy crate or bed, dim the lights, close curtains, and remove distractions like loud noises or bright lights. Blackout curtains and white noise or calming music can improve sleep quality[1][2][3].
Engaging in calm, quiet play before bed is another effective strategy. Avoid highly stimulating activities right before sleep. Snuffle mats or gentle puzzle toys can mentally tire your puppy without excitement[1].
Providing a chew toy at bedtime can also help soothe and occupy your puppy as they settle down[3]. Managing anxiety and stress is also important, as anxiety often disrupts sleep[2].
When choosing a crate, it should be just big enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lay down comfortably. Keeping the crate small will discourage your puppy from eliminating in the crate[1].
However, using a crate that's too large may teach your puppy to regard one part of the crate as the "bathroom" and one part of the crate as the "bedroom," which can encourage accidents[1].
It's important to note that young puppies may feel anxious during the first few weeks in a new environment and have difficulty sleeping when their humans aren't around[1]. Most puppies will do best in a crate, once they are accustomed to it, as it can also help with housebreaking[1].
Lastly, remember that puppies need around 18-20 hours of sleep per day. Aim for three to four hours of quality sleep, followed by a potty break, and then three to four more hours of quality sleep[1]. If your puppy frequently wakes or has accidents at night, consult a vet to rule out health problems that might interfere with sleep[2][3].
By following these steps consistently, you will create a peaceful nighttime routine, helping your puppy develop good sleeping habits through the night. Exercise, routine, comfort, and calmness are the main pillars of success[1][3].
[1] PetMD. (2021). How to Help Your Puppy Sleep Through the Night. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/evr_dg_helping-your-puppy-sleep-through-the-night [2] The Spruce Pets. (2021). How to Help Your Puppy Sleep Through the Night. Retrieved from https://www.thesprucepets.com/help-your-puppy-sleep-through-the-night-1238037 [3] ASPCA. (2021). Puppy Care: Sleeping. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/dog-care/puppy-care-sleeping
- Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is vital for your pet, as it helps them anticipate sleep time and settle more easily.
- To ensure a good night's sleep for your dog, providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation during the day is essential.
- Offering a final bathroom break just before bedtime reduces the risk of nighttime accidents and helps your pet feel comfortable sleeping through the night.
- Creating a comfortable, quiet, and dark sleeping environment can improve sleep quality for pets, such as cats and puppies.
- Engaging in calm, quiet play before bed can mentally tire your pet without causing excitement, helping them sleep soundly.
- Providing a chew toy at bedtime can help soothe and occupy your pet as they settle down for the night.
- When choosing toys for your pet, consider incorporating puzzle toys or other engaging items that promote relationships and enhance family-dynamics within your home-and-garden environment.
