It Curbs Inflammation and Reduces Pain
Chronic inflammation in dogs is linked to joint disorders such as arthritis (as well as a host of other issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and digestive problems). Allowing the body to get the deep restful sleep provides is crucial for helping to reduce inflammation, as it lowers the levels of inflammatory proteins in the blood. And less inflammation means less pain and stiffness for your beloved pet.
Chronic Pain
Moving on to more serious causes of sleepless nights, chronic pain is often a factor, especially in older dogs. Chronic pain can be due to a myriad of different causes; common ones include stiffness due to arthritis, gastrointestinal upset, pregnancy issues, skin disease, toileting problems or even cancer. Younger dogs have chronic pain as well, so don’t assume it’s just an old age issue.
Dogs with chronic pain will often show signs during waking hours as well, which can be a big clue. Look out for slow movement, a hunched-over appearance, vocalisation or sudden aggression when being touched. If you suspect your dog is in pain, you should definitely visit your vet. They can help diagnose the cause of the pain and offer treatment. This will likely involve treatments for specific diseases as well as pain relief medication; these should hopefully alleviate the chronic pain and help your elderly pooch sleep soundly again.
Uncomfortable Bed
Probably the easiest cause of sleeplessness to identify, and to potentially solve. Having an uncomfortable sleeping area can put your dog off going to bed normally. If you notice that your dog moves around a lot to get comfortable or doesn’t even use their bed at all, they may not be entirely happy with it. It could be the bed isn’t large or soft enough for them to stretch out in, or perhaps it’s in the wrong place. Some dogs prefer to sleep alone in quieter parts of the house; others might like to know you’re still in the room. Experiment with where you put your dog’s bed and you may see improvements.
Why Your Dog Isn’t Sleeping At Night — 4 Things That Cause Sleep Deprivations
Despite their reputation for exuberant tail-wagging and energetic fetching, dogs need a lot of sleep. Resting is important for all mammals. However, dogs and humans differ when it comes to how much sleep we need to be healthy and functional. Though there haven’t been tons of studies done on canine sleep habits, there are enough for us to know dogs need about ten hours of sleep per 24-hour period. This number varies depending on age, activity level and overall health. If you’re worried whether your dog is getting enough sleep—or may have a sleep disorder—keep reading.