Do you ever wonder why your dog goes to bed so early compared to you? Like humans, generally need a certain amount of rest, but unlike us, they have an instinctive ability that allows them to go to bed earlier in the evening. Understanding their natural sleeping pattern is the key to helping your pup get the sleep they need and ensuring they stay healthy and happy. In this article, we’ll explore why dogs sleep earlier than humans and provide some tips to help your dog sleep later.
It’s no surprise that your pup has an earlier bedtime than you. Dogs need rest just like we do and have an instinct to conserve energy for the next day.
So if you’ve noticed Fido tucking in early, there are a few things you can do to help him stay up a bit later. One of the most important things to consider is your pup’s diet, as it affects their energy levels.
Make sure your dog is eating a balanced diet with all the necessary nutrients. You should also consider how active your pup is during the day.
Dogs are naturally active, so make sure your pup is getting regular exercise throughout the day. Give your pup plenty of opportunities to play and explore and he’ll be better able to stay up late. Try to avoid giving him a treat or two too close to bedtime, as this can cause him to stay up too late.
Last but not least, don’t forget to provide a comfortable, calming place for your pup to sleep. Make sure your pup’s bed and sleeping area is free from distractions, so your pup can drift off to sleep at the right time. With a little effort, you can help your pup stay up longer and enjoy the evening with you.
Dogs tend to go to bed earlier than humans because their natural instincts tell them to conserve their energy. Dogs typically rise early in the morning, so their bodies require them to get a good night’s rest.
Your pup may prefer to sleep during the hours that are quieter and cooler. Because dogs are pack animals, they are most comfortable in small, close quarters.
This means they can feel safe and secure in a small area like a crate at night. If you want your pup to stay up longer, there are a few things you can do. Make sure your pup is getting plenty of exercise during the day.
This will help tire out your pup so that they can be more active in the evening.
Provide your pup with plenty of toys and activities to keep them stimulated and engaged. Create a nighttime routine for your pup. This will help set the expectation that bedtime has arrived and it will help your pup to wind down for the evening.
By understanding why your pup sleeps earlier than you and providing them with the necessary tools to stay up longer, you can ensure that your pup is getting the rest they need. With the right kind of care and loving attention, your pup can be just as active and energetic as you in the evening hours.
Ways to help your dog sleep later
If your pup is going to bed earlier than you, there are a few things you can do to help them stay up a bit later. Think about limiting their exercise during the day. If they’ve had a good dose of running, playing and fetching, they’re likely to be more tired in the evening and want to hit the hay earlier.
Consider reducing their playtime after 4 or 5PM, or keep it to interactive play with no running around, such as training and obedience exercises.
You can also try making their bedtime routine more interesting. A few minutes before bed, you can engage your pup in some mental exercises, such as a food puzzle or mentally stimulating game. This will give them something to do in the evening, and it will also tire them out in a different way than physical exercise does.
The puzzle or game will build up the bond between you – just make sure that you don’t make the activity too stimulating, as this can get them more excited and less likely to want a good night’s rest. You should make sure that your pup’s sleeping area is comfortable and inviting.
Give them a few comfortable blankets, a toy or two, and maybe a treat to nibble on while they’re settling down. Make sure they have access to fresh water and any other necessary amenities, and that their sleeping area is quiet and dark. All these steps can help coax your pup into sleeping a bit longer, so they can start the next day refreshed and ready for anything!
Conclusion
To help your dog sleep later, try setting a consistent sleep routine for your pup. Start by creating a bedtime ritual, perhaps with a few minutes of petting or playing fetch, that reinforces the idea that it’s time to sleep.
Keep your pup away from any potential distractions an hour or two before bed, such as the TV or other humans. Of course, make sure your pup gets enough exercise during the day, as it will help make sure they are exhausted when it’s time to hit the hay. If your pup still seems to be getting up too early for your liking, consider investing in some blackout curtains for their sleeping area.
This will help keep out any natural light that might be waking them up early. You may also want to consider using a white noise machine, as the sound of rushing water or rain can help keep your pup relaxed and asleep until you’re ready to wake up.
Make sure your pup has an area that they can call their own and feel secure in. Offer them a cozy nook or a comfy bed to make sure they have somewhere that they feel safe to curl up in. These steps can help you and your pup get the rest you need for a productive day.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
