Your alarm clock starts ringing seconds after the dog's cold, wet nose presses against your cheek and its eager tongue licks your face. It's time to get up!
You force yourself to get out of bed to walk the dog and take a shower. An hour later, when you've both had breakfast, you have to go to work, while your furry friend goes to his bed, gets comfortable and begins to snore quietly. You sigh longingly and walk out the door.
Why do dogs sleep so much? Humans need six to eight hours of sleep per night, but how much should dogs sleep? It seems as if they sleep all the time, but is there a limit?
In fact, these questions can be answered. Unless your dog has suddenly changed his sleeping habits, there is probably no cause for concern.
How many hours a day should a dog sleep?
The National Sleep Foundation and most experts agree that dogs should sleep about 50 percent of their time, rest about 30 percent, and be active 20 percent.
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Puppies may spend a little more time sleeping as their bodies use energy to actively grow, but when they wake up, they tend to be more active than older dogs. Your puppy may be much like your toddler, who refuses naps by crying out “I'm not sleepy!” until he falls asleep where he was playing. Puppies behave with all enthusiasm while awake, play, run, jump, lick your face, and then suddenly fall asleep on your lap, wasting all their energy.
Older dogs may start to rest more because their bodies are not as strong as they used to be. Experts estimate that adult dogs sleep about 12 to 14 hours a day, older dogs a little more, and puppies about 18 to 20 hours.
Why, when going to bed, does the dog begin to spin around and “dig” its sleeping place?
This behavior of the four-legged animal is caused by the genetic memory of its ancestors - wolves. When going to bed, the wolves would tear up leaves or snow to make something like a nest, and then spin around in place, crushing the grass underneath them and preparing a rookery.
Review is a condition in which breathing patterns disrupt sleep. This is typical for both people and their pets. It most often affects brachycephalic breeds such as the pug, where the air passages become swollen and narrow. However, Chihuahuas may have stenotic nostrils or an elongated palate, which causes breathing problems, especially when the dog is lying down.
It's common for first-time dog owners to be surprised by how much time their new dog kisser spends sleeping. It's like they sleep all day, every day, and do some more! Of course this is not true, but how many dogs slept? And why did the dogs sleep so much?
The fact is that the safest and most functional sleeping position for a wolf was the “ring” or “curl”. In this position, the animal loses less heat, instinctively protects all vital organs, and the walls of the constructed “nest” also protect it from the outside. That’s why, obeying the call of our ancestors, our fluffy (and not so fluffy) little tails love to “dig” their bed before going to bed.
While the exact amount of sleep your dog will enjoy over a 24-hour period varies, the average is usually between 12 and 14 hours per day. Additionally, while we humans sleep in one long block of 7 to 9 hours every night, your dog's sleep patterns are much more disrupted. Consequently, they need much more sleep to be as rested as we humans are.
When there is nothing to do, dogs will sleep
Another reason you may find your dog sleeping a lot is because there isn't much to do for them. This is why you will typically find that working dogs sleep less than their domestic counterparts because they are stimulated for more time during the day.
Why does your dog sleep so much?
However, it is important to remember that you are the center of the universe for your dog. Jessica Potosky, DVM, says dogs tend to spend most of the day sleeping unless you keep them occupied with other things. She believes that if healthy dogs sleep a lot, it means they simply have nothing to do. Most dogs would love to play or just spend time with their owners if given the opportunity.
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Your dog probably knows how to differentiate when you are busy and when you can give him attention. If you are playing or otherwise interacting with him, he is alert and ready for it, but if you are busy, the dog will most likely decide to rest or take a nap.
So if you're concerned that she's sleeping too much, try engaging her in some playtime. Dogs need play, socialization, and activity just as much as we do to enjoy life. Remember that to your dog you are the whole world!
Lethargy as a result of heatstroke
Heatstroke or hyperthermia is overheating of the body due to a pet's prolonged exposure to heat, in a closed, stuffy room or a place with high humidity. Hyperthermia causes dilation of blood vessels, which leads to the risk of cardiovascular disease.
One of the first symptoms of heat stroke in dogs is lethargy, drowsiness, and apathy of the pet. He begins to drink a lot and breathe frequently.
If your dog has heatstroke, you should:
- Remove your pet from a stuffy room or heat.
- Cool your dog down immediately: wrap him in a wet, cold towel if his size allows it. If not, place a towel on her head. You can cool your pet in a pond or fountain.
- Give the dog water.
One of the first symptoms of heat stroke in dogs is lethargy, drowsiness, and apathy of the pet. He begins to drink a lot and breathe frequently. Heatstroke can usually be treated at home, but if your pet's condition does not improve, you should call a veterinarian.
Does your dog really sleep all the time?
Dogs don't always sleep, sometimes they just rest. Their sleep is different from human sleep. Most of their daytime sleep is light sleep, because at the slightest unusual sound they become alert and alert. Dogs are dozing at this time, and their sleep is not deep.
All dogs, even if they are not guard dogs, watch their owners very closely. They do this practically 24 hours a day! Only at night do they completely relax and fall into deep sleep, which is necessary to rejuvenate the body and renew strength.
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Food allergies as a cause of pet lethargy
Food allergies and the resulting atopic dermatitis cause a lethargic, dejected state in the dog
. Food allergies provoke the appearance of ulcers on the body, which the pet begins to diligently scratch. This causes him pain, irritation and discomfort, as a result of which the pet becomes lethargic and refuses food and water. But it happens, on the contrary, in the case of dermatitis or allergies, the dog becomes hyperactive and even aggressive. The consequences of these diseases are treated by taking antihistamines prescribed by a veterinarian.
Dog breeders know that there are periods when the dog does not eat anything, as if it is having a fasting day. But at the same time she looks active and healthy. However, it happens, not for the sake of unloading.
Causes for concern?
The best way to check if your dog is sleeping too much is to see if there are any changes in his habits. Perhaps she used to like to play for a while after you got home, but now she just stays in bed? Or, for example, your dog used to love to watch you cook and beg for tidbits for himself, but now he is not interested in this and prefers to nap? Or has she stopped greeting you at the door when you come home?
Why doesn't the dog eat anything? What are the reasons?
Lack of appetite or anorexia in a dog can be caused by a variety of reasons. For example, broken teeth, gum infections, and other dental diseases can cause painful eating.
Ear infections can also cause decreased interest in food. Chronic ear infections are almost always related to other environmental allergens. One of the main reasons why a dog won’t eat anything is pain. To understand whether something is hurting your dog, you need to take a close look at it.
The following will tell you that your animal is in pain:
- shiver,
- labored breathing,
- hunched back,
- decreased physical activity,
- irritability,
- too much sleep.
Often, loss of interest in food is caused by nausea, which occurs against the background of kidney disease due to excess acidity.
Sometimes anorexia and nausea can occur when taking certain medications as side effects. If your dog takes some medications and it is after this that his appetite worsens, you should consult with your veterinarian about the possibility of replacing him with gentler medications.
When should you contact a veterinarian?
Dr. Potoski says, “I would recommend taking your dog to the vet if he becomes extremely lethargic. Anything that goes beyond her usual behavior should alert you and be a reason to visit a specialist.” As a dog owner, you are the best person to tell what dog behavior is normal and what worries you. When you see changes that are concerning, consult your doctor!
No wonder they say that a dog is man's best friend. Many of us love them as much as we love family members, and taking care of their health is just as important. This is another reason to find out how long dogs should sleep.
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Main reasons
Some of the causes of tremor in toy terriers can be determined independently, but to establish a final diagnosis and exclude pathology, of course, it is better to consult a specialist.
Let's take a closer look at the main reasons for this behavior of your pets.
Cold
The most common cause of shivering in a Toy Terrier is cold.
The slightest drop in temperature negatively affects the body of a small decorative dog, and tremor in this case is an instinctive protective reaction of the body. Even a draft and a slight breeze can provoke muscle contractions.
NOTE!
To prevent your pet from hypothermia and reduce tremors, during the cold season, walk him in special clothes for dogs of this breed, because they are necessary not only for beauty.
Stress and anxiety
Psychological factors can also cause tremors in a small pet’s body, such as:
- fear;
- fright;
- prolonged stressful situations;
- excitement (for example, before meeting the owner after a long separation, etc.).
Toy terriers react acutely to what is happening around them, especially at a young age, when everything happens for the first time for the puppy. Too loud sounds - fireworks, the roar of a motorcycle, a drill - cause fear in a small animal. Also, when meeting new acquaintances who communicate loudly or try to pick up a toy, the pet may begin to tremble.
Here it is necessary to note the fact that having got used to some events around, the toy terrier adapts to them and subsequently ceases to be afraid.
In this case, the support and love of the owner is very important, because even due to lack of attention, the pet may begin to tremble to attract attention.
But even joyful events can cause trembling in these sensitive dogs, for example, excitement before the upcoming taste of a treat or before receiving a gift in the form of a new toy, however, having received what he expected, the dog quickly calms down and is distracted.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy of a toy terrier is a responsible and exciting moment in the life of both the pet and its owner. It is important to notice any changes in your pet’s behavior and general well-being.
During pregnancy, trembling in the body of a Toya girl may indicate the onset of impending labor , especially in combination with the following signs:
- restlessness, whining;
- the dog constantly looks at the stomach;
- refusal to eat and drink;
- rectal temperature drops below 36 degrees.
IMPORTANT!
If the trembling in a pregnant dog resembles convulsions and is prolonged, then this may be prenatal eclamsia or severe toxicosis, which requires urgent medical attention.
Diseases
In some cases, one of the serious causes of trembling in a toy terrier may be illness.
Then there will certainly be other symptoms indicating the disease:
- temperature increase;
- lethargy, inactivity;
- refusal to eat and drink;
- lack of coordination;
- limb weakness;
- vomit;
- discharge from the eyes and nostrils;
- cough.
If you have one or more of the above signs, you should immediately consult a veterinarian to establish an accurate diagnosis.
Allergy
Due to an allergic reaction of the toy terrier to an irritant, tremors in the body may also occur. This is most often caused by itching, which almost always accompanies allergies.
Along with this, other symptoms are observed:
- the pet licks its paws, rubs parts of its body on the carpet, sofa, etc., that is, it tries to relieve the itching;
- the appearance of redness on open areas of the body;
- the appearance of ulcers on the body;
- constant licking of fur on the same area of the body;
- labored breathing.
Allergies in a toy terrier require treatment and prescription of antihistamines by a veterinarian.
Poisoning
Poisoning can also cause a state of tremors in a toy terrier, but at the same time other signs will be observed that indicate a dangerous condition of the pet:
- diarrhea;
- vomit;
- excessive thirst;
- refusal to eat;
- lethargic state;
- slight increase in body temperature.
NOTE!
If you notice signs of poisoning in your dog, you can give an enema at home.
Other
The most rare causes of tremor in toy terriers are:
- hormonal surge, sexual desire;
- climate change;
- motion sickness in transport;
- excessive activity, manifests itself even in sleep.
Why doesn't my beloved pet eat?
Your dog has always been active, delighting you with its excellent appetite, but now its bowl is still full, and your pet lies aloof to the side? Often this behavior is a symptom of a serious illness, but not always. So why doesn't the dog eat?
First, remember exactly how long it has been since your puppy has been vomiting, breathing heavily, or just constantly turning away from the food bowl? Perhaps this happened after some kind of stress. Secondly, try to determine on your own the reasons for refusing food.
It also happens that a dog refuses to eat because the owner has spoiled the pet or accidentally caused negative associations with food. For example, if the puppy has never eaten, and you decide to offer him what he likes, then subsequently the animal will again expect a tasty treat and will not eat regular food. Another situation is when you get angry or show aggression while feeding your pet. Now he associates food with your anger.
These are options that can be corrected without the intervention of a specialist. As a rule, in this case, refusal to eat is not accompanied by other symptoms.
But if the dog does not eat anything, its general appearance has changed, it has lost its former activity, it lies lethargic, breathes heavily, vomits, or is only arching its back from abdominal pain, its hind legs are not standing, then such symptoms can even be life-threatening .
