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My puppy is restless at night. How can I help her sleep better?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 6 months and 16 days old | 7.2 lbs

My puppy tends to be really restless at night. She has 3 different types of dog beds & she chooses to sleep on the floor (okay fine) but she moves to different areas over and over again it's like she barely gets any sleep. Instead of a crate she has two exercise pens joined together so she's contained but has a lot of space. I don't want to give her sleeping meds for no reason. I try to keep her as busy as I can during the day so she tires herself out but even then she can be restless at night.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 17th, 2017

Hi there. Snowball sounds like she has a good life :)

I agree with you, meds are not a good idea especially at this young age. You can try a natural remedy like Rescue Remedy (be sure to get the one for pets) or Comfort Zone (dog appeasing pheromone). Here are links to the products:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bach-Rescue-Remedy-Pet-Natural-Stress-Relief-for-Pets-0-35-FL-OZ/25581235

https://www.comfortzone.com/dogs

The first thing you have to do is rule out a medical versus a behavioral issue. This can be hard to do. If she is really gassy this could be causing the restlessness. You may want to consider a diet change AND/OR the addition of a probiotic like Fortiflora to her current diet.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Purina-Pro-Plan-Veterinary-Diets-FortiFlora-Probiotic-Supplement-30-CT/43284986

It could also be that she has a urinary tract infection even if she is showing no other signs. Watch her closely for any accidents, excessive licking at the vulva or any changes in appearance/odor to the urine. This can be very uncomfortable.

Of course, continue with lots of exercise. Sounds like you are doing everything right. She just may be one of those anxious dogs just like there are in people where you can't really pinpoint a cause.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask more questions if you need to. Best wishes.

Dr. Amber

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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