Dog bedtime routines may be stressing your pet, veterinarians say

Veterinarians report that inconsistent or overstimulating bedtime routines can stress dogs and often show as restlessness, clinginess, or trouble settling; sleep needs vary by age and factors like late meals, intense evening activity, or screen noise can affect canine sleep.

Many dogs who seem restless, irritable, or unusually clingy are being reassessed for sleep issues rather than training or temperament. Veterinarians interviewed reported that inconsistent bedtime patterns and overstimulation before bed are common sources of stress. Dogs typically need more sleep than owners expect, with adults often around 12–14 hours and puppies and seniors often more. Environmental factors such as late meals, high-energy walks close to bedtime, and screen noise were noted as contributors to disrupted sleep. Key points: - Inconsistent bedtime routines and unpredictable activity are commonly reported sources of stress for dogs. - Overstimulation before sleep, such as intense play or late high-energy walks, can delay settling. - Poor sleep may appear as irritability, increased reactivity, pacing, clinginess, or changes in appetite or training response. - Veterinarians say owner schedules and household noise can translate into irregular canine sleep patterns. - Choosing an appropriate bed (size, material, support, durability, and cleanability) can affect comfort and sleep quality. Summary: Veterinarians say improving sleep routines and reducing evening stimulation can correspond with clearer behavior and easier settling for some dogs. They report that sleep quality is often one of the first topics raised when dogs show anxiety or behavior changes, and that attention to timing of meals, exercise, and the sleeping environment can influence outcomes. Undetermined at this time.