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Why Are Dogs Always Sleeping?
Why Are Dogs Always Sleeping?

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Why Are Dogs Always Sleeping?

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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. 

 

How long do dogs sleep? 

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

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. 

  • Adult Dogs

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

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.

 

Is your dog sleeping too much? 

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. 

 

Reasons why dogs sleep so much 

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. 

 

  • Stress, anxiety, and boredom

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. 

  • Diabetes

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 infection

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. 

  • Bacterial infection

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

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. 

Frequently asked questions

  1. Is it okay for a dog to sleep all day?
  2. 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. 

  3. Do dogs get bored sleeping all day?
  4. 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. 

  5. How can I know if my dog is stressed? 
  6. 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. 

Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much? We Take an A to Zzz Look at the Issue
Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much? We Take an A to Zzz Look at the Issue
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    How To Deworm A Puppy?

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    Deworming is the process of eliminating worms from the body, and it's an essential part of caring for your furry friend. Whether your puppy has already been diagnosed with worms or you simply want to take preventative measures, understanding how to deworm a puppy is crucial for their health and well-being.

    But what exactly are worms, and how do puppies get them? Many types of worms can infect dogs, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. These parasites are usually transmitted through contaminated soil, water, or food, and they can cause serious health problems if left untreated.

    As a responsible pet parent, it's imperative to understand the process of deworming and how to keep your puppy safe and healthy. This blog will cover everything you need to know about deworming puppies, including the symptoms to look out for and the best ways to deworm your furry friend. Whether you are a new puppy parent or just looking to refresh your knowledge, this blog will provide the information you need to keep your pawfect pal worm-free.

    Uncovering 4 must-knows for successfully deworming your puppy

    Deworming your new pup is an indispensable part of adopting a dog. However, navigating the various deworming options and methods can be overwhelming. Here, we will uncover 4 must-knows to successfully deworming your puppy, including how often your puppy needs to be dewormed, the most effective treatment methods, and the importance of prevention. By understanding these key factors, you can ensure that your puppy remains happy and healthy, free from the discomfort and potential health risks caused by worms.

    1. Keep your puppy healthy and happy with regular deworming

    It's important to understand the importance of deworming your furry friend. This helps prevent the spread of worms and parasites, which can harm their health. Puppies need to be dewormed often due to their small size and underdeveloped immune systems.

    According to experts, puppies should be dewormed every 2 weeks until 3 months of age and then every month until they are 6 months old. This helps to ensure that the worms are effectively eliminated from their system. It's also important to deworm pregnant dogs as they can pass worms on to their puppies in utero.

    Along with deworming at regular intervals, good hygiene is essential to guarding against the spread of worms. Make sure you wash your hands after touching or playing with your puppy and clean up their waste immediately.

    Overall, deworming is a crucial part of keeping your puppy healthy. Following a regular puppy deworming schedule and practising good hygiene can help protect your furry friend from harmful parasites.

    2. Different types of worms that may affect your puppy - even if you can't see them

    Several worms can infect puppies, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. These worms can cause various symptoms in puppies, including diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss, and anaemia. It is important to deworm puppies regularly to prevent these worms from causing serious health problems.

    Even if worms are not visible on your puppy, it does not mean they are not present. Some worms, such as tapeworms, can be challenging to detect because they are small and often pass through the stool in small pieces. Additionally, some worms can be present in the intestine without causing visible symptoms. Hence, follow a regular puppy deworming schedule and ensure that this four-legged angel is protected against these worms.

    3. Understanding the signs and symptoms of worm infections in puppies

    Worms in puppies can have many symptoms that can be difficult to spot, especially in young and small dogs. Common symptoms of worms in puppies include:

    • Diarrhoea or loose stools: This can be caused by worms disrupting the digestive system and causing irritation.
    • Weight loss: Worms can take nutrients from the puppy's body, causing them to lose weight.
    • Anaemia: Some worms, such as hookworms, can cause anaemia in puppies by sucking their blood. This can lead to pale gums and lethargy.
    • Vomiting: Worms can irritate the stomach and intestines, leading to vomiting.
    • Lack of energy: Worms can drain a puppy's energy, causing them to become inactive.

    Deworming is especially important for puppies born to mothers who have worms, as they can be infected even before their birth. Following a proper deworming schedule and keeping an eye out for these symptoms can help keep your puppy healthy and happy. If you suspect your puppy has worms, it's important to take them to a veterinarian for treatment.

    4. How to deworm a puppy through effective treatment methods

    Worms are a common problem in puppies and can cause serious health issues if left untreated. The most common types of worms affecting puppies include roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Symptoms of a worm infestation may include vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, and a pot-bellied appearance.

    The good news is that worms are easily preventable and treatable in puppies. It's important to get your puppy on a regular deworming schedule, as recommended by your veterinarian. This will typically involve giving your puppy a deworming medication every few weeks until they reach a certain age. In addition, keeping your puppy's environment clean and preventing them from ingesting potentially contaminated objects can help prevent worms.

    Suppose your puppy does end up with worms. In that case, your veterinarian will likely prescribe a deworming medication that can be given orally or through injection. It's important to follow the recommended treatment plan and continue the treatment for the entire prescribed course to ensure all the worms are eliminated.

    Overall, it's important to be proactive in preventing and treating worms in puppies.

     

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