Have you noticed your senior dog is having issues while sleeping? In this article, weโll discuss four ways you can address this.
Did you know dogs can have sleeping issues and other conditions similar to human health conditions? A rescue puppy named Daisy could only sleep when she was standing up because she didn’t feel safe otherwise.
However, insomnia and other sleep disorders are mostly common in senior dogs. As your furballs age and enter their golden years, they’ll start facing various physical and mental illnesses.
Science Direct stated that sleep disturbances can affect the dog’s physiological functions. They might have lower immunity, making it easy for them to catch diseases. CNN reports that dogs who sleep badly might have developed dementia.
According to Rhiannon Koehler, DVM, sleep disorders in senior dogs include REM sleep behavior issues, insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy. She requests that pet parents look out for any signs of sleep disorders and consult with a vet to get the right treatment plan.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss five ways you can address insomnia in your senior dogs by offering them the best dog beds, medication, exercise, etc.
#1. Ensure a Consistent Bedtime Routine and a Comfortable Environment
Ora Todd, a certified dog trainer, says that dogs have natural circadian rhythms that are influenced by darkness and light. They can easily adapt to routines and establish consistent bedtimes.
Maybe your dog’s sleep pattern was disrupted because of environmental changes or the reduction in exercise. If that’s the case, it’s time to establish a consistent bedtime routine through regularity in walks, relaxation, and feeding times. A predictable schedule will help older canines develop a sense of security and comfort.
However, one thing that highly influences a senior dog’s sleep-wake cycle is their sleeping area. As a pet parent, you must offer them a comfortable place where they can put their guard down and drift off.
That’s why your pet will need the right bed. Examples include a pillow, a stuff sack, crate mats, etc.
For a healthy sleep pattern, the BeOneBreed Cloud Pillow Botanical Dog Bed can come in handy because of its orthopedic benefits. This dog bed is suitable for small and large dogs. It comes with a 100% memory foam build that helps reduce pressure on their hips, spine, and joints. You can buy a few of these pillows to create a comfy place and add a few blankets.
Apart from this, the Snoozzy Beds product could offer your senior dog the perfect night’s sleep. They can enjoy a soft place to sleep in both colder and warmer weather because of the built-in fleece insulation. This pet bed offers optimal security and comfort for them to relax due to the durable material. Its mat-style structure supports your older pet’s muscles and bones.
#2. Provide a Quiet Sleeping Environment
As mentioned earlier, senior dogs will need a comfortable sleeping environment in the form of soft and supportive bedding on the floor to deal with insomnia. As a bonus, you should also promote tranquility while they are sleeping. Hence, pet parents should follow these tips:
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Minimize noise or olfactory disturbances.
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Ensure that the dog is uninterrupted when sleeping.
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Use soundproofing techniques (white noise machines) to dampen sounds.
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Keep their sleeping area in a noise-free part of the house.
Pet parents need to promote a serene atmosphere for most dogs to maintain a peaceful sleep for multiple hours. In some cases, your senior dog might get a good night’s sleep if you use soft-bristled brushes or gentle massagers. Let them lay on your lap as you gently brush their fur and induce relaxation and sleep.
If your dog is short-haired, you can get the Safari Rubber Curry Brush. This soft product massages your dog’s skin while removing loose hair and keeping their coat healthy. It will provide a soothing tactile sensation to calm their nerves and reduce discomfort.
#3. Ensure Regular Low-Impact Exercise
Senior dogs need to be active to remain mentally and physically stimulated during their golden years. However, with age, this can get more difficult. As a result, their sleeping patterns can be affected.
Your dog might not be as enthusiastic as they used to be. That means dog park shenanigans won’t interest them at all. This doesn’t mean you can ignore getting them to exercise altogether. Even a short evening walk can do wonders for their sleep.
The amount of exercise they’ll need will depend on their degree of mobility, their breed, their medical history, and their lifestyle. Once you’ve determined this, you can motivate your dog to engage in the following activities daily:
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Gentle play sessions
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Small walks
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Swimming
All these low-impact activities help expend their energy and promote relaxation. It can also help stimulate their endorphin release and reduce anxiety that might disrupt sleep. With these exercises, your dog can enjoy improved mental stimulation, sleep quality, and physical health.
#4. Consider Giving Them Regular Supplements
Older dogs are prone to anxiety and stress, leading to insomnia. According to Undark Magazine, dogs can develop human-like anxiety that requires human-like treatments. That means your senior furball will need supplements to help manage that anxiety and stress.
The Wellness Tasty Cheese Flavored Soft Chews offer a calming and relaxing effect on dogs. Approved by the NASC, this product is scientifically proven to help senior dogs feel composed. The active ingredients include L-theanine, chamomile powder, ginger root, etc. It’s also devoid of hemp products, making it a healthy alternative.
Remember to get the product recommended by a vet to help regulate your dog’s sleep-wake cycles and promote safe relaxation. In most cases, the vet might recommend melatonin and other calming botanical supplements to treat insomnia in senior dogs.
Similarly, nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, chondroitin, and glucosamine can help aid joint health, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. Antioxidants and vitamins can also help alleviate stiffness and muscle pain.
In summary, your aging furry friend requires your assistance to deal with sleep issues. Insomnia in senior dogs demands patience and a tailored approach. Thankfully, the tips mentioned in this article can help.
For instance, you can curate a consistent bedtime routine and buy them a cozy pet bed. You can also ensure that your senior furball gets enough exercise throughout the day to make them tired. Provide them with appropriate supplements to help them fall asleep. Moreover, it’s best to avoid making any disturbances if your dog is already in deep slumber.
The ultimate goal is to enhance their quality of life and ensure they enjoy restful sleep every day.
