How to Help Your Dog Sleep Through the Night: Tips for Restful Nights

Just like us, dogs need good quality sleep to stay happy and healthy. If your pup is tossing, turning, or waking you up in the middle of the night, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Whether it’s due to anxiety, discomfort, or inconsistent routines, sleep issues are common among dogs in New Zealand. In this guide, we’ll share expert, pet-parent-approved tips to help your dog (and you!) sleep through the night.

Understand Why Your Dog Might Be Restless At Night

Before diving into solutions, it’s a good idea to figure out why your dog is struggling to catch those Zs. Some common reasons include:

• Anxiety or fear — especially after a big change or during noisy nights
• Discomfort — due to joint issues, fleas, or skin irritation
• Young age or old age — puppies often need to toilet at night, and older dogs may wake more easily
• Diet-related restlessness — some foods may cause gas or digestive discomfort
• Inconsistent sleep routine — without clear cues, dogs can get confused about when to wind down

If your dog’s night-time restlessness is sudden, severe, or accompanied by other behavioural changes, it’s best to consult your local vet.

Create A Comfortable Sleeping Environment

A cosy, safe sleeping area can do wonders for your dog’s sleep. Here’s how to make bedtime more appealing:

• Use a supportive and comfy dog bed suited to your dog’s size and sleeping style
• Keep their space quiet, dark, and free from disturbances (including snoring housemates!)
• Try a calming night routine — think gentle cuddles, dimmed lighting, and soft music
• Use calming products like pheromone diffusers or sprays if anxiety is playing a role

If your dog sleeps in a crate, make it a positive and inviting space with familiar blankets and toys. Creating a consistent “sleep zone” will help send the message that it’s time for rest.

Stick To A Consistent Night-Time Routine

Consistency is key for good doggy sleep hygiene. Here’s what a reliable pre-bed routine might look like:

• Evening walk: Light exercise helps release extra energy
• Toilet break: Always give your dog a last chance to toilet before lights out
• Wind-down time: Calming cuddles, brushing, or a quiet chew toy before bed

A predictable nightly routine builds trust and can reduce night-time anxiety. If you have a puppy, be patient — they’ll naturally sleep longer stretches as they grow.

Check Their Diet And Feeding Schedule

What and when your dog eats can affect how well they sleep. If your dog eats late or eats food that doesn’t agree with their tummy, it could lead to restlessness in the wee hours.

Consider these tips for a diet that supports rest:

• Try an easily digestible option from trusted brands like Hill's Science Diet or Royal Canin
• Feed their main meal earlier in the evening to allow time for digestion
• Provide healthy chews from our dog treats range as a calming night-time nibble
• Check their water access — a smart water fountain can encourage hydration without spills or midnight thirst laps

Doggy digestion can be sensitive, so if you suspect food sensitivities may be keeping them up, a switch to a science-backed diet or gentle freeze-dried food may be worth exploring.

Support Sleep With Calming Aids And Supplements

If your dog suffers from anxiety or has trouble winding down, calming aids and supplements can help set the stage for sleep:

• Try natural calming supplements made for dogs
• Look for gently formulated chews or oils from trusted brands like Blackmores, Fourflax, or Pet Remedy
• Check out smart calming tech like Adaptil diffusers that mimic mum’s pheromones

Some calming supplements pair well with crate training or sleep routines. Explore our range of wellness supplements to find the perfect match for your pup’s needs.

When Should You Seek Advice From Your Vet?

If you’ve tried all the tricks in the treat bag and your dog still struggles to sleep, it’s worth speaking with your vet. Ongoing sleeplessness could be a sign of pain, cognitive changes, or an underlying health issue. This is especially important for senior dogs, who may develop age-related sleep difficulties.

Remember, here at Petdirect, We Get Pet. That’s why we stock only the best products for your dog’s health, comfort and bedtime routines — because a rested pup means a rested you.

Sweet Dreams, Pup!

Helping your dog sleep through the night is all about creating a secure routine, managing their needs, and using tools that soothe, hydrate, and support. Whether it's switching up their dry food, trying a new bed, or incorporating calming essentials, small changes can lead to big improvements in sleep.

Join our Pet Perks loyalty programme and earn Airpoints Dollars while giving your best mate the restful night they deserve. Sweet dreams!