Once you’ve found the best puppy sleep aids, bedtime will become a lot easier for both you and your dog. Whether it’s in the form of a cuddly teddy bear or a comfortable crate mat, they’re a game-changer if your pup suffers from sleeping problems.
Vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan also suggests some other ways to help your dog drift off sooner, like taking them to the bathroom before bed and playing with them during the day. You should also avoid feeding them the best puppy food too late in the evening so they have time to digest their food and keep a set routine or cues around bedtime.
If you’re wondering how to get a puppy to sleep through the night, you’ll be pleased to hear that most puppies do so by four months old, according to Dr MacMilllan. Puppies need around 18 to 20 hours of sleep a day to help with their growth and development, making it even more important that they adopt healthy sleep habits.
If you’re struggling to get your dog off to sleep, then it’s well worth investing in one of the best puppy sleep aids below:
Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. She enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
PetsRadar's pick of the best puppy sleep aids
If you’ve recently welcomed a new pup into your home and you’re struggling to get them into dreamland, this single door fold and carry crate will provide your fur baby with all the safety and security they need to sleep comfortably through the night.
Available in a variety of sizes, the large door is a breeze to open, close, and lock and the electro-coated steel makes this crate rust-resistant, perfect if you’re wanting to be able to use it both indoors and out. It also provides a degree of durability that other materials don’t, ensuring that the crate can withstand a fair amount of wear and tear.
We love how affordable this crate is and the inclusion of a divider panel is genius, as it allows your crate to grow with your pup, making this a product you’ll get a lot of years out of without having to part with many cents.
A plastic base pan that sits at the bottom of the crate provides comfort for your canine and makes any messes easy to clean up and if you and your dog enjoy taking epic adventures together then you’re going to love how easily portable this crate is. Collapsible and foldable with adjustable handles, hitting the open road with your best fur baby friend has never been easier.
As with any product, this one comes with a pitfall. If you have the master of all escape artists on your hands then you may find they can chew their way to freedom by attacking the latches. Reviewers have found this most common with stronger, large breed dogs, so if you have a Husky on your hands you may want to invest in something more durable as they get older.
Longevity aside, this is the perfect puppy sleep training product for those first few months after they’ve left their mother’s side, and depending on the breed, this crate could well last a lifetime. We reckon that’s pretty impressive for a product in this price range.
You can’t have a crate without a super comfy mat to put in it and, if you’re going with Frisco for the former, then why not make it a match made in heaven and deck it out with one of their soft and cozy mats.
This ultra-plush mocha swirl mat will have your puppy in the land of nod before you know it and the non-skid bottom will keep them secure. The poly-fiber cushion offers the ultimate in comfort and the polyester material makes this a great choice all year round, keeping your dog cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
You’ll love that this mat comes in a variety of sizes, so it’s suitable for small or large pups and adult dogs, plus it’s durable enough to be machine-washed which makes keeping it smelling fresh easy. It can also double-up as a standalone bed and easily fits in the car, offering your pup the best that luxury travel has to offer.
The one drawback to this bed is longevity for heavier dogs. While the mat offers great durability for lighter breeds, those who come with a little more of them to love may find it flattens quickly. Definitely worth keeping in mind if you’re looking for something that will go the distance but it’s a small issue for a mat in the budget price range.
With over 1,000 5-star reviews on Chewy, this warm and snuggly mat will make your little fur baby feel like they’re curled up next to their mum, helping both them and you to sleep through the night.
If your puppy is showing some of the classic signs of separation anxiety, such as crying or barking, then this toy will offer some much-needed comfort. Recreating the physical warmth and intimacy they would have with their mother, the Snuggle Puppy works to reduce the feelings of stress and loneliness that often occur during those first few months of being in a new environment.
Your fur baby will love the pulsing heartbeat, which helps calm nerves and provides those feelings of safety and security so they can get the shut-eye they need. A single 24-hour disposable heat pack provides an extra source of comfort and once used, you can replace it with any other store-bought version. Batteries are also included and last up to two weeks with 24/7 use.
To activate the heartbeat when putting your puppy to sleep, simply press the power button and it will stay on for a full eight hours. For 24-hour continuous use, hold the button for five seconds. This is also a great toy to use during fireworks or thunderstorms, when dogs can often become frightened or unsettled. While aimed at puppies, it’s a favorite among Chewy reviewers for older dogs too, making this the perfect any-age-any-stage toy.
The only downside to this adorable sleep aid is the short battery life. If you’re using it frequently then you’ll need to change the batteries every two to four weeks. That one drawback aside though and you’ve got your puppy the cutest of night-time companions that will have them drifting off into dreamland before you know it.
If your puppy’s inability to settle at night is due to the misery of teething, then this toy from Kong could be the perfect remedy. Made from an all-natural rubber formula and available in three sizes and two colours, this chew toy works to soothe pain, clean teeth and teach proper chewing behaviour. It’s also great for helping ease separation anxiety and boredom, which can result in that late night whining and crying that keeps the whole house awake.
We love that while it’s customized for your puppy’s baby teeth and gums, its uses go far beyond teething. The unique design makes this toy a great vessel for stuffing with peanut butter, puppy kibble or dog food paste, which provides your pup with plenty of mental and physical stimulation. It also offers some seriously unpredictable bounce when thrown, making for a super fun game of fetch.
You’ll be pleased to know that the Kong for puppies doesn’t just get our tick of approval but also comes with the thumbs up from veterinarians and trainers. Offering longevity, robustness and fun, this toy has everything you need to keep your puppy engaged during the day and to help them settle at night. Plus, it comes at a bargain price which makes it pretty close to perfect in our book.
Some pet parents do point out that depending on what you stuff the toy with, it can stain easily and be difficult to clean. We also wouldn’t recommend you use it as a food vessel every day as that could lead to you being the owner of one very portly puppy. Those things aside though and this is a fun and functional toy with a host of benefits.
This top load kennel from Frisco is a winner if you’re planning on taking your precious pup on lots of adventures and want them to feel safe and secure while sleeping on the go.
If the thought of assembling things has you breaking out in a sweat then you’ll be relieved to know that this kennel is a breeze to put together. Taking just minutes to assemble, the two halves lock together and are held securely in place with wing nuts and bolts along the rim. When not in use, simply take apart and the two halves fit neatly inside one another for easy storage.
Made from 95% recycled plastic, this is a great environmentally friendly choice and the hard shell makes it extremely durable. There’s plenty of ventilation thanks to the dual wire-mesh doors and multiple ventilation holes along the sides and the interior moat means any accidents won’t end up all over the carpets or upholstery in your car.
This kennel offers both comfort and security and if you want to make it a bit more luxurious, simply pop in your fur baby’s favourite bed or blanket and you’ve got yourself the ultimate home on the go for your precious pup.
Before purchasing this kennel, think about your puppy’s breed and how big they’re likely to grow. If you’re wanting something that will see your Bichon Frise through to adulthood then this is a great choice but if you’re the pet parent of a baby Boxer then you’ll want to invest your money elsewhere if longevity is an issue.
How to choose the best puppy sleep aid
One of the things that helps a puppy sleep in their first few weeks of life is the warmth and intimacy that their mother provides so recreating that as best you can is key. A crate and crate mat or blanket to pop inside will help your puppy to feel cozy, safe, and secure. If you choose to tuck your puppy into a crate each evening, be consistent. Place it in the same location and ensure that you use it every night so that they have a clear sleep routine.
Another way you can help your puppy to feel safe enough to go to sleep is through the use of dog toys, which help ease separation anxiety and make your puppy feel less alone. Choose toys that are cuddly and soft as your pup will be able to snuggle up against these during the night. Some come with battery operated heartbeats and warming pads that mimic that feeling of being curled up next to their mother.
While rubber toys don’t provide the same level of comfort as soft toys, they can be a great place to store food and help entertain your puppy until they fall asleep. Look for toys that have openings your puppy's paw can fit through and lots of grooves where you can smear dog pastes and treats.
Speaking of dog treats, these can be a useful tool when it comes to sleep training as there’s nothing your pup will love more than being rewarded for good behavior. Look for treats that are small but tasty and use them as an incentive when training your pup to sleep in a crate or other location of your choosing. If you’re feeling really keen, you can even make your own homemade dog treats!
Dr MacMilllan says: “Sleeping aids that can help puppies include choosing a cozy, comfy bed and placing it in a quiet location of the house, away from noisy household appliances. Blackout blinds in the area where he sleeps are also useful, especially in the lighter summer months.
“Some puppies may benefit from a little background noise when they are first sleeping alone, a very quiet radio (or even just the static from an untuned radio) can help. Some puppies like a comforting soft toy to snuggle up with at night, just make sure you check I regularly for any signs of damage. Calming pheromones are also very useful for puppies that are feeling a little stressed, often these are either spritzed on their bedding or bought as a plug-in diffuser.”
