Why Do Dogs Pace at Night: Understanding the Behavior
If you recently got a new puppy or adopted a rescue, you may be having some trouble getting them used to your sleeping schedule. This is normal and may take a few days or a week or two to get them accustomed to your nighttime routine. However, if your dog suddenly becomes nocturnal, with pacing and whining mixed into the night, it could be time to go to the vet.
Regardless of why your dog may be pacing at night, Sit Means Sit South Denver is here to help. Our dog training experts provide our insights as to why your dog may be pacing at night so you can best help them.
Is It Normal for a Dog to Pace at Night?
Pacing at night can be normal for some dogs depending on their personalities, health, and age. Sometimes dogs may just have a harder time resting similar to us. Domesticated dogs are most likely to have the same sleeping cycle as their human counterparts but that’s not always the case.
If you recently adopted a dog or puppy then it may be that they still need to adjust to your sleeping schedule. However, they may begin pacing at night due to excess energy or lack of comfort.
Potential Reasons Why Your Dog Paces at Night
1. Pain
When a dog is hurting, he may pace around and cry. It could be because it’s hard for them to get comfortable, or it may be a sign of abdominal or joint pain. This cause of pacing doesn’t happen just at night though. Your dog will be pacing during the day as well if this really is the issue. Watch out for signs of pain like limping, or vomiting.
2. Anxiety
Some dogs develop anxiety disorders that will cause them to be up at night pacing, licking themselves, chewing on household items, or acting up at certain times. This condition could also occur during the day. Sometimes dogs feel more safe in a crate, learn more about dogs sleeping in crates on our blog.
3. Cognitive Disorder
This condition is caused by changes in the brain that affect the sleep cycle and is as though the dog gets day and night mixed up. This is something mostly seen in older dogs. Dogs with cognitive disorder show signs of pacing and whining at night, forgetting where their bowl is, getting stuck in corners, and generally seeming anxious and confused.
4. Restlessness
Younger dogs and puppies commonly find themselves restless at night. They tend to sleep more during the day compared to their adult counterparts. This can make them restless at night if they exert a ton of energy during the daytime.
5. They Need to Potty
As your dog will gradually learn your routine, but until then they may have wake up at night needing to go outside. You will often hear whimpering or scratching at the door as a common sign that they have to go outside.
6. They’re Hungry
Another part of the routines your dog will gradually learn is when they will eat. Over time they will learn the routine, but until then they may pace at night due to this.
Should You Be Concerned About Your Dog Pacing at Night?
When your dog paces at night it isn’t normally anything to be concerned about. However, keep an eye on their behavior to best see if there are any underlying factors. If your dog is whimpering, limping, anxious, afraid, or scratching items in your home then you may want to dig a little deeper to understand why.
How Can You Help a Restless Dog Pacing at Night?
If you contact your vet and you are waiting to hear back from them about the next steps, you can try doing the following to help your dog.
1. Create a Schedule
Creating a schedule for your dog is an important part of helping them get accustomed to your routines. This can help them time when to use the restroom, know when they will eat, when it’s bedtime, and any other activities they are a part of. This will make both you and your dog have restful sleep and potentially reduce pacing at night.
2. Comfort Them
Helping to comfort your dog when they are having trouble sleeping is important. Sleeping on a hard floor or somewhere uncomfortable may lead your dog to be restless at night. Consider purchasing them a dog bed and placing their toys nearby so they feel a sense of comfort.
3. Let Them Sleep With You
While not every dog owner will want to sleep with their dog, it can be a great way to help them relax and reduce pacing at night. Dogs love to be a part of your life so sleeping next to you is a dream come true. If you don’t want to sleep with your dog, consider placing their dog bed near your bed so they are close.
4. Keep a Light On
Older dogs or dogs who may be afraid of the dark will likely benefit from keeping a light on. Older dogs in particular tend to lose their eyesight or have cognitive dysfunction which can disorient them. By keeping a light on you can help them reach their beds and reduce the chances that they stay up all night pacing.
When Should You Go to the Vet?
If you find your dog pacing repetitively all night for multiple days, you should contact your vet to see if there is an underlying issue. That way you can ensure that your dog isn’t dealing with a larger issue or pain.
Conclusion
Puppies and newly adopted dogs will often stay awake at night as they begin to get familiar with your routine. While there are multiple reasons why your dog may be up at night pacing, making sure you are aware and keep track of their pacing can help you identify the issues.
If you are looking for ways to train your new dog or puppy, our expert dog trainers are ready to help you both. Contact our team to schedule a training consultation with one of our dog trainers.