How many hours should dogs sleep: a veterinarian's answer

We seem to know everything about how much sleep a person should get. But what about our pets? For example, how much sleep does a dog need per day? And what parameters determine the duration of healthy sleep in a pet?

USA TODAY interviewed veterinarians. Here's what they had to say about how dogs should sleep.

How many hours of sleep does a dog need?

Most dogs spend about half of the day sleeping. This figure usually ranges from 12-14 hours. However, a lot depends on the age of the animal. Young and older dogs tend to sleep longer than middle-aged dogs. The above figure is best suited for young and active animals.

How long do puppies sleep?

Newborn dogs, like any infants, spend most of the day sleeping, occasionally waking up to eat. As they get older, they spend a little more time playing before falling asleep.

By the time they are six months old, the time they are awake is already noticeably different. However, animals at this age still fall asleep instantly. It looks very funny and is the absolute norm. A small dog can fall asleep right in the middle of a game or in uncomfortable conditions. At this time, the animal is growing intensively and needs deep rest to ensure that this energy-consuming process is successful. Therefore, its brain sometimes just "shuts down."

How do older dogs sleep?

Like puppies, older dogs need extra rest. They no longer have the same level of energy and rest longer than the average 12-14 hours.

As your dog moves into senior years, it's important to pay extra attention to how he sleeps. Sleeping problems can be a symptom of an illness, such as hypothyroidism, heart or kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, and so on. If your veteran dog's sleep is impaired, it's a clear signal that it's time to see a veterinarian.

Also, behavioral disorders at night may indicate that your dog has begun to develop a condition called canine cognitive dysfunction. It is most similar to human dementia. The animal may pace back and forth, have difficulty navigating in familiar spaces, and behave confused. This condition also requires correction. For example, a veterinarian can prescribe sedatives or the hormone melatonin, which makes it easier for a dog to fall asleep.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told you how to help your dog withstand the heat.

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