How long do dogs sleep?
How much sleep does a dog need? What many people don't know is that dogs have a similar need for sleep as cats. Sufficient sleep is extremely important for a dog so that it is balanced, stays healthy and can regenerate. In the worst case, a lack of sleep can even be life-threatening. In order for the four-legged friend to get enough rest breaks, he depends on the support of his owner.
Content: How long do dogs sleep
- How long do dogs sleep?
- Why don't dogs take their rest breaks?
- How do dogs sleep?
- Why is getting enough sleep so important for dogs?
- What happens if the dog doesn't sleep enough?
- How to train the dog to calm down
- Conclusion
How long do dogs sleep?
Basically, dogs adapt their sleep rhythm to that of their humans, but a healthy, adult dog needs a lot of sleep per day. It usually takes between 12 and 14 hours; which includes simple resting. Older dogs as well as puppies and sick people need significantly more rest - namely 17 to 22 hours a day. The deep sleep phase, however, is very similar to ours at 6-8 hours. Puppies and older dogs wake up earlier. It can happen that they wake up after just a few hours and have to go to the toilet.
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Why don't dogs take their rest breaks?
Many dogs are constantly motivated and ready for action. As soon as his hand is on the doorknob, he stands up, tail wagging, and looks expectantly at the door. The reason that the four-legged friends are always ready for action lies in the past.
Dogs were used for hunting, guarding and as work animals. They had to be available to people at all times. As a result, they have been bred to be less responsive to their need for rest.
How do dogs sleep?
There are three different ways a dog relaxes: resting, dozing and deep sleep.
When resting, the dog's eyes are open, the dog is ready to jump up at any time and remains alert. When he's just dozing, his eyes are closed, but his ears and eyes are still alert. Proper regeneration occurs during deep sleep, which accounts for approximately 20% of resting.
Dogs also dream in their sleep. Scientific experiments in which the brain activity of dogs while they were asleep were measured have proven this. The most vivid dreams take place in so-called REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement) because the brain is very active during this phase. If your dog twitches his paws, whines, or barks while sleeping, he is most likely experiencing an exciting dream.
Why is getting enough sleep so important for dogs?
A restful sleep is essential for the dog's balance and physical well-being.
While he sleeps, he can process his experiences and regenerate, which in turn strengthens the immune system. In addition, good and regular sleep is important for brain function and the emotional well-being of your four-legged friend - this of course also applies to us humans.
What happens if the dog doesn't sleep enough?
Typically, a dog spends most of the day sleeping. If he doesn't get enough sleep, this is clearly reflected in his behavior. He is unfocused, restless and irritable.
If your dog doesn't sleep enough over a long period of time, it can have far-reaching consequences for his health.
Getting enough sleep keeps blood sugar levels stable. If the dog doesn't sleep enough, his body's sugar levels become unbalanced, which can lead to metabolic diseases such as obesity.
In addition, lack of sleep leads to high levels of stress hormones, which can promote cancer, neural diseases and allergies.
How to train the dog to calm down
It's not easy to get a bright, active dog to relax. A dog knows when he needs rest, but he doesn't necessarily insist on it. The fear of missing something important is too great. He then needs support to calm down.
The following tricks can help your dog relax:
- Keep calm: In order to motivate your four-legged friend to take a break, it is important to relax yourself. Sometimes it also helps to ignore the dog until he retreats to his doggy sleeping spot. Then when he lies down, avoid noise and excitement.
- The right bed: A well-chosen sleeping place can be a big help. The dog bed should be in a darker place in the room with little traffic. Dogs also like to sleep close to their owners. They feel most comfortable in the company of their “pack leader”. Orthopedic mattresses that are not too soft and thin but provide the dog with support are best.
- Regular daily routine: Consistent eating and playing times are also good for the dog's sleeping habits. In this way, he gets used to a regular sleep rhythm, feels safe and can relax better.
Conclusion
If you love your dog, give him a decent place to sleep . After all, we humans do pretty much everything to ensure good, healthy sleep. So why not offer this comfort to your beloved dog - even if a good mattress for dogs can be quite expensive.
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