Why is my dog awake or active at night? Causes & Solutions

Dogs, much like children, thrive on routine. Establishing a consistent daily schedule helps them know what to expect and feel secure in their environment. This includes regular feeding times and setting a habitual bedtime aligned with your household’s nightly rhythm.

Your dog’s routine should also harmonise with their bodily needs, such as toileting frequency, which generally aligns with feeding times. Every dog is individual, requiring different amounts of sleep and bathroom breaks, much like people.

Puppies especially can have unpredictable sleep patterns during their first 12 to 18 months as they grow and develop before settling into adult habits. In adult dogs, changes in sleep are usually slight or occur gradually rather than suddenly.

If your adult dog appears restless or unusually active at night, it can disturb both your and your pet's sleep, indicating their sleep cycle may be out of balance.

We explore the most common causes of dogs being awake or active at night and practical steps to address them.

1. High Energy Levels and Exercise Needs

Dogs with high energy, such as the Border Collie puppies, require significantly more physical and mental stimulation than breeds with a more relaxed disposition like the Greyhound puppies. Insufficient exercise can leave dogs restless at night, struggling to fall or remain asleep.

Step 1: Increase daily walks and engage your dog in stimulating activities to expend energy earlier in the day.

Step 2: Include evening exercise within a few hours before bedtime to help wind down naturally.

Providing balanced physical activity matched to your dog’s breed and personality is key to restful nights.

2. A Poorly Matched Routine

Your dog's routine should align food, exercise, and toileting times thoughtfully. For example, avoid feeding your dog close to bedtime to reduce the risk of needing a midnight toilet break that can disrupt sleep.

Make sure your dog has the opportunity to relieve themselves shortly before bed.

Adjusting feeding to at least a couple of hours before sleep and aligning exercise to the evening helps your dog settle better overnight.

3. Uncomfortable Sleeping Environment

Your dog’s sleep quality depends on where and how they rest. An uncomfortable bed, draughts, or cold rooms can cause interrupted sleep. Note if the heating changes at night, leading to a colder sleeping area.

Consider moving your dog's bed to a cosy, quiet spot protected from draughts and possibly invest in a supportive, warm bed suited to their age and size.

4. Needing the Toilet During the Night

Generally, healthy adult dogs can hold their bladder for up to eight hours overnight. If your dog is waking frequently, review their last feeding and toileting times.

Ensure they are not expected to ‘hold on’ beyond their comfort level, especially for older dogs or those with health issues that increase urinary frequency.

5. Being Disturbed by Noises

Dogs are sensitive to sounds. Unusual or new noises such as a car passing on a quiet street or appliances like boilers turning on can wake your dog. Noises often repeated at certain times may cause your dog to wake and be restless.

Observe at what time your dog wakes and consider whether external sounds or household appliances may be the cause. Managing environmental noise or providing white noise may help your dog settle.

6. Pain or Discomfort

Hidden pain can prevent restful sleep. Conditions like arthritis or dental pain may not be obvious but disturb your dog’s overnight comfort.

If you suspect pain or if your dog shows new restlessness or behaviours at night, consult your vet for a thorough check-up and pain management advice.

7. Age-Related Brain Changes

Older dogs may develop cognitive dysfunction syndrome, similar to dementia in humans, affecting their sleeping patterns and behaviour at night.

Veterinary advice can help manage symptoms and improve your senior dog’s quality of life, including their sleep routine and environment.

8. Anxiety or Loneliness

Dogs can become anxious or feel lonely at night, leading to restlessness. This can be aggravated by changes in routine, environment, or the absence of family members.

Providing comfort through toys, a nightlight, or allowing your dog to sleep in your bedroom can ease anxiety. Consistent routines also help dogs feel safe and calm.

What You Can Do Next

1. Assess and increase your dog’s exercise according to their breed and age.
2. Evaluate your dog’s daily routine, ensuring appropriate timing of food, exercise, and toileting.
3. Create a comfortable, warm, and quiet sleeping area free from drafts and disruptive noises.
4. Monitor toileting opportunities and don’t feed too late in the evening.
5. Consult your vet to rule out or manage pain, medical conditions, or age-related issues.
6. Help your dog manage anxiety with routine, companionship, and calming measures.

With patience and observation, you can help your dog return to a peaceful night’s sleep, improving both their wellbeing and your own rest.