Is Your Dog Getting Enough Sleep?
Dogs require a definite amount of sleep each day, and not dreaming enough can signal health issues. Getting enough sleep is crucial for health and happiness—for you and your dog! Quality and consistent sleep allow our bodies time to restore and repair itself. It’s the same for our canines, and their sleep patterns can tell you a lot about their general condition and wellbeing.
How do you know if your dog is getting enough sleep?
- The amount of sleep your dog needs depends on its age, breed, and even the weather outside.
- Adult dogs require anywhere between 12 and 14 hours of sleep each day.
- Puppies, just like babies, require loads of sleep. It’s normal for your puppy to sleep 18–20 hours per day.
- Older dogs need more sleep than their younger selves. They tire more easily and need extra time to recharge their batteries.
Signs Your Dog Isn’t Getting Enough Sleep
Identifying sleep deprivation in dogs isn’t an exact science, but the signs are often similar to those in humans. “If your dog seems grumpy, forgetful, disoriented, or has difficulty concentrating or performing his usual tasks. Sleep deprivation is one possible diagnosis,” says Dr. Jennifer Coates, veterinary advisor for petMD. The best remedy is to tire them out with a long walk or game of fetch to bring about sleep and get them back into their standard sleep cycle.
Tips To Help Your Dog Sleep Better
Interestingly enough, dogs and humans share many of the same advice, which leads to better sleep.
Routine: Like people, dogs should have established eating, sleeping, and exercise routines. Dogs get anxious over the unknown. Sticking to a specific routine will allow your furry friend to relax easier day and night.
Make Sure They Have A Comfortable Bed: Your dog needs at least one sleeping option that is away from foot traffic or outside noises. Finding their perfect bed spot might take a bit of trial and error to figure out your dog’s sleeping preferences.
Exercise: Going on walks and daily excursions is the best way to get the best night’s sleep. Likewise, don’t ignore the cognitive side of things. Dr. Simon, a veterinary surgeon, and consultant for FiveBark advise that you should engage your dog’s brain with training and puzzles besides physically exercising.
Let Them Sleep: This can be difficult, especially when they’re taking long naps during the day. Sadly, you or your kids might be one reason your dog isn’t getting enough sleep. Just think, do you like being touched when you sleep? The same goes for your dog.