My Dog Doesn’t Sleep Well: Stress, Anxiety & Canine Insomnia (And How I Tackle It as a Pet Product Designer)

As a certified pet accessory designer, I think beyond “just looking cute.” Design should solve real problems. One issue that often goes unnoticed is insomnia in dogs. Yes, just like us, dogs can suffer from sleeplessness due to stress and anxiety.

According to Comunidad Biológica, the most common causes include separation anxiety, loud noises (like storms or fireworks), changes in the environment, pain, or even lack of exercise. A stressed dog stays in a state of alertness, which disrupts the deeper stages of sleep, the ones they need for physical and emotional recovery.

When a dog doesn’t sleep well, it shows. They may become more anxious, destructive, or vocal. It’s not just “aww, he’s tired.” Poor sleep affects their mood, behavior, and long-term health. The American Kennel Club confirms that sleep quality has a direct impact on a dog’s overall wellbeing and behavior.

So, how do we help them sleep better?

As a designer, I asked myself: How can we support pet parents in helping their dogs relax and sleep better? That’s how the Chilled Doggie was born.

This isn’t just any vest. I designed it as a 3-in-1 calming tool:

1. Cooling Vest

In hot climates like ours, excess heat interferes with relaxation. Keeping dogs cool helps reduce irritability and supports their ability to calm down and rest.

2. Anti-Anxiety Compression

The vest’s gentle pressure offers a calming effect — like a firm, secure hug. This type of “containment” can help lower anxiety levels during stressful moments, like thunderstorms or when they're home alone.

3. Built-In Harness

Physical activity is key to restful sleep. A dog that walks, explores, and burns energy is more ready to relax. But walks need to be safe and comfortable, which is why we integrated the harness for convenience and functionality.

Sleep issues aren’t just a phase

If your dog struggles with sleep, there’s no instant fix, but there are real steps you can take. Build consistent exercise and bedtime routines. Minimize nighttime stimulation. Use tools like the Chilled Doggie to help regulate body temperature and ease stress during tough moments.

Canine insomnia is more than a minor inconvenience. It has emotional and physical roots. At Toy Doggie, we don’t make products just for the sake of it. We design solutions, with intention and heart to improve your dog’s life and yours.