Sleep plays an important role in a dog’s health and behavior. When he sleeps, his body repairs and renews itself, and his brain processes information received during the day. Lack of sleep can cause your dog’s health and mood to deteriorate. However, when observing dogs, you have probably noticed that their sleeping habits are quite different from those of humans.
How long should a dog sleep?
For a dog to get the amount of REM sleep they need during the day (10% of total time), they need to sleep an average of 12 to 16 hours per day. So that the phases of REM and NREM sleep alternate during your dog’s sleep and that sleep is complete, it is necessary to provide suitable conditions.
It is important to understand that a dog’s age, size, activity, health and temperament affect its sleep duration:
- In older dogs and dogs recovering from injuries or illnesses, sleep duration may increase to 18 to 20 hours.
- Some dog breeds sleep more than others. For example, larger dog breeds like Leonbergers, Kangals, Great pyrenees dogs and Mastiffs sleep more than smaller breeds.
- Due to intense stress, the dog needs to recover and, therefore, sleep duration may increase.
- After vigorous training or intense physical activity, dogs may need to sleep more to recover and have enough energy.
- During heat, female dogs have an increased need for sleep due to the physiological changes occurring in their bodies.
- The weather can impact your dog’s sleep, as changes in temperature and humidity can affect their comfort and stress levels.
How long should a puppy sleep?
A small puppy sleeps a lot until 2-3 months, up to 20 hours a day, this is normal. As you age, your sleep time decreases. For a puppy 3 months and older, it is perfectly acceptable to sleep around 17 hours a day. At the same time, the intervals between sleep and wakefulness in puppies change much more often than in an adult dog.
Where is the best place for a dog to sleep?
A dog can sometimes fall asleep on the floor, on the couch, and even on the cold bathroom tiles if, for example, it’s hot. He can also sleep peacefully in bed if that suits him.
But! He should always have his own place to sleep (bed/carry/cage), where he can retreat and rest peacefully without interference from people or other animals.
How to choose a dog bed?
When choosing a lounge chair, you should take into account the main criteria: size, material and shape:
- Let’s start with the last one: in which places does your dog prefer to sleep? Wrap yourself in a soft blanket, lie down on a fine rug, have a roof over your head or a soft mattress? Observe the animal’s behavior, you certainly know its tastes better.
- It is important to choose the right size, because in a bed that is too big or too narrow, the puppy will feel uncomfortable and may simply refuse to sleep in it. Measure the pet from head to rump, add a little more space for the pet to extend its legs – you will get the ideal bed length.
- The material of the sleeping place should be strong enough, as it will stand up to the test of teeth and claws, especially if you have a puppy! It is also important to choose a fabric that will collect minimal hair and is easy to clean. It is important that the cover is removable and can be washed separately from the upholstery.
Dog sleep is like medicine
When your pet’s behavior begins to bother you, after analyzing its health, you should reconsider its sleep schedule.
Lack of rest leads to the fact that the knowledge and emotions acquired during the day overwhelm the dog. Therefore, lack of sleep will inevitably affect the dog’s behavior, and good, healthy sleep will make it calmer.
Your task is to help the dog fall asleep:
- Try to give your pet as much privacy as possible.
- Your dog will sleep better and more efficiently if he takes at least a short walk before bed.
- If you are not at home, it is good if you have a familiar blanket or mattress for your dog. This will help him relax and fall asleep faster in a new place.
- It is necessary to stress the dog physically or mentally when he is awake: take advantage of every opportunity to let him use his sense of smell. If this is not possible outside, use snuff mats or place food in a blanket you brought with you. Play with him whenever the opportunity presents itself. If you don’t have toys, use whatever you have on hand, like a glove or scarf.
- Slow down. The slower you move and speak, the more relaxed your body is, the easier it is for the dog to “read” your emotional state and also be calmer.
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