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We may often envy our dogs for the kind of life they lead. Chilled, relaxed, and always well-rested. After sleeping like babies all night, dogs have the ability to nap throughout the day. You will find them basking under the sun, dozing off on the couch, or just napping next to your feet. When they do wake up after they’ve had their fat naps, they are full of energy and ready for some serious playtime.
Many animals, like dogs, sleep differently than we humans do. This is a very common reason for dog parents to wonder why my dog is always sleeping. Is my dog sleeping a lot or not enough? If you are wondering how much sleep do dogs need, there is more than one answer to this question. Just like how our sleep cycles change throughout our lives depending on our age, health, lifestyle, etc, a dog’s sleep cycle also changes depending on its age, health, and lifestyle. Keep reading to learn more about how long do dogs sleep, so it’s easier for you to understand your floof’s sleep patterns.
Dogs need a considerable amount of sleep; a lot more than we do. Additionally, carnivores like dogs sleep a lot more than herbivores since sleep is more dangerous for prey animals. The total number of hours a dog needs to sleep for varies on different factors such as its age, its health condition, and the kind of life it leads. Out of all these factors, age matters the most.
Dogs can sleep for around 12-14 hours each day, but puppies can clock in even more hours. This is because the body needs a lot of rest and repair during the first few months of life. Let’s take a look at how age affects the sleep cycle of dogs.
Puppies need to sleep for as long as their body needs to facilitate growth and repair. It is completely normal if your puppy sleeps for most of the day. In fact, puppies tend to sleep more throughout the day and less through the night.
Most adult dogs tend to sleep for anywhere between 8 to 13 hours, averaging around 11 hours each day. Yes, that’s a lot but that’s also a charm for these cute, cuddly floofs. Adult dogs tend to sleep for longer during the night depending on their and their pet parent’s schedule. However, napping for them is equally important. That being said, sleeping for a few hours during the day is absolutely normal.
Senior dogs and middle-aged dogs sleep as much as puppies. They tend to not wake up through the night and nap for a considerable number of hours throughout the day. These hours of sleep make sure that their body is well rested and recovering well as their body continues to age.
We now know that dogs, on average, can sleep for 15 hours a day irrespective of their age. However, every dog is different and will stick to a different routine which is okay. As a pet parent, you will soon understand your floof’s sleeping cycle and how its body functions.
If you do start worrying about your floof sleeping for too long, do not hesitate to contact your vet. It is always better to clear your doubts and take your furry friend to the doctor for a check-up and be sure. Another cause for concern that should be kept in mind is your dog sleeping for longer than usual. This could be a sign of underlying causes such as diabetes, dog depression, anxiety, and more. This is why a visit to the vet whenever you are worried is highly recommended.
There could be many reasons as to why your dog is sleeping so much. Our first thought is always an underlying disease that should be checked out by the vet. While this is highly recommended and also very common, many other reasons can make your dog sleep for very long.
If you’re wondering “Why is my dog always sleeping?”, the answer could be as simple as boredom. Sometimes dogs will resort to sleeping simply because they do not have anything to do. Apart from boredom, stress and anxiety are also major reasons for dogs sleeping too much. If your dog is anxious, you will notice it being lethargic and falling asleep often. The best way to combat this is to establish a routine and include some wholesome playtime.
Your dog can be susceptible to hyperglycaemia if its body is unable to produce the minimum amount of insulin needed. Certain dog breeds are at a higher risk of this disease as compared to other breeds. Visit your vet to diagnose conditions like this early and do the needful.
Viral infections in dogs are highly contagious and can affect your floof’s body greatly. Because of viral infections, your floof’s body will be unable to absorb any nutrients and will leave it dehydrated. Other than that, your floof will also suffer from a lack of protein and recovering from this disease will take some time. Resort to early puppy vaccination to keep occurrences as such at bay.
This infection caused by bacteria is highly contagious and your dog can get this disease easily through direct contact with urine from other dogs. This disease can also be passed on by humans. Again, this disease can drain your floof’s body of energy resulting in it falling asleep way too often.
Poisoning is a reason that should not be neglected by dog owners. If your dog is not trained and will eat anything palatable, it is at risk of poisoning itself. Other than that, many human foods are also poisonous to dogs. Avocados, spices, coffee, cheese, and more are foods that should not be fed to dogs, especially when you're pampering your floof.
Now that you know how much sleep do dogs need on average, you can notice any sudden changes in your dog’s sleep patterns. See a vet immediately if you suspect any illness or disease.
A dog’s sleep cycle depends on its age and lifestyle. For example, it is very normal for a puppy to sleep for around 20 hours a day since their bodies need to rest and repair.
Sometimes, dogs keep sleeping all day because they are bored. The best way to help your dogs in situations as such is to establish a routine that also includes some exciting playtime.
Judging by how much sleep do dogs need, a dog may be stressed if it is sleeping for way too long as compared to how much it should. Another sign of stress in dogs is lethargy.
As a pet parent, it's hard to hear your furry friend crying. It can be due to separation anxiety, fear, or illness and can be frustrating to deal with. This article will provide practical tips on stopping your pup from crying and help them feel more comfortable and secure. We will guide you through establishing a routine and using calming aids to help your puppy stop crying and live a happier, more peaceful life.
Crying in puppies can vary depending on their age. Older puppies may cry because they are experiencing separation anxiety, are bored, or need to go outside. Meanwhile, newborn puppies cry because they are hungry, uncomfortable, or need warmth. Pay attention to why your puppy cries, so you can provide it with the right care and comfort.
If you are wondering why your pup is crying and how to put a stop to it, the key is to understand the underlying reasons. By gaining this knowledge, you can take the appropriate steps to address the problem and silence the crying. Keep reading to learn more about stopping your pup's tears.
As delicate and helpless beings, newborn puppies rely on their mothers or caregivers to provide for their basic needs. When hungry, cold, or sick, they often cry out in distress, it is like their tiny voice is seeking help. It can be heart-wrenching to hear their cries as they struggle to communicate their needs.
At this stage, the puppies must receive proper care and attention for survival. This may involve giving them warm, nutritious milk from their mothers or finding a suitable substitute if the mother cannot feed them. Providing the puppies with the necessary care will ensure their health and well-being.
In certain situations, puppies may need to receive medication or other forms of treatment to help them recover from an illness or infection. This can be a delicate and complex process, requiring close monitoring and expert knowledge to ensure that puppies receive the appropriate level of care.
As puppies grow older, they often become more vocal when they need to go outside to play or relieve themselves. This can manifest in whining or barking at the door and scratching at it with their paws to grab someone's attention. While this behaviour is natural for puppies, it can be frustrating for their caregivers, particularly when they are trying to get some rest or focus on work.
As a pet parent, providing enough exercise and mental stimulation is important to keep your puppy happy and engaged. If your older puppy is crying or whining, it could signify that they are bored and need entertainment. They may start pacing or circling the room, looking for something to do. If you notice your puppy exhibiting these behaviours, consider taking them for a walk or providing them with a fun new toy to play with.
As puppies grow older, they may become restless and cry when they are tired or ready for bed. This is typical behaviour among puppies, but it can be disruptive for the pet parent. To help your pup settle down for the night, try implementing a bedtime routine and providing a comfortable, cosy bed for it to sleep in. This will not only help your puppy feel more at ease but also allow you to get a good night's rest.
As a responsible pet parent, it's crucial to identify the reasons behind your puppy's crying and take appropriate steps. Whether it's hunger, fear, or loneliness, addressing these underlying causes can create a happier and more comfortable environment for your furry friend. By understanding the root causes of your puppy's crying, you can also provide your canine companion with necessary support and affection to help them feel loved and at ease. Here are some common reasons why puppies may cry:
Suppose your puppy is crying and showing other symptoms of illness. In that case, it could be due to several reasons, ranging from a respiratory infection to a more severe condition such as parvo or distemper. Keep an eye on your puppy's behaviour and pay attention to any changes that may indicate a health problem, so you can act quickly and prevent any potential complications. It is crucial to take your furry friend to the vet as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if the crying continues or is accompanied by other signs of discomfort or distress.
As puppies have small stomachs, they require more frequent meals than adult dogs. It's important to provide them with regular, balanced meals and snacks throughout the day to ensure their well-being and happiness. If your puppy is crying and has not eaten in a while, it may be asking for food.
If your puppy is crying, it may be because they feel lonely and neglected. To prevent this, spend quality time with your pup daily. Engage in activities like playing, training, and bonding with them to create a strong, positive relationship and prevent feelings of loneliness.
Puppies overflow with energy and require significant stimulation to stay content and healthy. If your furry friend is crying and appears restless or fidgety, it could be because they are bored and need something to do. Provide your puppy with various toys, games, and activities to keep them entertained and focused.
Suppose your puppy is crying and appears frightened. In that case, it may be because of loud noise, a scary situation, or even a sudden change in their environment. To help calm them down, try speaking softly, offering a treat, or playing soothing music. If the fear continues, seeking the assistance of a professional trainer or behaviourist may be necessary to help your puppy overcome its anxiety.
If your puppy is used to being around other dogs or people and is suddenly left alone for long periods of time, they may become lonely and cry. To prevent this, consider providing your puppy with a companion like another dog or a stuffed animal. Additionally, ensure your puppy has regular opportunities to socialise and interact with others to prevent loneliness and unhappiness.
Consoling a crying puppy can be a challenging and emotional task. Still, making your furry friend feel safe and loved is essential. Here are a few tips to help comfort a crying puppy:
To successfully comfort a crying puppy, it is crucial to have patience and an understanding of what may be causing distress. Once the source of the crying is determined, providing the appropriate support and can help stop its tears and give the puppy a feeling of safety. If needed, seeking advice from a professional can also be beneficial in these situations.
