Why Won’t My Dog Calm Down? Signs, Causes & Tips

Are you worried because your dog is pacing, whimpering, or not willing to lie down. Many dog owners deal with this irritating and alarming behaviour. A restless dog can disturb your house, keep you up at night, and cause you concern about their welfare. 

But why is your dog not settling down? The causes include basic boredom to major medical disorders. Helping your friend to relax starts with knowing the underlying cause.

The most often occurring causes of restlessness in dogs will be discussed in this post together with how to spot them and useful ideas to bring comfort and calm back into your house.

Common Reasons for Restlessness in Dogs

1. Behavioural Reasons

Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety may strike dogs as well as people. Stress can be brought on by loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks, changes in schedule, or even distance from their owners. An anxious dog could pace, pant, or object to settling. Reducing their anxiety can be achieved by establishing a peaceful surroundings, taking melatonin or L-theanine supplements, and offering a safe place.

Boredom and Lack of Stimulation

Restless dogs are bored dogs. Dogs could pace or wander aimlessly without enough mental and physical activity. Your dog will be more likely to rest if you keep it busy and tired by daily walks, interactive toys, and puzzle feeders.

Attention-Seeking Behavior

Your dog occasionally just wants your attention. They will continue to pace or whine if they have discovered that it brings them what they desire. Ignoring the behaviour and rewarding serenity will assist to interrupt this loop.

2. Medical Causes of Restlessness

Pain and Discomfort

One often cited reason dogs cannot settle is pain. Conditions such hip dysplasia, arthritis, or injuries make lying down awkward. See your vet if your dog is avoiding particular motions, whining, or limping. Orthopaedic beds, joint supplements, or painkillers might all help.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Your dog may find it difficult to lie down if it has constipation, indigestion, or bloat. Either a bloated abdomen or regular pacing could indicate an issue. Changes in diet, smaller meals, and veterinarian care could be required.

Cognitive Dysfunction in Senior Dogs

Older dogs could have dementia, which would cause restlessness and confusion—especially at night. Among the symptoms include aimless roaming, changes in sleep pattern, and confusion. Managing this disorder can be achieved with brain-stimulating games, relaxing pills, and regular schedule.

3. Environmental Factors Affecting Your Dog’s Rest

Uncomfitable Sleeping Space

Your dog could refuse to lie down if their bed is in a noisy place, too small or too hard. Make investments in a comfortable, supportive bed and locate it in a low-traffic, quiet area. Including familiar blankets or toys can help to make the area more pleasant.

Strong Sounds or disturbances

Dogs have refined hearing. They can be kept on edge by noises ranging from traffic to construction to simply a ticking clock. Distinctive sounds can be drowned out by white noise machines, closed windows, or soothing music.

Changes in Routine or Environment

Changing your schedule, moving to a new house, or adding a new pet can all throw off your dog. Gradually adding adjustments and keeping a consistent schedule will enable them to adapt.

What to Do If Your Dog Is Unsettled

1. Provide Adequate Exercise

A weary dog makes a happy dog. If your dog seems restless, they might just be bursting with pent-up energy.

• Make sure your dog enjoys at least one daily lengthy walk. For high-energy breeds, think about including a play session or second stroll.
• Exercises in agility, tug-of- war, or retrieve help to release extra energy.
• To keep your dog interested, vary their workout schedule. Try swimming, hiking, or investigating fresh paths.
• Meeting your dog's physical requirements will help them relax and settle more readily.

2. Boost Their Mental Capacity

Restlessness in dogs often stems from boredom. They can become tired equally quickly from mental stimulus as from physical activity.

• Purchase interactive toys like glow-up id tag challenging your dog to solve tasks for rewards.
• Teach your dog fresh orders in obedience or new tricks. This sharpens your relationship and works their intellect.
• Let your dog sniff and investigate on walks. Dogs find sniffing to be cognitively taxing and might help them unwind.

A bored-out stimulated dog is less likely to pace or act out.

3. Create a Calm Environment

Dogs can sense their environment. Their settling may be challenging in a noisy or disorderly surroundings.

• To mask loud noises like traffic or construction, use white noise machines or soothing music.
• Give your dog somewhere peaceful and comfy where she may hide. This might be a box with soft blankets or a comfortable bed in a low-traffic room.
• To produce a relaxing environment, think about employing anxiety wraps, calming sprays, or pheromone diffusers.

Your dog will relax much more and stress will be much less in a tranquil surroundings.

4. Provide Solace and Comfort

Sometimes your dog simply needs you to be at her side.

• A frightened dog can be reassured by soft touching, grooming, or cuddling.
• If your dog is stressed, calmly sit with them and gently talk to them. Steer clear of too much attention overwhelming them.
• Should your dog be pacing out of nervousness, try to find and reduce the cause of their agitation.

Your dog will feel safe and comfortable much more if you reassure it.

5. Reward Quiet Behaviour

One very effective strategy for promoting relaxation is positive reinforcement.

• When your dog shows calm behavior—that is, lying down or resting quietly— Reward them.
• If your dog is pining or pacing for attention, steer clear of giving goodies or affection. Wait instead till they calm down before paying them any attention.
• Teach your dog to lie on a mat or blanket and remain there. Celebrate their composure and relaxation.

Reinforcing calm behaviour will help your dog to learn that being calm is fulfilling.

6. Address Underlying Medical Issues

Should your dog's restlessness continue, it could indicate a more general medical issue.

• Your dog may have trouble settling from diseases including arthritis, trauma, or gastrointestinal problems. Look for symptoms like changes in appetite, limping, and grumbling.
• Older dogs may show restlessness brought on by cognitive impairment or dementia. Among the symptoms are bewilderment, pacing, and variations in sleep habits.
• See your veterinarian for a comprehensive check and suitable treatment if you believe a medical problem exists.

The general welfare and comfort of your dog depend on your addressing of health issues.

7. Maintain a Consistent Routine

Dogs are happiest in routine. Their schedule's sudden alterations can induce restlessness and tension.

• Eat and snack consistently from a set calendar.
• Make sure your dog understands when she should expect mental stimulation and exercise.
• Establish a relaxing nighttime routine including a little stroll, then quiet time and a reward.
• Your dog will feel more safe and stable from a regimented schedule.

8. Seek Professional Help if Needed

It could be necessary to see a specialist if your dog's restlessness does not respond to your efforts.

• Rule out medical causes; then, talk about possible drugs or therapies.
• A behaviourist can help find triggers and create a customised strategy to handle behavioural problems or anxiety.
• To support calm behaviour, enrol your dog in obedience or relaxation training.

When to Seek Professional Help

Your dog should be seen a veterinarian if its restlessness is accompanied by symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, limping, or too frequent breathing. These would point to major medical problems such infections, neurological diseases, or pancreatitis.

A qualified dog behaviourist can offer specific treatments for behavioural problems or ongoing concern. They can assist pinpoint triggers and create a strategy to meet your dog's particular needs.

Helping Your Dog Find Peace

Although an unhappy dog can be difficult, you can enable them to calm down and feel safe with patience and the correct attitude. Dealing with their emotional, mental, and physical requirements can help them to flourish in their surroundings. Remember, every dog is different so it could take some time to come up with the ideal answer for your animal friend. Love, care, and consistency will help you soon to have a calmer, happier friend.