Thursday, December 30, 2010
Sleep Problems
Not getting enough sleep is rarely a problem for our furry friends. Dogs are asleep or drowsy more than half the day, while cats typically spend more than 18 hours a day nodding off. Sometimes, however dogs and cats don’t get enough Zzzz’s to please, to these tips may help.
-Make a nice bed: Provide your pet with a soft, comfortable bed of her own. Pet stores have beds or you can improvise with a soft blanket or pillow to sleep on.
-Plan for bathroom breaks: Very young pets and older pets are more likely to have trouble getting through the night without needing to go out, so be especially aware of their needs.
-Tucker her out: If you really exercise your kitty or dog during the day, she should settle right down at night.
-Rub away aches: Older pets occasionally have pain from arthritis that keeps them up at night. Massaging the sore area will help your pet relax. In addition, massage increases circulation to the area, which can help speed healing and relieve the pain.
-Give her a room of her own: Some pets are simply night owls and no matter what you do they’ll always stay up burning the midnight oil. To keep your pet occupied, give her plenty of toys and a place to play -- preferably one that is far away from the bedroom.
-Share the care: Some pets get resentful -- and wakeful -- when their owners’ new friends come over and spend the night. It is recommended that you and your friend take turns feeding and playing with your pet. Once everyone is happy and secure again, the sleeping will probably improve.
-Make her night a little brighter: Some pets have trouble sleeping because of nighttime anxiety. She may be losing her sight or may just develop a fear of the dark for some reason. Leaving on a nightlight can be a reassuring touch.
Soothe with soft music: Playing a relaxing radio station or tape with the volume low could be of some comfort.
*These tips are home remedies only and should not ever be used as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your veterinarian. If your pet has a medical problem, we urge you to seek competent medical care.
Alice England
Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com
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7 comments:
such wonderful remedies! Velvet seems to know when the electricity goes out and she gets a little spooked, especially if its the middle of the night. so we reassure her that its ok and sit up with her for a little while, then she seems to be able to go back asleep.
Great Post, Alice~ We use several of those techniques but more for me than the dogs ;-) They love my relaxation CD that I play..they're usually asleep before me! And I leave the closet light on, not because they're scared but so I can keep track of where everyone is!! Thanks for the info!
I enjoyed the post Alice. For the nightlight I have one of those you keep plugged in that comes on automatically when the light is dim. My dogs sleep most of the day and night which keeps their energy charged anytime something is happening to spark their interest.
Great tips! My dogs have their own room and their own beds, night lights all through the house and blankets.
I wish I could teach them to give this old dog a message before bedtime, then we'd all be happy campers.
I wonder if guinea pigs have nightmares??! Good ideas here...and that video is a blast! No nightmares for that pup!
Hi Y'all,
My Human uses massage on me and it really makes me feel good.
Hawk aka BrownDog
My Giupetto is one of those night owls, and hethinks I should be awake with him. Cratches on my side of the bed like he wants me to pick him up and when I reach jumps back, like ah-hah! And keeps doing it! Nightlights - yes.
Softbeds - yes. Massages - yes.
Excercies before bed -nope - will have to try that one.
Thanks,
Diana
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