There is nothing cuter than seeing your furry sleeping peacefully, right? It is a very touching moment that awakens our fatherly instincts. It sure is really difficult for you to avoid stroking him, or am I wrong? I confess that every time I can, I do, although there are many times when they wake up before my hand caresses their head.
But Have you ever wondered why dogs sleep so much? If so, the time has come to resolve the question.
Age
Dogs will sleep more or less hours depending on their life stageIf he is an adult, you will see that he sleeps soundly during about 12-14 hours intermittently, but if it is a puppy it can happen 18-20 horas sleeping, as they need it to grow, learn and consolidate memory. On the other hand, older dogs tend to increase your rest, approaching 18 hours a day.
If your dog is older, has health problems or is in pain, he may not sleep more than a few hours at a time, although he will stay a long time in his bed to recover between walks and meals.
Generally speaking, many dogs divide the day into 50% sleeping, 30% awake but relaxed y 20% active. Within the dream, they alternate drowsiness, dream of slow wave and episodes of REM (phase in which they dream, move their legs or moan).
Boredom
Lack of physical activity causes the dog to either behave inappropriately or spend a lot of time sleeping. And it's not that we have a sedentary dog, but rather that has nothing better to doTo prevent our friend from getting bored it is very important to take him out for a walk and play with him every day.
In addition to the walk, the environmental enrichment (puzzles, dispenser toys, prize hunting, smelling) keeps their mind busy and reduces naps due to sheer boredom. Organize predictable routines (meal, play and rest times) to stabilize their rhythms.
Keep in mind that after days of a lot of activity the dog may sleep anything else to recover energy, while with little activity it can show nighttime restlessness for not having released enough energy during the day.
Sickness or sadness
Dogs, just like humans, will stay in their bed longer than normal if they have any health problem or if they cross a bad emotional stage (grief, changes at home, anxiety). Regardless of the case, it doesn't hurt pay a visit to the vet to determine the cause and power, well, fix it.
Medical causes that can increase or alter sleep include: Hypothyroidism, the diabetes, the arthritis, the anemia, viral infections (parvovirus, distemper), kennel cough, diseases of liver, kidney or heart or even poisoningsIf you sleep less or wake up often, there could be a o sleep disorders (narcolepsy, insomnia, REM behavior disturbances).
The weather conditions and temperature influence: with cold they tend to sleeping more and seek warmth; with warmth they can fragment the dream, get up to drink and lie down on cool surfaces. It provides a thermal environment comfortable, water available and walks during warm hours.
Breed, size and lifestyle
El size and breed influence: large and giant breeds usually need more rest that small breeds are very active. However, there are individuals of quiet breeds (e.g., greyhounds' at home) who enjoy long naps. The level of exercise, the with a dash of rebelliousness (lazier or more energetic) and the environment (moving, visitors, noise, fireworks) modulate their habits.
La diet also counts: menus with low nutritional value can favor lethargyConsult your veterinarian to adjust your pet's diet and rule out any allergies or intolerances that could affect your pet's well-being.
Sleep stages and useful signs
During the stage REM the brain consolidates learning and emotions. Since dogs sleep more lightly and wake up easily, they need multiple episodes throughout the day. positions give clues: curled up keeps you warm; on your side indicates confidence. ; belly up search refresh; face down with legs open, alert list. Turning and scratching the bed is a response to inherited instincts to prepare a comfortable bed.
Warning signs: sudden changes in sleep patterns, sleeping when there are stimuli that previously motivated him, difficulty to awakening, limping, disorientation, excessive panting, increased thirst or urination, cough or breathing problems. If you experience these symptoms, go to the vet and, if possible, take a record sleep/activity.
How to help him sleep better
• Routine and exercise: daily walks (preferably a longer one during cooler hours) and play spread out throughout the day.
• Enrichment: smell, puzzles, hiding treats, gentle training.
• Environment: Comfortable bed in a quiet area, adequate temperature and controlled noise.
• Monitoring: activity diaries or tracking devices that allow early changes to be detected.
Dogs are naturally active animals, so if you see them sleeping more than usual, do not hesitate to take it to a specialist for examination. Understanding the normal hours by age, the factors that influence (race, climate, routine, health and diet) and applying exercise and enrichment habits will allow you to offer a break from quality and detect any problems in time.