In light of all the joy dogs bring into our lives, the least we can do for our favorite pooches is ensure that they’re able to sleep comfortably. However, since sleep issues are commonly regarded as a uniquely human problem, few dog owners ever stop to consider that their best friends may have trouble sleeping through the night. While some dogs can sleep comfortably just about anywhere, others need a little bit of TLC put into their sleeping spaces. Dog lovers looking to create the perfect sleep space for their canines can benefit from the following pointers.
Invest in a High-Quality Dog Bed
Although most dog owners want their pooches to sleep in comfort, there are generally limits to how much they’re willing to spend to make this a reality. As such, many of us fail to exercise discernment when shopping for dog beds and simply go with the cheapest possible options. After all, if your dog has a history of chewing up and/or wantonly destroying beds, paying top dollar for one may not seem like a sound investment. However, as is the case with humans, if your dog is experiencing overnight issues, there’s a good chance its bed may be the culprit.
With this in mind, there are a number of factors you’ll need to consider when searching for the right dog bed. For starters, size should be foremost on your mind. If a bed is too small for your pooch to fully stretch out in, its liable to spend most of the night trying to get comfortable. Secondly, you’ll need to consider comfort level. Beds composed of materials that are soft but supportive can massively enhance your best friend’s quality of slumber. This isn’t to say you should break the bank on a bed for your canine, but opting for the least expensive options isn’t exactly conducive to good sleep quality.
Install a Good Ceiling Fan
Just like humans, dogs can get uncomfortably warm at night – particularly during the sweltering summer months. Since this stands to adversely impact sleep quality, installing a reliable ceiling fan in your dog’s sleeping space is likely to be a worthwhile endeavor. In addition to providing your pooch with a soothing breeze, the monotonous sound of the blades rotating can help relax dogs and lull them to sleep. Furthermore, during periods of extreme heat, take care to adjust the fan’s blades to rotate counter clockwise, as this will blow air downward and create a cooling effect – as opposed to just blowing warm air around.
Ceiling fans aren’t just for indoor use, either. If your home features an enclosed porch or patio that your dog loves to lounge on, installing outdoor ceiling fans can be a great way to provide it – and the rest of your family – with a refreshing oasis from summertime heat.
Remove Outside Stimuli
Some dogs suffer from sleep issues that stem from overstimulation. So, if you live in an area that’s sprawling, busy, noisy or any combination thereof, take steps to minimize outside stimuli in your dog’s sleeping space. For example, outfitting any windows in the vicinity with noise-canceling curtains can help drown out an assortment of noises from passersby, motorists and local wildlife. Additionally, if there’s a significant amount of artificial light outside of your home, this is liable to affect your pooch’s sleep quality. To get a handle on this issue, consider placing black screens over this space’s windows.
Provide Ready Access to Toys
If your dog has trouble staying asleep for long periods, it may need help tiring itself out. You can prevent your pooch from succumbing to overnight boredom and/or restlessness by placing an assortment of toys in its sleeping space. However, for the sake of your family’s sleep quality, make sure none of these nighttime toys are particularly noisy.
It’s easy to see why so many dog owners are unaware of sleep issues in their canines. After all, unless such problems are glaringly obvious, most of us have no reason to assume our pooches aren’t sleeping comfortably. However, in the absence of the right sleeping space, there’s a good chance your best friend isn’t enjoying their best possible slumber. Fortunately, creating a comfy sleeping space for your favorite pupper should prove neither costly nor challenging. With the previously discussed tips at your disposal, you can dramatically enhance the quality of your dog’s nighttime respite.
