It’s easy for us to admire our dogs, particularly when they’re cuddling up on the couch, while we’re trying to navigate Zoom meetings as well as running errands and making dinner. On average, dogs sleep between 12 and 14 hours each day. If you’ve ever seen your dog sleeping in the afternoon and thought, “does my dog sleep too frequently?” There’s no reason to be concerned. What you need to know.
How do Dogs Sleep
Studies have shown that the dogs’ behavior is daytime Affected by the daily routines of their home, they rest most of the time at night but have a restful time all day. In contrast, domestic cat is crepuscular they have extended levels of activity between dawn and sunset. (Though cats sleep a lot as well, they can sleep up to 15 hours per day.)
Dogs typically sleep for 45 minutes in increments of 45 minutes. But, if you notice the dogs curled up in a slumber with their eyes shut, they may not be asleep completely. They could be resting, and waiting to get active upon the first sign of walks or treats.
George Melillo, DVM, is the co-founder and chief veterinarian officer at Heart + Paw, a veterinary practice. The vet says that dogs are less likely to spend hours in fast-eye movements (REM) sleep than humans. Dogs begin the REM cycle after around 20 minutes of rest The stage can last up to five minutes or so. (Humans are able to stay in REM for as long as one hour.) REM is the time when you may be able to hear them squealing and twitching. Dogs sleep as well and generally lasting about 1-5 minutes.
Do All Dogs Have the same sleep patterns?
It’s not exactly. Melillo states that your pet’s time to snooze varies based on factors like the level of activity, age size, health, and size.
He also says that puppies require more sleep than adult dogs, which is about 18 hours in total. It’s normal for young puppies to take as many as 20 naps per day! So long as they’re lively and keen to eat and play in between and snoring, they’re in good shape. Senior dogs are also inclined to longer rest periods, particularly towards the close the span of their life.
Does My Dog Sleep Too Much? Do I have to be concerned?
So, can dogs sleep too much? Sometimes.
“Dogs generally sleep too much to avoid boredom, or because of their lifestyle,” Melillo says. It’s therefore essential that your furry friend be given the appropriate amount of physical activity and active time throughout the day. Think about entertaining activities indoors as well as outdoor things to get your feet moving, increase her mood and keep her active.
There could be other health issues that make her take longer sleep, as well. “If your dog is sleeping more than normal it could be an indication of weakening or an underlying illness and must be discussed with the vet,” Melillo adds.
The most common reasons why your dog may be sleeping too often can be:
- Obesity
- Hypothyroidism
- Anxiety about separation
- Stress
It is possible that you will notice your dog is sleeping excessively or having trouble eating. These signs could indicate deeper issues and you should schedule an examination with your vet immediately.
Helping Your Dog Sleep Better
There’s a twist: for certain dogs, the issue is that they’re not having adequate sleep. “Some dogs have anxiety problems that make them sleepy,” Melillo says. “Others might be experiencing disruptions in their routine or environment. In certain instances, the pet could experience discomfort that hinders their ability to relax.”
A few studies have also revealed that animals in shelters or stay for long in kennels are often having trouble sleeping through the night. They are more fearful or anxious and are more comfortable with their family members in the daytime. It’s possible that this is a pattern you observe when you see a dog who was recently rescued.
If your pet is given an overall good health report but you’re worried about their sleeping routine, create the following routine that is more organized. Discuss with your veterinarian or a certified expert in the field of behavior to pinpoint issues and create techniques for training that include food, exercise, crate training, and cues for bedtime. Experts may also suggest supplements like Melatonin to make the process run more smoothly.
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