Here's why your dog might be having trouble sleeping | Pet Project
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A restless night for your dog likely means a restless night for you. Pennsylvania SPCA animal advocate Carol Erickson explains why your dog might have trouble sleeping, and what to do to help you both get a better night of rest.
Your dog could be restless for the same reasons you may be restless when trying to fall asleep. For example, your pet could be stressed, anxious, in pain or uncomfortable with the room's temperature.
Erickson recommends taking your dog outside to go to the bathroom before heading to bed to ensure they won't have to go during the night. Pet owners might also want to consider feeding their pups a bit earlier in the night so they have enough time to digest their food before bed.
Dogs could also become restless if they aren't being exercised enough. According to Erickson, dogs need mental and physical stimulation every single day.
Older dogs could also be suffering from "doggy dementia," or canine cognitive dysfunction, which can cause restlessness and poor sleep in older dogs.
For any continuous problems with your pet's state of rest, Erickson recommends going to your local vet to get your pup checked out.
Pennsylvania SPCA dogs for adoption
Meet Nina Simone
Nina Simone is a black and orange social cat, who loves spending time with other cats. She will not demand constant attention but will bring a warm energy to your home.
Meet Sushi
Sushi is a 5-year-old female tabby cat who came in with 100 other cats last summer after being rescued by the PSPCA's Animal Law Enforcement Team. Sushi would love a calm house and currently lives with other felines in the "cat colony room" at the PSPCA. She will also not bother her future owner for constant attention.
Meet Bluu
Bluu is a sweet puppy who came in with his litter mate when he was just 3 months old after being rescued by the PSPCA's Animal Law Enforcement Team.
If you're interested in learning more about these adoptable animals, contact the PSPCA at adoptions@pspca.org or call 215-426-6300.
Get your regular dose of pet owner tips and tricks from Pennsylvania SPCA Animal Advocate Carol Erickson in our weekly series, Pet Project:
- Why your dog keeps jumping on you, and how to stop the behavior | Pet Project Reasons why your dog might be panting so much | Pet Project
- Who's smarter, cats or dogs? | Pet Project
- Tips for helping adult dogs learn to socialize | Pet Project
- Here's how you can tell if your cat is struggling with pain, stress or anxiety | Pet Project