5. Pains
Dogs are very pain-tolerant animals: They try not to let it show until they really can't anymore. This is also justified; without its human protectors, the four-legged friend would otherwise be very vulnerable to enemies.
The fact that the furry friends seem unimpressed for a long time is a fact mainly because the body responds to pain Release of stress hormones such as adrenaline reacts. These alleviate the suffering a little, but at the same time the brain makes the animal believe that there is danger.
The result: The dog is constantly in defense mode and can't switch off. At night he will instinctively not want to go to sleep and will instead remain restless.
6. The animal becomes distracted
But restlessness can also come from Diversion come: dogs have one significantly better sense of smell and hearing than we humans, which is why they notice completely different things than we do: While the human family sleeps unaffected, the furry roommates are completely beside themselves and start wandering around, barking or even trying to escape.
Sometimes this is about territorial behavior, because the dog perceives a distant companion as if he were standing in his living room. But other unusual noises or smells – for example from a celebration in the street – can also distract the dog.
Dogs are very often restless because they have noticed that there is something in their immediate surroundings animal ready to mate stops – this can affect both female and male dogs in heat.
7. The dog looks bad
Although dogs' vision isn't their greatest strength, their eyesight is actually quite good. But it can also work differently: Myopia in four-legged friends seems to be more widespread than is generally thought.
For example, a 1992 study of German Shepherds and Rottweilers found that 53 and 64 percent of subjects, respectively, suffered from myopia. Older dogs are affected more often than young animals.
If the dog's vision is poor, this becomes even more critical in the dark: Since he can only see certain things blurred, he may become afraid. Then it's only understandable that the animal can't calm down and has problems falling asleep.
8. The fur nose “have to”
In some cases it may also be that the dog simply Pressure on the bladder or there is strong digestive activity. Of course, well-behaved four-legged friends know that the apartment is taboo.
So he will try to find a solution to do his “business” outside the apartment. During this time he will be very restless. If you don't notice the dog, he will still relieve himself in the room at some point – but that's not his fault.
This problem can also occur unexpectedly: a bladder infection or digestive problems such as constipation can also be responsible. Older dogs, on the other hand, digest their food more slowly – if they are fed too late, the seniors can become restless when everyone else is already asleep.
9. Cardiovascular diseases
Restlessness at night can also be a sign Cardiovascular disease be. These are often genetic, but can also be the result of a spread infection or obesity. Examples of such clinical pictures include heart muscle diseases or malfunctions of the heart valves.
Symptoms appear at a comparatively early stage, especially when the dog has exhausted itself and is supposed to relax in the evening. Restlessness is a very common sign; it is usually associated with heavy panting and also coughing (so-called cardiac cough).
10. Uncomfortable sleeping surface
Those too sleeping pad itself can play a role: Dogs like to rest on a surface that is comfortable for them. Not only will it be easier to sleep, it will also signal to the animal that everything is okay and there is no reason to be uneasy.
If this is not the case, it bothers the dog: it then has problems falling asleep or keeps waking up. The reasons for this vary from animal to animal:
- Sometimes the dog bed is too small
- Other four-legged friends like it cozy and find a place that is too big uncomfortable
- It may also be that the bed is too soft or too hard
- It is particularly difficult for dogs suffering from joint diseases to find a comfortable place to rest.
11. Bedroom too cold/too warm
Deviations from the ideal room temperature can also cause restlessness in dogs. Four-legged friends hardly sweat and therefore have problems to dissipate heat. Freeze However, smaller and/or short-haired breeds in particular do this.
If there is something wrong with the body temperature, the dog will still try to regulate it. Sleep is then out of the question, cold animals will shake a lot and may try to move, overheated four-legged friends will pant heavily.