Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?
Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much? There is a good chance your dog is dozing nearby as you read this. Dogs snooze away 50 percent of each day and rest or relax 30 percent of their time. They are active only about 20 percent of their day. People generally stay up all day and spend 7 or 8 hours or roughly 30 percent of their time sleeping in one long stretch at night. Dogs spend more hours sleeping than the average person, but dogs are flexible sleepers and doze in short intervals.
Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much? Both humans and dogs experience periods of restorative Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. People spend about 25 percent of their long night’s slumber in REM. Dogs are only in REM about 10 percent of their sleep time because of their irregular periods of snoozing. They apparently need more total sleep in order to get enough of the restorative REM sleep they need.
Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much? There are, however, a number of factors that affect doggie drowsiness and how often they choose to nod off. The amount of sleep your dog needs depends on his age, size, activity level, life changes, and health.
Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much? Puppies, like babies, spend a lot of energy playing and exploring their new environment. It isn’t unusual for puppies to need a total of 18 to 20 hours of sleep to recover from their vigorous romps. The aging process affects older dogs just as it does older people. Joints may become creaky from arthritis and muscles may become less toned. Seniors tire out easily and need more rest for their daily activities.
Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much? A dog’s size also influences the number of hours of sleep he needs. Larger dogs like Mastiffs, Saint Bernards,Irish Wolfhounds, Newfoundlands, Great Pyrenees, and Great Danes require more naptime than smaller breeds.
Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much? • The amount of time a dog sleeps is definitely influenced by his activity level. Working dogs must stay alert most of the day to focus on the physical and mental demands of the task at hand. They may spend their days performing search and rescue, police work, drug or explosive detection, guiding a blind person, providing assistance to a physically impaired partner, or some other chore.
Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much? • Dogs that are not trained for a specific purpose lead a more sedentary lifestyle that allows them to spend much of their time sleeping especially if they are bored. It is wise to interact with your dog and provide opportunities for exercise during the day. He will still nap during the day but will sleep better at night. •
Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much? • Changes, especially sudden changes in the life or lifestyle of a dog can affect his sleep patterns. Dogs are very loyal and like their routines. A move to a new home, stress in a family member, or loss of a companion whether another pet or person are a few life changes that may upset a dog and cause changes in behavior, mood, and sleep patterns. Be patient and allow him time to adjust.
Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much? • There is no need to be concerned if your dog spends hours snoozing each day since sleep is a natural part of a canine’s lifestyle. However, you may want to consult your veterinarian if you notice a dramatic change in your pup’s sleeping habits. Excessive sleep is a symptom of several conditions such as canine depression, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and infectious diseases including parvo virus, Lyme disease and rabies. Your veterinarian can diagnose any problem and put your pet on the track to better health and sleep habits.
Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much? • You may wish to promote your dog’s fitness by keeping him on a regular schedule of NuVet Plus tablets. They provide a full-spectrum of nutritional support that focuses on boosting your pet’s immune system and overall health. The NuVet Plus supplement will surely encourage vigorous active hours and healthy sleepy times. Your dog is probably sleeping now. If so, allow him snooze away. Just let a sleeping dog lie.