Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?

Does your dog take one too many cat naps during the day? There might be nothing wrong with this. Depending on their age and activity level this could be completely normal and healthy for them.

Dogs sleep patterns are similar to humans. They want to rest just as much as we do but unfortunately they wake up more frequently. Sometimes their doggy dreams wake them or they heard the mailman come by. When your dog falls asleep they will enter the active stage of sleep, which is when their eyes roll under their closed eyelids and they start to bark, wine, or twitch. This activity is just like humans but dogs are more aware of their surroundings while sleeping.

Stay at home dogs sleep more just because they are bored, while working dogs are able to adjust to a sleep pattern that allows them to be awake when its time to rescue someone and easily sleep at bedtime. You can help your stay at home pet with boredom by increasing their toy supply while your away and of course by spending more time playing with them. If your dog is more active during the day, they will sleep soundly throughout the night.

Your dog’s age could have a lot to do with their sleeping patterns. Puppies spend a greater amount of time in the active stage of sleep than adult dogs do. Larger dogs and older senior dogs sleep more than smaller and younger dogs but they are less likely to be in such a deep sleep. Don’t worry if your old pup is sleeping more than 20 hours a day, it just means they wore themselves out.

If your dog has rapidly increased their bedtime there are a couple symptoms you should be aware of. Dogs can get depressed from any change in their life. They could have hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough T3 and T4 hormones, leaving your dogs whole body to slow down. They could potentially have diabetes or any infectious diseases causing them sleepiness. Any of these can cause lack of energy and appetite. If you are concerned about your pups sleeping habits, you should visit your veterinarian for a check-up.

For more information on why dogs sleep so much, give us a call at (636) 939-3000.