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May
On the higher end of the scale a senior dog can sleep up to 18-20 hours a day says Dr. Thats just the beginning though.
Older dogs are tired out faster from day-to-day living simply due to the natural aging process.
Why does older dog sleep so much. If your dog is sleeping too much it could be a sign that your dog is dealing with some pain. If a dog doesnt feel good it could retreat and spend more time sleeping trying not to make the pain worse. Take your dog to the vet to rule out common causes.
Sleeping more is usually very normal for senior dogs although there can sometimes be reason to worry. Pay attention to your dogs behavior changes in sleep. The older they get the more sleep they need and thats OK says Dr.
Just like senior citizens need more sleep an older dog sleeps a lot when compared to their younger counterparts. On the higher end of the scale a senior dog can sleep up to 18-20 hours a day says Dr. Older dogs are tired out faster from day-to-day living simply due to the natural aging process.
While the specifics have yet to be studied large-breed dogs may also sleep more compared to smaller-breed dogs and working-breed dogs which tend to be more alert and energetic says Barrack. Dont miss our vet-approved pet care tips. Its normal for older dogs to sleep more.
Design PicsDesign PicsGetty Images As your dog enters her golden years its entirely normal for her to sleep more than she used to. This is a natural part of the aging process. However sudden or extreme changes in her sleep cycle may be cause for a veterinary examination.
Older dogs may start to rest more because their bodies are not as strong as they once were just like people. Experts estimate that adult dogs sleep about 12 to 14 hours a. A dog thats sleeping a lot more and not eating simply could just be going through changes related to aging.
Metabolism slows down as a dog gets older and this could lead your dog to sleep more often instead of being active and playing. Aging brings physical changes that affect appetite and your dog will be eating less as he gets older. The reasons why your dog is sleeping a lot may be due to the following.
Age Dog Breed Stress and anxiety Activity Level Thyroxine deficiency Diabetes Bacteria infection Viral infection. Many dogs that do not receive adequate attention take out their frustrations by destroying stuff in the home like shoes walls and furniture. Consider a trainer for your 4-month-old pupp Why dogs sleep so much.
Why dogs sleep so much is a common question new dog owners often ask their friends whove had dogs for some time. Some of the big ones in older dogs are hypothyroidism an underactive thyroid heart disease and arthritis. If you notice that your dog is sleeping more than normal keep a sleep log and make an appointment with your vet.
Your vet can look over the sleep log and do tests to help find underlying conditions that may be causing your dog to sleep more. Older dogs because of their age are not as energetic as they were when they were only puppies. They are not as agile anymore and they cannot run as fast as before or walk long distances as they used to do when they were younger.
These changes are natural in older dogs. One of the many changes you will notice is that they will begin to pant more. How many hours does a dog sleep in a 24 hour period.
The average dog sleeps for about 12 to 14 hours per 24-hour cycle. Thats just the beginning though. Puppies who expend a lot of energy exploring and learning may need as much as 18 to 20 hours.
Older dogs also tend to need more rest as do certain breeds. How much your dog sleeps will depend on a variety of factors. Puppies and older dogs will likely spend more of their time asleep.
Overweight and sick dogs may also sleep more than healthy dogs. Certain breeds are predisposed towards sleeping more ask someone whos owned both a lazy Bernese Mountain Dog and a working-line Border Collie. If so you may be surprised at how much more an older dog may sleep.
Sleeping an hour or so more than a younger dog is common for older dogs and not necessarily a sign of health problems. As with humans the older a dog is the lighter their sleep and the more time they need to spend resting to feel rejuvenated. Younger puppies might sleep as much as 18-20 hours a day in their first few months as they grow just like babies.
You might see puppies playing like crazy then suddenly fall asleep to take power naps. They need sleep to help their brains and bodies develop. As puppies get older theyll sleep up to 14 hours a day.
Older dogs sleep a lot more for a variety of reasons. They tire more easily from exertion they may have arthritis and not want to move as much or your dog may be sluggish from slower metabolism caused by something like hypothyroidism. Do dogs sleep as much as cats.