Why Your Pet Might Be Keeping You Up at Night: A Vet’s 2025 Guide to Restful Sleep With Cats & Dogs 🐾🌙

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog

Do you love snuggling with your pet at bedtime—but find yourself tossing and turning? You're not alone. In 2025, veterinarians and sleep researchers agree: while co-sleeping with pets can offer emotional support, it may also disturb your slumber. Let’s explore the causes of sleep disruption, the comfort of pet companionship, and vet-backed tips for peaceful nights together. 🛏️💤

1. 🐕‍🦺 Why Pets Disrupt Sleep

Even the cuddliest cat or calmest dog can interfere with your rest. Here's how:

• Different sleep cycles: Cats are crepuscular, active at dawn and dusk. Dogs may wake frequently. Their schedules may not match yours. ⏰🐾
• Movement & noise: Pets snore, groom, scratch, dream, or even bark or meow during the night. 💤🗣️
• Allergens: Dander and fur can worsen allergies and disrupt breathing. 🤧🐕
• Multiple pets: More animals = more potential disturbances (especially in small beds!). 🐾🐾

2. ❤️ Why Pet Co-Sleeping Still Works for Some

Despite these interruptions, many owners continue to sleep with pets. Why?

• Emotional bonding: Sharing space builds connection and calms nighttime anxiety. 😌🐶
• Security: Pets provide a sense of safety, especially for solo sleepers. 🛡️🐕
• Comfort: The rhythmic sound of a purring cat or a snoozing pup can feel deeply soothing. 🐱💗

Studies in 2025 show that sleep quality may decrease slightly but emotional satisfaction increases. 🧠✨

3. 🛌 Top Disruption Scenarios in 2025

• 🐕‍🦺 Dogs pacing, licking, or barking: Can signal anxiety, boredom, or a need to go outside.
• 🐱 Cats meowing or playing: Natural dusk/dawn rhythm. Consider enrichment or timed play sessions before bed.
• 🔁 Frequent shifting: Light sleepers may wake with each movement or sigh.
• 🚫 Allergy spikes: If pets sleep on pillows or too close to your face, allergens can trigger reactions.

4. 🧭 Vet-Recommended Sleep Solutions

✔️ Create a Pet Sleep Zone

• Designate a cozy pet bed in your room but not in your bed. Close proximity still provides emotional benefits. 🛏️🐾
• Use soft, washable bedding and position it near your bed but away from your head. 🧺

✔️ Sync Your Routines

• Feed, walk, and play earlier in the evening so your pet is ready for bed when you are. 🍽️🏃
• Use calming routines—white noise, dim lighting, and pheromone sprays can help both humans and pets. 🌙✨

✔️ Exercise During the Day

• Dogs need 30–60 mins of activity daily. Cats benefit from multiple short play sessions. 🎾🐈
• Exercise reduces night restlessness and helps pets sleep soundly. 😴🐶

✔️ Keep Bedrooms Allergen-Free

• Wash sheets weekly, vacuum often, and use HEPA air filters. 🧹🧼
• If allergies persist, consider keeping pets out of the bedroom altogether. 🚪

✔️ Rule Out Medical Causes

• Night pacing, excessive licking, or vocalizing can signal arthritis, dementia, anxiety, or pain. 🩺🐕
• Schedule a checkup if nighttime behaviors seem abnormal. 📅

5. 📋 2025 Sleep & Pet Checklist

• ✔ Does your pet have a cozy bed nearby?
• ✔ Are they exercised, played with, and fed well before bed?
• ✔ Is your bedding allergen-free and washed weekly?
• ✔ Do you monitor nighttime habits or health concerns?
• ✔ Are there any signs of pain, anxiety, or sleep disorders?

6. 🛠️ Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz Sleep Tools

• Ask A Vet App: Share your pet’s nighttime behavior videos or sleep logs—get personalized advice from licensed veterinarians. 🐾📱
• Woopf: Offers orthopedic pet beds, pheromone diffusers, and calming kits to enhance bedtime comfort. 🧸
• Purrz: Provides routine planners, exercise logs, and nighttime behavior trackers to improve rest. 📊

❤️ Final Thoughts from Dr Houston

Co-sleeping with pets is a deeply personal choice. While some pet parents enjoy cozy, connected nights, others may struggle with disrupted sleep. In 2025, we have more tools than ever to maintain emotional closeness without compromising rest. Observe your pet’s patterns, adjust routines, and don’t hesitate to make changes if your sleep suffers. With planning and vet insight, restful nights and happy mornings are totally achievable. 🐶🌙🐱

Need help building a pet-sleep strategy or addressing specific behaviors? Download the Ask A Vet app for on-demand support. Sleep tight! 🛏️✨