Dog is restless and keeps changing places - why and what to do?

Dog is restless and keeps changing places. Can't your dog find peace and quiet? Does it keep changing his bed and sleeping in places it has never been before? There are many possible reasons for this. We explain what could be behind it and when to be concerned. We'll also show you how to calm your dog down.

What could be causing your dog to change places and be restless?

If your dog suddenly starts behaving differently than usual, you may be worried. But it is not always justified. Restlessness can have many causes, ranging from harmless to life-threatening. They fall into two broad categories: Restlessness is either mental or physical.

Mental causes of restlessness:

• Stress

• Anxiety

• Excess energy

• Dementia

Physical causes of restlessness:

• Uncomfortable bedding (too hard, too cold or too warm)

• Heat (unaltered bitches only)

• Abdominal pain

• Joint pain

• Incontinence

• Urinary tract infection

• Gastric torsion

• Other illnesses

As the causes are so varied, itAs the causes are so varied, it is important that you keep a close eye on your dog. Does it show any other abnormalities? Because many diseases are accompanied by other symptoms. These can vary greatly depending on the organs and body parts affected. Touch and stroke your dog on different parts of its body and observe whether it reacts with defensive behaviour. This can be a sign of pain.

You should also analyse the circumstances for the restlessness. Take a closer look at the spurned and the favoured resting place. Are there any differences in terms of location, temperature, material or ambient noise? The spurned resting place may either be uncomfortable or your dog may not be able to relax due to the location.

How do I calm my restless dog?

You need to find a solution to the problem of restlessness so that you and your dog can get enough sleep. There are a few general things you should always keep in mind to ensure your dog is happy and can live a dog-friendly life.

• Make sure your dog gets enough exercise and stimulation.

• Give your dog plenty of time and attention.

• Provide a safe and comfortable environment for your dog.

However, before you can take any concrete action, it is important to find out what is causing the behaviour. While there is usually something harmless behind the behaviour, there are also serious problems where you need to act quickly and seek veterinary help.

Read on to find out how to recognise the different causes of agitation and how to calm your dog.

Stress

What causes stress?

What stresses dogs varies greatly from person to person. There are many stressors and each animal is different. Is the sleeping area in a busy, noisy place? Has your dog been given a new dog bed or have you changed the location? Some dogs react to noise, others don't cope well with change and show stress behaviour. Being alone, the loss of a loved one, the birth of a baby, a change in diet or a change in routine can also trigger stress.

How do I recognise stress?

One of the signs of stress in your dog is frequent panting and salivation. The body is tense and the hair on the back may stand up. The dog may tremble, scratch itself frequently or shake its whole body repeatedly. The tail hangs limply or is tucked in. The lips are often drawn back.

How do I calm my dog?

There are some basic rules to follow to find the ideal place for your dog to sleep. You can find lots of practical tips in the article Pure relaxation - the right resting place for your dog. You should also avoid sudden changes to your daily routine. If possible, it's always better to let your dog get used to new things slowly. If this is not possible, or if your dog is very easily stressed, the use of supplements or other products with a calming effect may help. Examples include Zylkene® and Adaptil®. Please note that it usually takes a few days to a few weeks for the effect to be felt, so start early.

Anxiety

What causes anxiety?

Anxiety and stress are closely related emotions and are not always easy to distinguish. While stress tends to last longer, anxiety is more of a short-term emotion. Rapid movements or loud noises, such as a thunderstorm, New Year's Eve firecrackers or gunshots, are often perceived by the dog as threatening and cause fear or even panic. This is particularly common in dogs that have been traumatised from overseas or rescue centres. Some dogs also suffer from severe separation anxiety, for example if they are often left alone and receive little attention.

How do I recognise anxiety? 

Anxious dogs are very jumpy and will jump at fast movements or loud noises. The four 'F' behaviours are also typical: Flight (running away), Fight (attacking), Freeze (fear) or Fiddle About (silliness). You may see restlessness, excessive panting, barking, whining, yawning, trembling, a crouched posture or a tucked tail. Some dogs may also send soothing signals, such as tonguing, or show jumping behaviour, such as biting the leash. If your dog has separation anxiety, it will cling to you like a limpet when you return home. It is afraid of being left alone again and will be restless and move around a lot to keep an eye on you.

How do I calm my dog?

An anxious dog generally needs a lot of attention and trust from its owner. Stay calm in anxious situations and let your dog see this through your relaxed body language. This will show him that there is no danger. Do not scold your dog in an anxiety-provoking situation, but intense 'comforting' is also counterproductive as it can increase anxiety. It is best to talk to your dog in an encouraging way. If everyday life with your anxious dog is very difficult, behavioural therapy may help. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, you should spend more time with him and leave him less alone. If this is not possible, it may be better to give him away to someone who has more time for him.

Excess energy

What causes excess energy and boredom?

If a dog is constantly changing its place, it may have too much energy that it can't get rid of. This is caused by a lack of physical and mental exercise. It can affect any dog, but is particularly common in active breeds such as hunting, shepherd and herding dogs. If they cannot satisfy their inner urges, the energy builds up and is released elsewhere. In addition, bored dogs often sleep more during the day and are not really tired at night.

How do I spot boredom?

Bored dogs are restless and are always looking for new places to lie down that offer a little more entertainment. The pent-up energy will find its way out and burst out in outbursts where the dog cannot be contained and will get up to mischief, perhaps destroying something in the process.

How do I calm my dog?

Keep your dog busy! Every dog needs activity and long walks, even the smallest ones. Particularly active breeds with an inherited instinct should also be challenged through targeted training. If you don't want to use your dog for hunting or herding, there are several alternative dog sports that will keep him active. You can also give your dog something to do at home with intelligent toys and food toys.

Dementia

What causes dementia?

Dogs can develop dementia as they get older. The structure of the brain changes irreversibly, leading to a decline in mental and physical functioning. However, the progression of the disease can be slowed. For example, the affected dog may no longer recognise its family, familiar surroundings or know where it is.

How do I recognise dementia?

Dementia develops slowly, over time dogs become forgetful, stubborn and behave strangely. For example, they may start begging for food shortly after a meal, stop responding to familiar commands or stare at things that are not there. They may also become disorientated, which can lead to restlessness and anxiety, and they may change their sleeping or resting places. Dogs with dementia are also often incontinent, leaking faeces or urine.

How do I calm my dog?

Affected dogs need special care. There are a few things you can do to make everyday life easier for your dog and reduce moments of confusion. For example, leaving a small light on at night can help the dog find its way around.

Uncomfortable resting place

When is a bed uncomfortable?

Even if your dog has always liked his bed, it can suddenly become uncomfortable. It may be worn out and causing pain. It could also be that the bed is not right for your dog's size and is too small for him to get into his favourite sleeping position. Or is it uncomfortable with the material? It may cause itching or be too warm or too cold in different weather conditions.

How can I tell if a bed is uncomfortable?

If the bed is uncomfortable, your dog will only use it in an emergency and will prefer to sleep elsewhere. If the bed is too small, parts of your dog's body will stick out over the edge. If the surface is too hard, painful bursitis and calluses can develop.

In terms of temperature, long-haired dogs tend to be too warm and short-haired dogs tend to be too cold. "Sweating" dogs pant more and seek out cold floors (e.g. tiles) and shady places to lie down. Freezing dogs tend to shiver and prefer to lie near a source of warmth or seek physical contact with you.

How do I keep my dog calm?

Your dog needs a dog bed that is ideal for his size, health and age. The bed should be at least 40 x 30 cm for small breeds (e.g. Chihuahua, Jack Russell Terrier), at least 60 x 45 cm for medium breeds (e.g. Labrador, Australian Shepherd) and at least 80 x 60 cm for large breeds (e.g. German Shepherd, Newfoundland). If your dog has joint pain, the edge of the bed should not be too high to make it easier to get into the bed. The dog bed should also be softly upholstered. You can also place a blanket or cushion inside for extra padding. Do not place the bed in the sun or too close to a heat source. Choose a dog bed that is easy to clean or wash. Replace it in time when it wears out.

Heat

What is heat?

Only unaltered bitches can be in heat, i.e. ready to mate. A bitch is in heat when she is close to ovulation. Due to hormonal changes, she becomes restless and wants to meet a male dog to have puppies. This can also cause her to have trouble sleeping for a few nights. The heat occurs about twice a year, with a long lull in between.

How do I recognise the heat?

The rut is divided into different phases and lasts several weeks. However, the actual length varies greatly from bitch to bitch, as does the severity of the symptoms. Not every bitch will give a clear sign that she is in heat. The first stage is called pre-heat, when the bitch's vulva swells and bleeds. She will start to smell good to males and will mark at short intervals when walked. The bitch becomes more restless and harder to call, but also more affectionate and cuddly. During the heat, the discharge becomes lighter in colour and she ovulates several times. The bitch is then ready to mate and will stand still when a male dog tries to do so.

How do I calm my dog?

You cannot influence the effects of hormones in a bitch in heat. Don't leave your dog outside unattended and make sure she doesn't mate if you don't want puppies. If your bitch's heat is very problematic, or you want to prevent it, consider neutering or another method of contraception.

Abdominal pain

What causes abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain is often caused by digestive problems. For example, the gases produced by flatulence can cause pain by stretching the intestines from the inside. It is increasingly caused by feeding flatulent foods such as legumes and cabbage, but also by feeding offal and chewing items such as pig ears and bullwhips. However, nausea and diarrhoea can also be uncomfortable or even painful if they are caused by an irritated stomach or inflamed bowel. There are many different causes.

How do I recognise stomach pain?

Dogs with abdominal pain sleep poorly and change position frequently. They are uncomfortable and try to relieve this by moving around, and the pain is not the same in all positions. The abdomen is usually tense and they do not like to be touched. Depending on the cause, flatulence, diarrhoea and vomiting may also occur. If your dog has diarrhoea, it will also ask you to take him out at night.

How do I keep my dog calm?

Dogs with diarrhoea and vomiting should be kept on a light diet for a few days. It is also important to establish the cause of the digestive problems, which can usually be done by taking a feeding history and doing a stool test. Further treatment can then be adapted. This is often caused by a sudden change in diet, eating spoiled or inappropriate food, parasitic infestation, viral infection or stress.

Joint pain

What causes joint pain?

As with humans, many dogs experience increased wear and tear of the joint cartilage and other changes in the joints as they get older. The more the joints change, the greater the pain. Progression is favoured by overuse and misuse, obesity and torn ligaments or other injuries. But it is not just older dogs that can suffer from joint pain. Large breeds in particular often suffer from hip dysplasia (HD), a genetic change in the hip joint, from an early age. The joint becomes more unstable, causing pain, especially with movement.

How do I recognise joint pain?

Dogs with joint pain are often restless at night and change their position constantly because they cannot find a comfortable sleeping position. During the day the pain can vary and many dogs are also sensitive to the weather, with the pain being worse in cold, damp weather. Other symptoms of joint pain include a stiff gait, pain when getting up and lying down (e.g. moaning), sensitivity to touch and refusal to climb stairs, play ball, jump (into the car, onto the sofa) or go for walks. The affected joints are often licked and nibbled on.

How can I help my dog?

You cannot cure osteoarthritis or HD in the long term, but you can protect the joints and slow the progression of the disease. It is important to lose weight if your dog is overweight, build muscle through exercise and avoid joint damaging activities such as jumping and climbing stairs. You can also feed your dog a special joint food to help build cartilage and reduce inflammation in the affected joints. If your dog is in acute pain, it should be given pain relief. There are several types of medication available, some of which are suitable for long-term use. Take your dog to the vet for these.

Incontinence

What causes incontinence?

Older dogs can lose control of their bladder and become incontinent. Often the bladder sphincter becomes weak or the nerves that control it do not work properly. Another cause is dementia (see above), where dogs simply forget that their bladder is full.

How do I spot incontinence?

Dogs lose urine unintentionally in certain situations. It often happens during sleep when the body is completely relaxed. Especially at night, dogs have to wait a long time before they can go outside to relieve themselves. As a result, incontinent animals may become restless at night and move around a lot, especially if they have already passed urine accidentally. In addition, urine often drips during movements that put pressure on the bladder, such as getting up, lying down, coughing and climbing stairs. 

How can I calm my dog down?

Take your dog to the vet to rule out any physical causes. There are medications available to help strengthen the bladder muscles, but if your dog has dementia, this will not help, and even with medication it is often impossible to prevent incontinence completely. There are a few things you can do to make life easier for both you and your dog. Walk your dog more often so that less urine accumulates in the bladder. Keep an eye on your dog to know when it needs to go, and don't scold him if it spills urine in the house - he's not doing it on purpose. Keep paper towels and cleaning products handy for cleaning up. Make sure you have a dog bed that's easy to clean and won't absorb fluids - you can also use waterproof pads. If necessary, dog nappies are also available for overnight use. Despite the incontinence, make sure your dog drinks enough.

Urinary tract infection

What causes a urinary tract infection?

In dogs, most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria travelling up the urinary tract, but urinary crystals or stones can also be the cause. These occur when too many minerals are dissolved in the urine and precipitate.

How can I tell if I have a urinary tract infection?

Both bacteria and urinary crystals irritate the lining of the bladder and urethra, which often becomes inflamed. This causes what is known as urinary dysfunction. Affected dogs feel the need to urinate more often, even when the bladder is usually empty. This can also cause them to be restless at night. If the inflammation is advanced, the urine may be reddish to brownish due to the presence of blood. If your dog arched his back or moaned when urinating, this is a sign of pain. 

How do I calm my dog?

The urinary tract infection itself and its cause need to be treated. Antibiotics and painkillers are often needed, and the diet may need to be adjusted if there are urinary crystals or stones.

Gastric torsion

What causes gastric torsion?

The exact causes of gastric torsion are controversial. It mainly affects large dogs with a deep chest, but not only. Especially after eating, the stomach can twist in the abdomen. This blocks the inlet and outlet, causing the stomach to swell. 

How do I recognise a gastric torsion?

Affected dogs will be restless and will show what is known as unsuccessful vomiting, i.e. retching without vomiting the contents of the stomach. The stomach is suddenly very distended, painful and thick. The twisting of the stomach can pinch important blood vessels and cause shock. The dog becomes weak, shakes and collapses. Breathing will be shallow and the pulse will be racing.

How do I calm my dog?

Gastric torsion is always an emergency! Try to stay calm, even if it is difficult. Go to the vet or hospital immediately and call ahead. To save the life of a dog with a gastric torsion, the shock must be treated. In addition, immediate surgery is usually required to return the stomach to its physiological position and fix it there. To prevent gastric torsion, you should feed your dog several small meals throughout the day, as a very full stomach tends to twist more easily. Raised feeding dishes can also help.

When should I take my dog to the vet if it is restless?

You should always take your dog to the vet if you suspect there is a medical reason for the nocturnal restlessness. There are several symptoms that can indicate this. At the vet's surgery it can be thoroughly examined and given the necessary treatment.

Take your dog to the vet if any of the following symptoms occur:

• severe abdominal pain

• bloody diarrhoea

• bloody or persistent vomiting

• unsuccessful vomiting

• swelling of the abdomen

• joint pain

• pain when passing urine

• bloody urine

• increased thirst

Conclusion

There are many reasons for dogs to be restless and to change their sleeping places all the time. Observe your pet and try to get to the bottom of it. There are many things you can do to help. However, if you suspect that something is wrong or your dog is in pain, take him to the vet as soon as possible to have him checked out.

The confidu magazine is written by our veterinarians according to current scientific standards. The articles do not replace a veterinary diagnosis, but are intended to provide you with initial information on many topics related to your animal. If you have specific questions about your pet, our vets will be happy to advise you via the confidu app.