Now that life is slowly beginning to open up, though, our pets are being left alone once again. This is something that\u2019s causing some pets a lot of stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, not every animal is the same. For some pets, with their owners staying home, usual routines were thrown out of the window\u2014bringing on widespread behavioral problems among dogs and cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learn more about why many pets are stressing (and losing sleep) these days, plus get tips for what you can do to help your anxious animal sleep better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How the pandemic changed your pet’s sleep habits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Most pets that were part of a family pre-pandemic were accustomed to a certain routine: being fed, walked, and let out at specific times, says Amanda Williams<\/a>, chief veterinarian and medical director of Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch in Jupiter, Fla. And although some pets found it to be a great comfort to have their humans around all day, others didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt was quite a shock to the system of some pets to suddenly have people around all the time,\u201d Williams says. \u201cThey started receiving more attention than they were used to, perhaps having babies and young children nudging them throughout the day when they might usually be relaxing or sleeping.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n While those pets may have experienced a decrease in stress when their owners went back to the office, there are others who miss them terribly. Plus, there\u2019s the additional layer that pets feed off the energy and vibe of the people around them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf the humans are acting stressed, the dog may mimic that behavior or feel confused as to why their previously happy owner is now upset, angry, or sad,\u201d says Williams, describing feelings people have frequently experienced during the pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All this stress has added up to pets who aren\u2019t sleeping. In fact, according to Williams, stress can affect pets\u2019 sleep cycles and cause restlessness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSome animals may become lethargic as a result of chronic stress and may seem to nap or sleep more frequently throughout the day, but it usually is not quality sleep,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Williams shares that a happy, healthy, mentally stable pet should have around 15 to 20 sleep cycles a night, whereas people generally have four to six sleep cycles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cStress can reduce the quality of these sleep cycles and can greatly reduce the number of sleep cycles they experience,” she says. “Stress can affect the way your pet might lay down as well and make them more guarded and prevent them from relaxing into a normal sleep position. If they are laying abnormally, trembling, or shaking, this will not allow their bodies to relax into a normal state to allow for optimal sleeping.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to sleep-disrupting cat and dog anxiety, there are usually clear signs. Here’s what to look for in your pet, says Williams:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Williams also details the signs your furry friend isn\u2019t getting enough shut-eye:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any behavioral changes should be immediately addressed by your veterinarian, says Williams. She cautions that apart from anxiety, other health-related reasons can also cause lethargy, which is why it\u2019s best to consult with your vet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Help your dog get more comfortable sleep with the right pet bed<\/p>\n \n An upgraded ergonomic design and premium materials to give your best friend the same comfort, quality, and durability you\u2019ve come to expect from a Saatva mattress.<\/p>\n\n\n \n \n Shop Now\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n You might be wondering, \u201cHow do you treat a dog with anxiety?\u201d or \u201cHow can I soothe my kitty?\u201d Below, Williams shares her best tips for calming your pet’s stress and helping them get better sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though the pandemic threw everyone\u2019s routines out of whack, it\u2019s important to bring them back for the sake of your pets. Or, if you have a pandemic puppy or kitten, sticking to a new routine is key, and you have to make sure everyone in your household adheres to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPets are creatures of habit,\u201d Williams says. \u201cWalk them and feed them at the same times each day. Enforce a strict bedtime when it is lights out. Don\u2019t allow them to drink water beyond a certain time to prevent them from waking up in the middle of the night needing to relieve themselves unless a medical condition such as diabetes requires access to water at all times.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Williams says dogs, in particular, find comfort with scent. \u201cIf they are stressed when you are not home, give them a towel, blanket, or stuffed animal<\/a> with your scent on it to snuggle with,\u201d she says, \u201cunless your dog might chew this up and ingest parts of the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Acting as soft compression, ThunderShirt<\/a> products, which wear like small, sleeveless jackets for dogs and cats, help keep them calm in times of high stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDogs are often stressed and anxious in reaction to loud sounds,\u201d Williams explains. \u201cIf that is the case, many pet owners have found great success with ThunderShirts. The weight and compression give the dog\u2019s body a hug and calms them down.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Williams says leaving a stereo on at low volume or the television on while away can provide the background noise pets are used to while you\u2019re home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nowadays, many companies make devices that can help your pet feel like you\u2019re close by. Whether you communicate with them directly through it, pop out a treat, or keep an eye on them on the camera, it could help your pet feel less alone, according to Williams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Williams says anti-anxiety medication\u2014under the guidance of a veterinarian\u2014is an option, although it\u2019s recommended to try other remedies first. She emphasizes that medication should only be used in moderation, perhaps only on occasion during heightened periods of anxiety or for a limited period until you can resolve the issue without meds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019d prefer to go the natural route to improve your pet\u2019s sleep, Williams says that sometimes, starting melatonin<\/a> at bedtime can help reset the sleep cycle and improve nighttime relaxation. (Learn more about melatonin for dogs<\/a> and CBD for dogs<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJust like when introducing a new food to a dog\u2019s diet, make sure the medication agrees with their system,\u201d Williams advises. \u201cWatch for vomiting and change in the consistency of their feces.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She adds that some people have seen improvement in their dog\u2019s mental health without the use of psychiatric drugs by changing their diet, exercise routine, discipline, and training.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCat and dog anxiety: spot the signs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n <\/a>\n\n \n Dog Bed<\/a>\n <\/h4>\n\n \n
Help for stressed pets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Reintroduce routines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Remind them of your scent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Try a ThunderShirt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Create background noise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Purchase an at-home surveillance device<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Consider medication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n