How Heat Affects Your Dog’s Sleep
Your dog’s sleep is closely linked to its body temperature. Just as in humans, body temperature is an important regulator of various sleep stages, especially restorative deep sleep. Based on our experience, body temperature plays a central role because the body can regenerate most effectively during these stages. Expert knowledge and practical observations show that dogs have difficulty regulating their body temperature optimally at higher temperatures. This is because the body is occupied with regulating heat, which can shorten deep-sleep phases. The result: Your dog may lie awake more often or doze instead of sleeping deeply and soundly. Many dogs benefit particularly when the ambient temperature remains pleasantly cool, as this allows them to get more deep sleep and recover better.
Sources: Zanghi, B.M. et al. (2013): Characterization of sleep–wake patterns in dogs. – MSD Veterinary Manual: Thermoregulation in Dogs.
Why Does Your Dog Sometimes Sleep More and Sometimes Sleep Worse in Summer?
What we often hear is that dogs seem more tired in summer but appear to sleep less restfully. Based on our experience, this is because the heat places considerable strain on your dog’s body. Overheating causes the body to work at full capacity to lower its temperature, which uses energy and reduces deep-sleep phases. At the same time, your dog may sleep more to compensate for the strain caused by the heat and to recover. However, these are often lighter sleep phases during which your dog has more difficulty relaxing. Panting and getting up more frequently at night are also typical reactions to summer heat. Many dogs may display these behaviors when temperatures rise. Based on our experience, this is completely normal, but it also shows that your dog needs support to cope better with the warmth.
Sources: MSD Veterinary Manual: Heat Stroke and Hyperthermia in Dogs. – Zanghi, B.M. et al. (2013): Characterization of sleep–wake patterns in dogs.
Five Practical Tips for the Ideal Summer Sleeping Spot
To help your dog rest well even in high temperatures, a few simple measures can help:
- Cool sleeping surface: Choose a sleeping surface that does not heat up too much, such as tiles or a dog bed with a cooling insert.
- Good air circulation: Provide a spot with a breeze or fan, but avoid direct drafts blowing onto your dog.
- Shaded spot: Avoid direct sunlight on the sleeping area, especially on hot days.
- Plenty of fluids: Always provide fresh water so your dog can drink as needed to regulate its temperature.
- Quiet retreat: An undisturbed spot helps your dog relax more easily.
Many customers report that these tips alone provide noticeably more relaxed and longer periods of rest.
Natural Solutions for Greater Sleeping Comfort in Summer
We would now like to introduce a few natural products that, based on our experience, can help support your dog’s sleep in summer. The SVALA cooling insert actively cools the sleeping surface with cooling gel and fits our dog beds in sizes S to XL – providing pleasant cooling directly beneath your dog without electricity or pre-cooling. The KUDDE cover made of vegan suede is not only durable but also helps balance temperature, so your dog is less likely to overheat. For even greater comfort, there is the soft ALLTID replacement cover, which also helps regulate temperature and gently conforms to the surface, making it ideal for warm days. Based on our experience, dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors, benefit from these solutions, which provide natural cooling that noticeably supports restful sleep.
Conclusion
Heat can significantly impair your dog’s sleep and lead to changes in sleeping behavior. These changes are normal, but they also show how important suitable adjustments are to help your dog sleep more restfully. With simple measures such as a cool, shaded sleeping area and suitable products like the SVALA cooling insert, the KUDDE vegan suede cover, and the temperature-regulating ALLTID replacement cover, you can help your dog cope better with summer and rest more peacefully. Give it a try—your dog will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dogs’ Sleep and Summer Heat
Is it harmful if my dog sleeps a lot in summer?
No, this is usually no cause for concern. In summer, many dogs use rest to conserve energy and reduce the stress caused by the heat. As long as your dog otherwise seems fit and eats normally, sleeping a lot is a natural response to high temperatures.
How can I tell whether my dog is suffering from the heat?
Signs such as heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, weak motor skills, or increased thirst may indicate that your dog is struggling with the heat. In such cases, you should immediately take your dog to a cool place and provide water.
Can I cool the dog bed with the SVALA cooling insert myself for summer?
Yes, the SVALA cooling insert is designed to provide your dog with a cooling sleeping surface. It regulates the temperature by itself and does not need to be cooled separately. This keeps the bed pleasantly fresh, even on warm days.
How often should I change or clean the cover?
We recommend cleaning the covers regularly, especially in summer when dogs sweat more. This keeps the sleeping area hygienic and comfortable. Faux-leather covers can be wiped clean, while fabric and suede covers are generally machine-washable on a gentle cycle at a maximum of 40°C.
Are the covers also suitable for dogs with sensitive skin?
Yes, our vegan suede covers and the soft ALLTID replacement cover are particularly skin-friendly and help regulate temperature. Many customers with sensitive dogs report positive experiences.
Why does my dog become very tired in the heat but still sleep poorly?
Heat places strain on the body and causes overheating, which makes your dog tired but simultaneously reduces deep sleep. The dog feels exhausted but cannot achieve the necessary deep rest because its body is occupied with regulating its temperature.
