More Sleep = Happy Dog

Dogs are adorable when they are sleeping, aren’t they? Whether they’re cuddled up underneath a blanket or layed out on the living room floor, it’s difficult not to feel happy when you see your pooch having a peaceful sleep.

If you’re a dog owner, you’ll definitely know, sleeping is one of their best abilities.
It is known that dogs need a lot of sleep. They spend half the day or more asleep. That is around 12-14 hours. These are some of the factors that impact a lot on his sleeping cycle.

Age & Size of Dog

Dogs sleep excessively. They play around using every bit of energy and then suddenly crash and sleep. It is very much like dealing with a human child who plays hard until they sleep from exhaustion. Typically, older dogs sleep more than younger ones. The size of your dog can be a major factor. Larger dogs tend to sleep more than smaller puppies.

Older & larger dogs need more sleep, while younger & smaller sizes need less sleep.

Changes

Dogs react to climate, surroundings & people change. If any companion (a human or another dog) leaves, it might affect their behavior & sleeping pattern. Losing a loved one can surely make them depressed.

If you move to a new house, just like it is difficult for you to adjust, it is difficult for them to adjust as well. This will lead to more sleep which is normal. Be patient & help them adjust.

Medical Issues

If you see irregular sleep patterns for no apparent reason, then it’s time you see a vet asap. There are a few medical concerns that are connected to excessive sleeping. Diabetes can be one such condition. Among the possible signs, the onset of diabetes are lethargy and excessive sleep. Hypothyroidism can also cause sleepiness in dogs. Your vet will help you out with any more extreme causes for too much sleep, don’t worry.

The Science of Dog Sleep

You may have looked at your sleeping dog and fell in love with them all over again, but you may have also thought about what’s really going on in your dog’s mind and body when sleeping so peacefully. In many ways, the science of dog sleep is much similar to the science of human sleep. We’re both mammals after all.

In dogs, the sleep cycle takes place much more rapidly. Though it can depend on the dog’s breed, some dogs can enter REM sleep in under 20 minutes. It’s pretty clear that your dog has entered REM sleep because this is when you will observe eye muscle twitching. Some dogs make noises as well, like whimpers when they are in a deep sleep part of their sleep cycle.

Common Sleeping Position of Dogs

1. The Lion Pose: The dog is just dozing & not in deep sleep.
2. The Side Sleeper: The dog is relaxed, comfortable and shows trust with his surroundings.
3. The Donut: The dog is in deep & undisturbed sleep. When dogs are really warm, they will stretch on cool surfaces, but most of the time, they curl up.
4. The Superman: “The belly against the floor” kinda sleep, the fur on the dog’s underside is not as insulating as the fur on the rest of his body.
5. The Cuddle Bug: When he wraps his paws around you while sleeping, he seeks comfort. What’s better than sleeping with your little pooch.

Let the sleeping dog lie! Sometimes dozing off just feels good.

Also Read: 5 Tips to Help Your Dog Sleep Through the Night