The Best Pet Sedatives for Restful Sleep
By: Tess Marty
It may feel silly to think about our pets’ sleeping habits, since they seemingly sleep most of the day. But just like us, your pets need consistent and restful sleep to stay healthy and happy, and it is something that not all pets get. Quality sleep plays a huge part in their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether it’s a cozy bed or a little extra help with calming treats, helping your pet get good rest is a priority.
In this article, we’ll dig into why sleep matters so much for our cats and dogs, how to spot when they’re not getting enough, and some tips to help them snooze better—including natural options like CBD dog treats for anxiety. Although these tips apply to both cats and dogs, we will be focusing more heavily on dog behavior.
Table of Contents:
- Signs Your Pet Isn’t Sleeping Well
- Why is Your Pet Restless?
- Dog Sedatives: Affordable Alternatives for Sleep
- 5 Tips to Help Your Pet Sleep Better
- How Much Sleep Does Your Pet Need?
- Looking to More Restful Nights
Signs Your Pet Isn’t Sleeping Well
Just like you probably feel it during the day after tossing and turning the night before, our pets can show signs of a restless night. It’s important to recognize the signs of poor sleep in your cat or dog so that you can take steps to address the issue.
Here are some indicators that your pet might not be getting enough quality sleep:
Agitation & Reactivity
A pet that isn’t sleeping well might become more irritable or anxious. You may notice increased barking (or meowing!), whining, or reactive behavior, particularly if they’re disturbed during rest periods. Think of a toddler who hasn’t had their nap getting antsy and throwing a tantrum. Your morning walk could have some extra tension if your dog doesn’t feel well-rested.
Changes in Appetite
Poor sleep can lead to changes in appetite. Some pets may eat less, while others might overeat. Dogs that aren’t eating normally often have an underlying reason. Stress and anxiety can cause poor sleep, which causes more stress, which shows up in a lack of appetite. Poor sleep can be caused by nutrient deficiencies, causing daytime grogginess or nighttime discomfort. You’ll want to consult with your vet for proper diagnosis, but if your dog is particularly stressed and not sleeping well, they might be lacking some serious Zs.
Altered Activity Levels
Sleep-deprived pets might seem sluggish and uninterested in play, or on the flip side, they might be bouncing off the walls with restless energy. Dogs that lack proper sleep have a more difficult time managing stress and adrenaline, and can have bursts of zoomies that may seem to counter how tired they are.
Why Do Pets Wake Up In the Middle of the Night?
The top four reasons for restless dogs and cats:
- Stress and Anxiety: Loud noises, changes in routine, or separation anxiety can keep your dog or cat on edge, making it tough for them to relax. Many times we find it hard to fall asleep when we have anxiety, and our dogs can experience the same tossing and turning.
- Aging & Pain: As pets age, conditions like arthritis or other chronic pain can make it hard to find a comfy sleeping position. Cognitive decline can also influence sleep. In one study, aging dogs with memory issues or cognitive decline showed less time spent in REM sleep. Additionally, pets with inflammation due to aging or allergies can have a tough time feeling comfortable enough to sleep.
- Routine Changes: Sudden shifts in their daily schedule—whether it’s feeding times or exercise routines—can throw off their sleep cycle. Even small changes like daylight savings or a new walking schedule can throw them for a loop.
- Environmental Changes: Moving to a new home, a weekend trip, rearranging furniture, or introducing a new family member (human or furry) can make your pet feel unsettled, disrupting their sleep. Trying to keep things as normal as possible can help them settle through the night.
The Secret of Sedatives for Dog Sleep
What to Give Your Dog to Make Them Sleepy?
When we have a period of unrest, sometimes we turn to sedatives like benadryl or melatonin for sleep. Some people may wonder, ‘can I give my dog benadryl?’ There is some calming medicine for dogs and cats that make them sleepy, like trazodone, gabapentin, or SSRIs.
These are medications that must be prescribed by a veterinarian. Using prescription dog anxiety meds for sedation can have some unwanted side effects, though. The most common side effects in prescription sedatives include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, short term muscle incoordination, along with others.
Shaking or tremors in dogs after taking trazodone may be a sign of serotonin syndrome, a more serious side effect. Serotonin levels can elevate, causing symptoms like restlessness, agitation, and tremors. If you notice these signs in your dog, seeking immediate veterinary care is crucial.
Because of these side effects, dog anxiety medication isn’t always an ideal option and Benadryl is often not recommended for long-term use. Using allergy medications as a sedatives may help your dog sleep, but like SSRI's--it could come at a cost.
Natural Sedatives for Dog Sleep & Travel
That’s where natural alternatives like CBD can come in for pet parents . CBD offers a gentler approach, helping to calm and relax your pet without the risks associated with stronger medications. Whether it’s through calming treats or oils, many pet parents are finding that this natural option helps their pets enjoy a more restful night’s sleep.
CBD dog treats for anxiety are something that can be added into your pet’s routine regardless of vet visits, timing, or current medications to help your dog go to sleep faster, get deeper and more restful sleep, and provide other benefits like reduced inflammation and joint support.
Sometimes, prescription sedatives are necessary to help dogs manage anxiety, recover from surgery, or handle pain. But it’s important to use them wisely, and they should be used shorter-term.
Sedatives can come with side effects, and natural calming supplements like CBD treats or oils might offer a safer solution. CBD dog treats for anxiety or for other causes of poor sleep can provide a range of benefits apart from sleep without the negative side effects. Weigh the pros and cons, and always consult your vet to ensure you’re making the best choice for your pet’s well-being.
Simple Ways to Help Your Dog Sleep Better
Here are five steps you can take to help any pet get a better night’s rest:
1. Stick to a Routine: Pets love consistency. By keeping feeding, exercise, and bedtime routines steady, you’ll help reduce their anxiety and improve their sleep quality.
2. Create a Cozy Sleep Spot: Make sure your pet has a comfortable, quiet place to sleep—whether it’s a cushy bed in a peaceful corner or a familiar crate. The right environment can make all the difference. Get your pet ready for bed with a calm nighttime routine like chewing on a toy or snuggling on the couch.
3. Exercise Appropriately: Regular exercise helps burn off extra energy, setting the stage for a good night’s sleep. Just be sure the timing and intensity suit your dog or cat’s natural activity levels. Don’t go too hard every single day to force sleepiness, as this can cause hyperactivity and unrest later.
4. Consider Natural Sleep Aids: If you want to find the best calming treats for dogs or cats, natural options like CBD Oil can provide that extra bit of relaxation they need to drift off and stay asleep, whether it’s helping them feel more comfortable physically or reducing their anxiety.
5. Optimize the Sleep Environment: Keep things comfy with the right temperature, lighting, and noise levels. For pets sensitive to light or sound, try blackout curtains or a white noise machine. Most pets find it comforting to be in the same room and in view of their humans, which can reduce anxiety and provide a more restful sleep.
How Much Sleep Does My Pet Need?
Every pet is different of course, and their sleep needs vary depending on their age, size, and activity level. Dogs differ from cats as well. As a general rule of thumb:
Puppies: With all that growing, puppies need a lot of sleep—usually around 18-20 hours a day. You’ll find this broken up into short naps, and less time overall at night.
Adult Dogs: Most adult dogs do well with 12-14 hours of sleep each day. This comes with less broken periods of longer rest.
Senior Dogs: Older dogs may need 14-18 hours, as they tend to tire more easily. You may find your senior dog having lengthier and deeper naps throughout the day, as well as sleeping through the night.
Kittens: Kittens often sleep up to 20 hours a day! (Wouldn’t that be nice!). You may find your kitten taking quick snoozes when the opportunity arises.
Adult Cats: Adult cats will usually sleep around 12-16 hours per day, broken into short naps.
Senior Cats: Senior cats will often sleep around the same length of time as kittens will, but with more deep rest and longer periods of snoozing.
Looking Ahead to More Restful Nights
Getting both the right amount and quality sleep is a main factor for your pet’s health and happiness. Getting poor sleep can affect a range of behaviors and bodily functions. By recognizing the signs of poor rest, addressing the reasons behind it, and considering options like calming supplements, you can help your cat or dog enjoy the deep, restorative sleep they need.
Whether you’re tweaking their routine, creating the perfect cozy environment, or exploring natural sleep sedatives for dogs like CBD treats, there are plenty of ways to help your pet get the restful nights they deserve (and you need!).
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