When your dog is not sleeping at night and pacing around the house, it can be exhausting for both of you.
Nighttime restlessness often signals that something is bothering your dog—physically, mentally, or emotionally—and owners understandably want to know what’s behind the sudden change.
We explain the most common reasons dogs may struggle to sleep at night and pace restlessly, what you can do at home, and when it’s best to involve your veterinarian.
Dog Not Sleeping at Night and Pacing: Why It Happens
A dog not sleeping at night and pacing is usually responding to internal discomfort, stress, or environmental changes that prevent them from settling. Some dogs struggle with nighttime anxiety, especially during thunderstorms, fireworks, or after major routine changes.
Others may be dealing with physical discomfort such as joint pain, digestive issues, or itchiness that becomes more noticeable at night.
In older dogs, nighttime restlessness is sometimes linked to cognitive changes that disrupt their sleep cycle. In many cases, pacing is your dog’s way of seeking relief, reassurance, or a comfortable way to rest.
Dog Not Sleeping at Night and Pacing: Common Causes
Stress
Anxiety is one of the most common reasons a dog is not sleeping at night and pacing. Dogs who are stressed may be unable to settle because their nervous system remains in a “high alert” state. This can happen during storms, fireworks, travel, new household members, visitors, or big changes in routine.
Many anxious dogs wander the house at night because they are looking for a safe place, checking for danger, or trying to escape a feeling of internal tension.
You may also notice panting, trembling, whining, or sticking close to you. Nighttime magnifies anxiety because the house is quiet, distractions are minimal, and dogs become more aware of what makes them uncomfortable.
Without intervention, pacing can become habitual, worsening the sleep disruption over time.
Related: Dog Not Sleeping at Night (Causes and what to do)
Digestive Upset or Nausea
Digestive discomfort can make a dog restless and unable to sleep. Nausea, gas, stomach cramps, or the urge to vomit or have diarrhea often triggers pacing as your dog tries to relieve the pressure or find a place to eliminate.
A dog with digestive distress may drool, swallow repeatedly, lick floors or objects, or make frequent trips to the door.
Symptoms can come on suddenly after eating something unusual or slowly build from underlying conditions like food intolerance, acid reflux, or inflammatory bowel issues.
Because digestion continues at night, the discomfort may peak when the household is asleep.
Pain
Pain—especially chronic pain—can make a dog not sleep at night and pacing around restlessly because they cannot find a comfortable resting position.
Conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, back pain, dental pain, or lingering injuries become more noticeable when your dog is lying still. Movement can temporarily relieve discomfort, so pacing becomes a coping mechanism.
If pain is the cause, you may see struggling to lie down, stiffness when rising, limping, slow walking, or reluctance to jump.
Nighttime often worsens pain because of decreased physical activity and cooler temperatures. Many dogs hide their discomfort during the day but reveal it at night when everything is calm and quiet.
Cognitive Dysfunction in Older Dogs
Older dogs sometimes develop canine cognitive dysfunction, a condition similar to dementia in humans. This can disrupt their internal clock and make them restless at night.
A dog with cognitive decline may not recognize when it’s time to sleep, feel disoriented in the dark, or become anxious when the environment is quiet.
Signs often include wandering, staring at walls, getting stuck behind furniture, forgetting learned routines, or acting confused about where they are.
Nighttime pacing is especially common because many senior dogs experience a flipped sleep-wake cycle. Although cognitive changes are age-related, they can be managed effectively when addressed early.
Environmental Triggers or Disruptions
Some dogs are extremely sensitive to nighttime noises, temperature changes, or light exposure.
A dog might be fully comfortable during the day but unable to sleep at night due to distant traffic, wildlife sounds, neighbor activity, or even a heater or appliance turning on.
Restless dogs may pace because they’re trying to get closer to or farther from the source of the disturbance.
Even changes you might not notice—like a new piece of furniture or a different nighttime routine—can make certain dogs feel unsettled.
Highly alert breeds or rescue dogs with trauma histories are especially prone to nighttime pacing triggered by environmental cues.
Needing to Go Outside or Urinate Excessively
A dog who needs frequent nighttime bathroom breaks will not sleep soundly and may pace to signal their discomfort.
This can happen simply because your dog drank too much water before bed, but it can also be related to urinary infections, kidney issues, diabetes, medication side effects, or bladder inflammation.
Dogs who need to urinate frequently often walk back and forth near doors, whine occasionally, lick their groin area, or appear restless shortly after lying down.
Because they cannot fully relax while holding their bladder, they continually get up and move, leading to disrupted sleep for both of you.
Related: Dog panting and restless (Why it happens)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Not Sleeping at Night and Pacing
If your dog is not sleeping at night and pacing, start by making their nighttime environment as soothing as possible. A consistent, calming bedtime routine can help many dogs settle, especially those dealing with anxiety or stress.
Soft lighting, quiet background noise, and a comfortable sleeping area can reduce nighttime restlessness. Keeping your dog close to where you sleep may also reduce pacing if the cause is separation-related or fear-based.
For dogs who may be experiencing pain or physical discomfort, monitor their mobility closely throughout the day.
If you notice discomfort behaviors—slow movements, hesitation to lie down, stiffness, limping—schedule a veterinary visit to rule out treatable pain sources.
In the meantime, ensure their sleeping area is supportive and warm, and consider using gentle massage or warm compresses for temporary comfort.
If digestive upset seems likely, assess whether your dog recently ate a new food, scavenged something outside, or has been dealing with chronic stomach issues.
Feeding smaller evening meals, avoiding late-night snacks, and providing access to fresh water may help. If nausea or stomach discomfort persists, veterinary treatment is needed to prevent dehydration or more serious complications.
In older dogs, nighttime pacing may be a sign of cognitive changes. Keeping a predictable day-night schedule, adding nighttime calming supplements (with veterinary guidance), and increasing daytime enrichment can help balance the sleep cycle. Soft nightlights can also support orientation in dark rooms.
Finally, be patient and avoid punishing pacing behavior. Your dog is communicating discomfort or confusion, not misbehaving. Supporting them emotionally, physically, and medically is key to improving nighttime rest.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your veterinarian if your dog’s nighttime pacing continues for more than a few nights, worsens over time, or is accompanied by other concerning signs. Persistent restlessness can indicate untreated pain, internal discomfort, infections, or more serious medical conditions.
If your dog is showing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, panting, trembling, or signs of disorientation, a veterinary exam is recommended as soon as possible. These symptoms may suggest gastrointestinal issues, metabolic conditions, or neurologic changes that require prompt intervention.
In older dogs, sudden or severe nighttime restlessness warrants attention because cognitive decline, pain, or underlying illness can progress quickly without treatment.
Your vet may recommend bloodwork, imaging, or medication to help your dog rest comfortably.
Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog cannot settle at all, appears in significant pain, has difficulty breathing, or shows signs of distress such as persistent whining, drooling, or attempts to hide. These symptoms may indicate an emergency requiring urgent evaluation.
Read more: Dog Restless at Night Not Sleeping (What it means)
Key Takeaway
A dog not sleeping at night and pacing is usually struggling with discomfort, anxiety, or changes in their body or environment.
While some causes are minor and resolve with simple home adjustments, others require veterinary care to restore restful sleep.
By paying attention to your dog’s behavior, supporting them with a calming night routine, and seeking help when needed, you can greatly improve their nighttime comfort and well-being.