Can German Shepherds Have Sleeping Problems Too?

meet the beautiful black & tan German Shepherd, Charles. He looks really peaceful as he takes a nap. Being surrounded by soft stuffed animals must be really comfortable.
Thanks to Heather Robinson‎ for sharing!

Can German Shepherds Have Sleeping Problems Too?
lovely Charles getting really comfortable…

Addressing Sleep Problems in Dogs

Your dog’s sleeping pattern can be interrupted for many different reasons. Sleeping problems is most common in senior dogs. However, your dog may also develop sleeping problems due to medical or behavioral causes.

Senior dogs who start to have vision and hearing failure are more likely to suffer from sleeping problems. Difficulty hearing or seeing can lead to disorientation and can frighten your dog. Also, anxious dogs may have difficulty sleeping as they get frightened by noises or shadows. Even under-exercised dogs may have a hard time sleeping because they have too much energy to sleep at night.

Sleeping problems in canines can also be due to discomfort due to certain conditions or illnesses. So if your buddy suddenly develops sleeping problems, it is best to have him check by your veterinarian for health issues.

Treatment for Sleeping Problems
Of course it will depend on the cause of your dog’s sleeping problem. If it’s due to his poor vision, you can put a night light near his bed so he won’t be terrified and to help him see. This may also help anxious dogs. If your pal is having trouble hearing, you may try playing a radio for him at night so he’ll have a constant, soothing noise.

Also, make sure your buddy gets more stimulating exercise. It is recommended to give him daily exercise in order to wear him out before bedtime.

And lastly, ensure that your dog has a safety and comfortable place to sleep in. Make sure that his bedding is warm or cool enough. It will also help if you can massage or pet him before going bed to help soothe his nerves.