In the evening
Some puppies tend to get more agitated at night. Basically, this can happen for three main factors: predisposition, boredom or anxiety .
The first case is when the dog naturally needs to spend more energy. Thus, when this does not happen satisfactorily, at the end of the day there is still a lot of accumulated energy and the dog tends to have difficulty resting.
Something similar occurs when the point is boredom. When the dog is very still all day, does not play or move enough, it is normal for him to be agitated at night and have difficulty sleeping.
In the case of anxiety, it is quite common that some puppies are very dependent on their owner’s company and have a greater need for attention.
All of these factors contribute to him not being able to sleep. In such cases, the veterinarian may prescribe some medication to help.
However, it is worth noting that the dog should never be given medicine to sleep without professional guidance. The use of medicinal substances should only occur when the dog has a problem and the veterinarian considers it appropriate!
Traveling
Some dogs are very agitated on trips, which can happen due to the journey time or the simple fact of the change of environment.
The first case is quite recurrent. Think about it, even humans can get impatient and bored by spending hours in a car or plane to travel. Now, imagine how a puppy feels in this situation.
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For this reason, it is normal for them to become more agitated and may even feel sick due to the long journey – another reason that makes some tutors seek veterinary help.
In the case of a change of environment, the dog is usually agitated by being in a new place and may feel anxious. Especially those who are very dependent on the owner or who are not in the habit of going out of their everyday environment too much for a walk.
If the dog’s restlessness cannot be controlled, it may be that the veterinarian chooses to use a medication.
When there are fireworks
Did you know that dogs have much more sensitive hearing than humans ?! So it is.
In that sense, if loud noises bother us, just imagine how difficult it is for puppies to deal with it. An example is fireworks, especially on dates such as the new year when the noise may persist for a few minutes.
So, it is easy to understand why some pets are so agitated and even suffer from this and other noises.
If you already know that this is something that bothers your pet , you may want to seek help from a veterinarian so that it is possible to find a way to alleviate this – which may or may not include the use of medication.
What remedies can be given to the dog to sleep?
As mentioned, no medicine can be given to the dog on its own, only the veterinarian will know if your pet can and should take some sleeping medication.
If so, there are some options that can be recommended. Check out:
Dramin
The Dramamine is a medicine made for use in humans, indicated to treat or prevent symptoms of nausea, dizziness or vomiting. Among its effects, there is also an increased feeling of drowsiness.
In this sense, as mentioned, some dogs may need this type of medication in the case of travel – in which it is common for the dog to be agitated and even sick, as with humans.
To find out if the use is ideal for your little friend, you need veterinary help. If the professional chooses to use the medication, he will probably prescribe the drop version, since it is better absorbed by the dog’s body.
In addition, in order to prescribe the correct dose, a calculation will be made considering the size and weight of the animal. Usually, it is also recommended that the medication be diluted in water and given to the dog with the help of a syringe.
Read more: Dramin: what are the side effects of the drug?
Acepromazine
The drug substance Acepromazine is indicated for use as a pre-anesthetic, sedative and tranquilizer. The main recommendation is for administration before diagnostic procedures (radiography, sounding, etc.).
It is a medication with strong analgesic action, providing intense relaxation in the central nervous system (CNS). As for its administration, it is made orally and preferably in drops.
Thus, in some cases, the professional may indicate lower doses of the substance to reassure the dog and help him sleep.
How to help the dog sleep: natural options
In addition to the use of traditional medications, the veterinarian may also indicate the use of some natural treatment options. This can vary according to the needs of each dog, considering that in more severe cases these options may not be effective.
Many people can think of passion fruit as the first ingredient option to help relieve stress. However, it is very risky to give this fruit to the dog!
Passion fruit seeds are toxic to the dog and separating them completely from the fruit, without leaving a trace, is a very challenging task. Therefore, if any use of passion fruit is prescribed for your little friend, it will possibly be in another presentation (as in tea, for example).
Chamomile and valerian tea are also options that can be indicated by the veterinarian. The first being for milder cases and the second for more critical situations.
Homeopathic treatments, such as flower remedies , can also be an alternative therapy to help your little friend sleep.
It is worth mentioning that, although all of these are natural options, this does not dispense with professional monitoring to find out which is the best alternative for your dog.
Tips to make the dog sleep or stay calm
Medication is almost never the first treatment option for sleep problems, especially when it comes to pets.
First, you can talk to the vet to try changes in the dog’s routine. These, made with the aim of helping you to be more calm and relaxed.
In that sense, some things that can help are:
Make the dog spend more energy throughout the day – boredom and anxiety can make it difficult to sleep. So, spending more energy can help to make the puppy tired and more peaceful;
Give bath – the bath can be a time of tranquility for some dogs, since the hot water tends to aid in relaxation;
Avoid giving food before bedtime – feeding makes the dog more energetic, so it is ideal to eat at least 3 hours before bed;
Create an attractive and cozy environment – it is important that your little friend has his own space to sleep. Preferably, with your toys, blanket and everything that can make you feel calm and cozy.
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Also, if your dog is the type that is very attached to the owner and anxious, try to give him a little more attention and make him feel safe. That is, help him not to be afraid of abandonment or loneliness.
Finally, if these alternatives don’t work, it’s time to seek veterinary help.