Do overweight dogs sleep more

Why do dogs sleep so much? What's normal and not

There are several possible answers to the question, Why do dogs sleep so much? Age, activity levels, mental stimulation, and illness can all come into play when your dog is sleeping more than normal.

Its important to remember that every dog is an individual some will sleep for most of the day, and others are more active. According to one study, the average dog sleeps for 10.1 hours, with adult dogs sleeping for 30-60% of the night-time hours, and 3-28% of daytime hours.

How much sleep do dogs need by age?

The amount of sleep a dog needs varies between individuals as well as with their age. For example, 8-week old puppies may have different sleep needs, with some sleeping a lot more than others. In general, though, puppies need more sleep than adult dogs. Usually, this is in short bursts, just like human children, and will be throughout the day. Add all these power naps up, and your puppy will sleep for around 18 hours a day.

Adults, on the other hand, need less sleep usually around 14 hours. Your dog might spend more time than this in their bed, but its likely theyre resting or dozing rather than really asleep. And as your dog gets older and becomes a senior, you might notice them sleeping a bit more again.

What defines a healthy sleep schedule?

Unlike humans, dogs are generally pretty good at going to sleep when theyre tired. And since all dogs are individuals, a normal sleep schedule for one will be different than that for another. Having said that, wed like dogs to spend the majority of the night asleep so thats 8 hours or so. Luckily, dogs have adapted well to this. Its impossible to know the sleep schedule of a non-domesticated dog, but ours tend to have the majority of their sleep between 9pm and 6am. They also tend to have a drowsy period in the afternoon.

As long as your dog is happy and healthy, and appropriately awake and active when theyre awake, its likely their sleep schedule is fine for them. However, if you have a dog that struggles to sleep or an adolescent that doesnt take naps, you might want to set a schedule. In this case, aim for sleep time from 9pm to 6am. Then you can factor in one or two hours of downtime/quiet time during the morning.

Whilst you cant force your dog to sleep during this time, its a good idea to give them the opportunity to stop play, become very boring, and consider encouraging them to go to their bed or their crate. A stuffed Kong toy wont let them sleep, but it will give them a rest from strenuous activity. Again, you should try to make time in the afternoon for them to sleep try to determine this by watching your dog and seeing when they become drowsy. If they dont seem to become drowsy, try putting them to bed or in their crate for an hour or two around 3-4 pm to encourage them to nap. They are more likely to settle for a sleep on a full stomach and after a walk.

Signs your dogs sleep is abnormal

When should you start worrying that your dogs sleep is abnormal? Changes in sleep behavior could be a sign that something is wrong so if you notice a sudden change in your dogs sleep patterns, its worth taking a closer look.

Between sleep, your dog should be fully awake and active sluggishness even when awake is a concern. And you should always be able to rouse your dog if you cannot wake them, then you should call a vet immediately.

1. Age

If your dog is very young or very old, its possible that age is one of the reasons theyre sleeping so much. Young dogs will grow out of it, but old dogs may need some lifestyle changes or even some medication to help with dementia if this is disturbing their sleep.

Young puppies sleep more during the daytime than older dogs and require frequent naps in order to process everything theyre learning. Its normal for a puppy to fall asleep halfway through playing or exploring. As long as they are alert in between naps, this is nothing to worry about.

Senior dogs also need more sleep than adults. Like puppies, they will often have short, frequent naps throughout the day. Their sleep at night can be broken, especially if theyre suffering from Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (doggy dementia) which changes their sleep-wake pattern.

2. Boredom

Dogs that get bored and under-stimulated tend to sleep more than normal. After all, its one of the few ways they can pass the time. These are often high-energy dogs who are not having their exercise or mental stimulation needs met. Other signs of doggy boredom include anxiety, destructiveness, and pacing.

If your daily walks have reduced or you arent spending as much time playing with your dog as usual, it might be worth considering boredom as a reason theyre sleeping so much. Try a new training regime, feed them using the best dog puzzle toys, or getting a dog walker to take them out for a lunchtime stroll.

3. Illness

Lots of illnesses can cause lethargy, which can make your dog sleep more than normal. Heart disease, dehydration, and anemia are all causes of lethargy, but most illnesses can cause your dog to rest more.

If your dog is lethargic, it will sleep more than usual. They might be reluctant to get up, even if you ask them to. Try offering a lead a lethargic dog wont usually show interest in going for a walk. If your dog is lethargic, its time to call the vet there are too many possibilities to sort through them on your own.

4. Pain

Dogs that are in pain may sleep more as a coping mechanism. For some, the pain of arthritis means they will stick to their bed, where its comfortable, rather than risk pain when they stand. For others, they may see their bed as a safe place where theyre less likely to feel pain.

Either way, if your dog is sleeping more, consider whether pain could be the cause. Look for stiffness when rising, or a reluctance to go out. Your vet will be best placed to get to the bottom of whats bothering your dog.

5. Activity level

As we said, some dogs are lazier than others. Greyhounds, for instance, are often seen as an active breed but theyre made for sprinting, and the rest of the time they like to chill out and save energy.

On the other hand, if youve recently increased your dogs exercise, you might find them sleeping more when theyre home. New sports, longer walking routes, or a new playmate might all be tiring your dog out so that they need to sleep more.

6. Obesity

If your dog is overweight, they may struggle to get around as easily as they used to. Overweight pets may sleep more than normal rather than staying active. Unfortunately, this starts a vicious cycle, as they will burn fewer calories and gain even more weight once theyre lazing around all day.

Try to feel your dogs ribs, they should be easy to feel without pushing through any layers of fat. Your vet or vet nurse will be able to create a diet and exercise plan to help your pet shift the extra pounds.

Why is my dog sleeping so much? Conclusion

A dog sleeping lots isnt necessarily a problem dogs sleep for 10 hours every day on average, and younger and older dogs may need even more sleep. However, changes in the amount of time your dog has been sleeping can be concerning, especially if this is combined with lethargy when awake.

If youre unsure, its best to talk to your vet, who will guide you and help you decide if your dog needs to be seen or not.

Why Do Chihuahuas Sleep So Much? (20 Reasons Explained)

Are you wondering why do Chihuahuas sleep so much?

As the proud parents of Leo, our rescue Chihuahua, we can tell you firsthand that these little pups are true nap aficionados.

In fact, our camera rolls are chock-full of precious snapshots of Leo snoozing like an absolute angel.

Chihuahuas are little bundles of energy, but because of their size, they can exert themselves quickly.

This makes sleep essential to your Chihuahuas health and recovery.

In this blog post, we will answer 2 questions:

1. Why do Chihuahuas sleep so much?

2. How many hours are Chihuahuas supposed to sleep?

20 Reasons Why Chihuahuas Sleep So Much

There are several lifestyle and medical factors that contribute to their love of napping. Lets start with the lifestyle reasons.

Lifestyle Reasons

1. Age

Age is a big factor in how much your Chihuahua will sleep. Your dogs sleep will evolve as they grow older.

Puppies and senior dogs sleep a lot more than adults.

Since puppies are growing, they sleep 18-20 hours a day. Their bursts of energy are followed by a long nap.

Since Chihuahuas are small dogs, they are considered to be seniors at age 7, comparable to 44-47 human years. At that age, they are slower and get worn out quicker.

They also may have developed health issues like arthritis, so its important to keep track of their sleep cycles and talk to your vet.

2. Boredom

Feeling bored might be why Chihuahuas sleep so much. Boredom is usually due to a lack of attention or mental stimulation.

Chihuahuas have lots of energy for running around, so if they arent getting enough playtime, they will turn to sleep instead.

If you notice your dog sleeping a lot, try to spend more time interacting with your pet!

Read our post 26 Fun Games to Play with Your Chihuahua to get some fresh ideas and learn how beneficial it is to play with your dog!

Other ideas to relieve boredom are:

• A new toy
• A trip to the dog park
• A snuffle mat
• A walk through a new neighborhood

Hopefully one of these ideas will help perk your dog up!

3. Loneliness

If a Chihuahua is stuck at home alone all day while youre at work, the loneliness might drive them to spend most of the day sleeping.

To help combat loneliness, try getting a camera with a treat dispenser for your home.

This way, youll be able to talk to your dog throughout the day and cheer them up with treats.

Alternatively, you can hire a professional to make a drop-in visit to check on your dog or drop them off at doggy daycare a couple days a week.

When you get home, make sure to take your dog for a walk and spend some time playing with them.

4. Weather

The weather can play a big factor in how much a dog sleeps, especially when its really hot or cold out.

On cloudy, rainy days, our Chihuahua is more lethargic and wants to sleep most of the time. He loves to find a cozy blanket and burrow into it.

On the other hand, when its sunny and warm, Leo has more energy and wants to spend all his time outside.

He loves to sunbathe and bake himself until he starts panting and moves to the shade.

However, if its a scorching day, it can make dogs sleep more due to the high heat causing them to feel more lethargic.

They might even seek refuge in the bathroom for a nap, as the cool tiles offer a refreshing escape from the sweltering heat.

The weather definitely affects their energy level, just like it does for humans. Less sun also makes us more sleepy as wed rather hibernate on a cold or rainy day.

5. Laziness

Another reason your Chihuahua is sleeping so much could be that they are just plain lazy and would rather spend their time snoozing.

Its possible that their dog bed is exceptionally cozy, making it difficult for them to leave it.

Laziness can be a product of living a sedentary lifestyle. They may have lost interest in playing or exercising and choose to sleep instead.

Build new habits for your dog by creating a schedule for walks and playtime to keep them motivated.

Novel events like a new toy or a walk in a different park can go a long way.

6. High Physical Activity

Chihuahuas are very high-energy dogs.

They get bursts of energy that drive them to play and follow you around until they wear themselves out.

One minute they are acting like an Energizer bunny and the next minute they are fast asleep.

Due to the Chihuahuas small size, they have less stamina.

This means they will take numerous naps during the day to recuperate from exerting all that energy.

You may notice your dog will nap after their walk or after a play session.

If your pup gets the zoomies, its an indication of excess energy and they may need more exercise to tucker them out.

It may sometimes seem like Chihuahuas have unlimited energy, but they do spend a good amount of time sleeping.

7. Lack of Food or Poor Quality Food

Chihuahuas have a high metabolism and they need the correct amount of food for their weight in order to get enough calories.

If they are underfed, they will feel lethargic and sleep more.

Poor quality food, like kibble full of fillers, often lacks certain essential vitamins or minerals and will prevent a Chihuahua from feeling their best.

Low-quality puppy food might lead to floppy ears in your Chihuahua since they need a lot of nutrients for their growing bones, muscle, and cartilage.

Since dogs obtain their energy from food, low-quality food made from by-products and full of grains can lead to low nutrition.

Check the ingredient list and be sure youre feeding your dog a brand that specifically lists meat as the first ingredient, like turkey or beef.

8. Natural Sleep/Wake Cycle

Dogs have a different sleep-wake cycle than we do.

We get all of our sleep in one chunk at night whereas a dog cycles in and out of sleep all day.

This means Chihuahuas spend a lot of time napping.

In a study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, dogs had 23 sleep-wake cycle episodes during 8 hours, with 16 minutes spent asleep and 5 minutes awake.

So if it seems like your dog is sleeping a lot, it could just be their natural sleep cycle.

9. Lap Dog Breed

Chihuahuas are pint-size pups and our laps make the perfect bed.

Chihuahuas were bred to be companions and are often called velcro dogs because of how they stick to you.

Our Chihuahua, Leo, spends many hours dozing on our laps during the day. It is his favorite spot to nap.

He loves sleeping in between our legs and burrowing under blankets.

Of course, we cant let our dogs sleep all day. They still need a good amount of exercise to keep them healthy.

Medical Reasons

10. Illness or Disease

A concerning reason your Chihuahua might sleep so much is due to an illness or a disease. Dogs that dont feel well will tend to sleep more.

Certain diseases that affect the organs like liver disease, hypothyroidism, and heart disease cause your dog to be sleepy.

Hypothyroidism causes fatigue due to not producing enough of the hormone thyroxine.

One of the many signs of cancer in dogs is lethargy, which will equal more naps.

Keep up on your regular vet visits to detect any illnesses early on.

11. Medication

If your Chihuahua is taking any medications, one of the side effects could be drowsiness. This may lead to your dog sleeping more than usual.

Check the labels of your dogs medicine and that might explain the extra naps.

Some medications may even cause your Chihuahua to snore like muscle relaxants.

12. Infection

An infection may result in a dog feeling extra sleepy. Infections can be caused either by a virus or bacteria.

Viral infections include parvovirus, distemper, and kennel cough. An example of a bacterial infection is leptospirosis.

Apart from being sleepy, other symptoms can include fever, vomiting, reduced appetite, or coughing.

The infections mentioned are serious and require treatment right away.

13. Food Poisoning

There are many foods that are toxic to Chihuahuas such as chocolate, onions, and grapes, among others.

If your dog has eaten a poisonous food, they will start exhibiting symptoms like vomiting, excessive drooling, and diarrhea.

Another common symptom is lethargy, leading to your dog sleeping more frequently.

If you suspect your dog has consumed something toxic, take them to the vet immediately.

14. Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar. Chihuahuas are susceptible to hypoglycemia because of their high metabolism and low body mass.

If your dog is feeling unusually drowsy or tired and hasnt eaten in a while, try giving them something with sugar like honey or apples to see if they perk up.

If these symptoms are accompanied by dizziness, trouble walking, or your Chihuahua becomes unresponsive, go to the vet immediately.

15. Overweight

Carrying around more weight than usual is tiring for your dog. It might be harder for them to get around so they decide that its easier to just lay down and snooze.

An overweight dog tends to have less stamina. Exercise will require a lot more effort and thus your dog will feel less motivated to get moving.

Make a weight loss plan with your vet and be sure to slowly ease them into exercising again.

16. Anxiety

A lot of Chihuahuas suffer from anxiety. Since they are so small, they tend to be an especially anxious breed.

The most common causes of anxiety are being left alone (separation anxiety), past trauma, and not being socialized properly when they were a puppy.

Anxiety is usually accompanied by shivering, licking, crying or barking, and destructive behavior.

A Chihuahua that is feeling anxious or stressed tends to sleep a lot.

If your dog is experiencing anxiety, seek help from your vet.

Make sure your Chihuahua is getting enough exercise to reduce any nervous feelings.

17. Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a disorder that causes a dog to suddenly fall asleep.

Episodes last a few seconds to several minutes and then the dog abruptly wakes up as if nothing happened.

Narcolepsy is not life-threatening and has no cure, but you may be able to identify patterns to figure out what could be triggering the episodes.

Visit your vet to get a proper diagnosis.

18. Depression

A dog that starts sleeping a lot and eating less could be a sign of depression.

Dogs can suffer from depression just like we can.

Has there been a big change in your life such as a move or the addition or loss of a family member? Maybe you added a new pet to the family?

Or you could be spending more time out of the house, which is causing your dog to feel a bit neglected.

If you believe your dog is depressed, take them to the vet to rule out any other medical issues.

19. Anemia

Anemiaoccurs when there is a low red blood cell count. Dogs that are anemic wont have much stamina and will become tired easily.

In dogs, anemia is mainly caused by worms and parasites or tumors.

A telltale sign of anemia is pale gums. This condition can be confirmed at the vet with a blood test.

20. Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious condition where the body doesnt produce insulin.

This will cause lethargy as well as increased thirst and excessive urination.

If you suspect your Chihuahua has diabetes, take them to the vet for a blood test. Diabetes can be dangerous if its not treated.

How Many Hours Are Chihuahuas Supposed to Sleep?

Age, lifestyle, and health are big factors in how many hours a Chihuahua sleeps. Growing puppies sleep around 18-20 hours a day.

Seniors will sleep anywhere from 14-20 hours.

Adult Chihuahuas tend to sleep on average 12-15 hours. An active, healthy Chihuahua will sleep less than an older or ill dog.

Is It Normal For a Chihuahua to Sleep All the Time?

Although Chihuahuas are high-energy, its normal for adult dogs to sleep around 12-15 hours, with puppies and seniors requiring more sleep.

Dogs sleep at more frequent intervals than humans, so it may seem like theyre sleeping all the time when really its due to their sleep cycles.

Talk to your vet if you think they are sleeping excessively because there could be an underlying medical issue.

When Should I Worry About My Dog Sleeping A Lot?

Keep an eye out for sudden and extreme changes in their sleep habits, especially if its accompanied by lethargy or behavior changes. Its pretty normal for senior dogs to catch more Zs, but if theres a drastic shift in their sleep patterns, its worth a vet check.

Summary

There are many reasons why Chihuahuas sleep so much, so dont be too worried if they spend a lot of time napping.

Many reasons are due to lifestyle and age, but some reasons are medical, so its best to consult your vet if you have any doubts.

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