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Old Dog Can't Get Comfortable Lying Down? Why It Happens and How to Help

By Wes & Murray Updated 7 min read

You hear it from the bedroom: your dog gets up, turns a few circles, flops down with a sigh, and a minute later does it all again. In an older dog, this kind of night restlessness usually means something is bothering them. Most of the time it's sore joints. This guide covers how to tell what's going on, what you can change tonight, and what your vet can do.

Why Old Dogs Can't Get Comfortable

Arthritis and joint pain

This is the big one. Osteoarthritis is very common in older dogs, and it often shows up most at rest. A sore dog lies down, feels the ache in their hips or back, and gets up to try another position.

Signs of arthritis pain include (Vetstreet):

  • Getting up slowly or stiffly after sleeping, then loosening up once moving
  • Lying in unusual positions, or changing positions again and again
  • Not wanting to climb stairs or jump onto the couch or bed
  • Limping after a walk or play
  • Whining when moving, or being grumpy when touched in certain spots
  • Licking at a joint

Dogs are good at hiding pain, so many owners don't realize their dog is sore until a vet points it out.

Needing to pee

Older dogs often need to go more often. A dog with a full bladder may get up, pace, and lie down again. If your dog is drinking much more than usual, or having accidents, mention it to your vet. It can be a sign of kidney problems, diabetes, or a urinary infection.

Too warm, or too cold

Thick-coated dogs may get up and move to a cooler floor. Thin, older dogs may shiver and shuffle around trying to get warm. See our guide on keeping an older dog warm at night.

Confusion or anxiety

Dogs with age-related cognitive changes often pace and circle at night, and anxiety makes it hard to settle. Our guide to dog dementia at night covers the signs and what helps.

Heart or breathing problems

A dog with heart disease may struggle to get comfortable because lying down makes breathing harder. One useful check is to count your dog's breaths while they're asleep: each rise and fall of the chest is one breath. A sleeping dog normally breathes about 15 to 30 times a minute. Rates that are consistently above 30 are a reason to call your vet (VCA Animal Hospitals).

Bloat (an emergency)

Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is when the stomach fills with gas and can twist. Early signs include restlessness, pacing, and being unable to settle, along with drooling and retching without bringing anything up (AAHA). Large, deep-chested breeds and dogs over about 7 are at higher risk. There is no home treatment. Go to a vet or emergency clinic immediately.

What You Can Do at Home

These won't replace proper pain relief, but they make a real difference to a stiff old dog.

Upgrade the bed

A thin cushion on a hard floor is hard on arthritic hips and elbows. Look for:

  • Thick, supportive foam that your dog doesn't sink through to the floor
  • Big enough to stretch out fully, since many sore dogs like to lie flat on their side
  • A low entry so they don't have to step up high
  • A bolster or raised edge if your dog likes to lean their head on something
  • A washable cover

Our orthopedic bed guide goes through what to look for and our picks.

Put the bed in the right place

  • On a rug, not slick floors, so getting up and down doesn't mean slipping
  • Away from drafts, doors, and cold tile
  • Somewhere your dog can see or smell you

Stop the jumping

Jumping on and off the bed or couch jars sore joints. A ramp or pet stairs helps, or give them a comfortable bed on the floor next to yours instead.

Add traction

Older dogs slip easily on wood, tile, and laminate, and slipping makes them anxious about moving. Runners or yoga mats along their usual paths help a lot. Keep the fur between their paw pads trimmed and their nails short too.

Keep them lean and moving

Extra weight puts more strain on painful joints. Ask your vet whether your dog is at a good weight. Short, gentle walks spread through the day are usually better for arthritic dogs than one long one.

Time the last potty trip

Take your dog out right before you go to bed, not an hour before.

What Your Vet Can Do

If your dog can't get comfortable, a vet visit is worth it. There's more help available for older, arthritic dogs than many owners realize:

  • Prescription anti-inflammatory pain relievers made for dogs.
  • Librela (bedinvetmab). A once-a-month injection your vet gives to control osteoarthritis pain in dogs. The FDA approved it in May 2023, and it was the first antibody treatment of its kind approved for dogs (FDA).
  • Other pain medicines, physical therapy, or joint supplements, depending on your dog.
  • Tests to check for other causes, like bladder, kidney, heart, or back problems.

Never give your dog human pain medicine. Ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen can be dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts. Only use what your vet prescribes.

When to Go to the Vet Right Away

Go to a vet or emergency clinic now if your dog:

  • Is restless and can't settle, with a swollen or tight belly, drooling, or retching that brings nothing up
  • Is breathing fast or hard while resting, or has pale or bluish gums
  • Can't stand, collapses, or cries out in pain
  • Strains to pee and nothing comes out

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my old dog keep getting up and lying down?

The most common reason is discomfort, especially arthritis pain in the hips, elbows, or back. Other causes include needing to pee, being too hot or too cold, anxiety, cognitive changes, and heart or breathing problems. If it's new or happening every night, see your vet.

Why is my senior dog restless and can't get comfortable at night?

Pain tends to show up more at rest, when the house is quiet. A thick orthopedic bed, non-slip rugs, a warm spot, and a late potty trip help, but the most important step is asking your vet about pain relief. If your dog also has a swollen belly or is retching, treat it as an emergency.

What can I give my old dog for arthritis pain?

Only what your vet prescribes. Vets can offer dog-specific anti-inflammatory medicines, a monthly injection called Librela, and other treatments. Human pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be dangerous for dogs.

Is restlessness in an old dog a sign of pain?

Often, yes. Shifting positions, getting up and down, panting, and not settling are common signs of pain in older dogs. Restlessness can also come from bladder problems, anxiety, cognitive changes, or illness, so it's worth a vet check.

What kind of bed is best for an old dog who can't get comfortable?

A thick, supportive foam bed big enough for your dog to stretch out flat, with a low entry and a washable cover. Put it on a rug in a warm spot away from drafts.

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