As our pets grow older and sleep less, they will likely rest longer throughout the day. Sometimes, that’s all they do, to the point that you might wonder why your dog is always sleeping.
Like humans, sleeping is essential for dogs’ overall well-being and happiness as they age. Dogs are like humans in that various crucial functions occur on the cellular level when they rest, allowing them to “recharge” for their days. A lot of senior dogs are suffering from conditions such as arthritis or other conditions that are a result of age, such as heart and kidney disease. The additional stress associated with these ailments can make them feel like they require even more rest to be rested and energized for their waking hours.
The changes in your sleep routine could be among the first indications of health problems in certain pets and could even be a contributing factor. Being attentive to the amount of sleep and the quality your pet is getting could help catch symptoms of illnesses and anomalies earlier. Let’s talk about some of the essential information regarding rest for our older dogs.
How Much Do Dogs Rest?
Many people know that their pet is sleeping a lot compared to their own. From sleeping in random intervals throughout the day to sleeping all night long, The amount of time dogs sleep is substantial.
Research has proven that a dog can sleep between 7.7 to sixteen hours daily, and the mean is around 10 hours 11. Different breeds and ages require different amounts of rest.
The amount of time a dog sleeps is based upon their dog’s age. Studies have also revealed that older dogs are less active than young dogs. It is normal if you notice that older dogs sleep significantly more often than their younger counterparts. Other elements that influence the length of sleep a dog gets include size and sex.
My Senior Dog is Sleeping All Day: Should I be Worried?
The time that a senior dog sleeps daily is a matter of debate, even between old dogs. Here are a few signs of being aware of when you suspect that your dog’s senior is sleeping too excessively.
Keep a record of your dog’s Sleep Time Schedule.
Knowing what a regular sleeping schedule for your pet looks like as they age is crucial to identifying signs that your dog isn’t doing well. Changes in sudden sleeping patterns could indicate that something isn’t or is not working and could be a sign that you should consult your vet.
In the case of older dogs, a long period of sleep is not a problem when it’s appropriate for the dog. It’s generally acceptable for a senior dog as long as they act alert and regular in its daily activities.
Be Watchful of Your Dog When It’s Sleeping
Knowing what a senior dog might be doing during their wake time can help check if their sleeping habits could cause concern. In general, we would like seniors to have regular food intake, water intake, exercise, and involvement in family gatherings which is appropriate considering their age. A gradual decrease in energy levels and activity in time is average. However, your dog will likely be happy and excited in their sleep. An abrupt change in training or a dog that appears uneasy or disinterested in its usual routine indicates a problem.
An abrupt change from their regular sleeping routine could indicate an issue worth noticing. It could be waking up at night, a lack of sleep, and a noticeable difference in sleep duration and depth. If your dog is asleep frequently and seems unwell during the day, it’s an issue and a reason to consult a vet.
Think about hearing loss and consider it.
Many older dogs seem to rest “deeper” than they did previously. This could be because most senior dogs suffer hearing loss as they age. This can cause their sleeping to appear deeper because they’re not hearing the sounds they were accustomed to. It may be more difficult to wake up from sleep, but they’ll appear normal after a short period of adjustment when they awake. If they arcannote awakened from their slumber, or appear interested or unusual whenever they wake up, it could be an alarming change.
Make sure your dog’s breathing rate is checked.
Normal dogs, no matter their age, have a respiratory rate lower than 30 breaths every minute when they’re sleeping. It is essential to inform your vet if your dog’s sleep respiratory rate is higher than this, especially if they are older and have a previous history of heart or lung disease. If you want to determine the sleep respiration rate in your dog, ensure they’re asleep completely or resting in an excellent area for a duration of.
Sundown Syndrome in Dogs
There is a chance that more than sixty percent of older dogs who are over 11 years of age are likely to have at least one indication of sundown syndrome. It is also called Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs (CCD). A prime symptom that dogs suffer from sundown syndrome is the change in their sleeping habits. The classic forms of this condition are active in the evening and then asleep all day long or agitated and restless before bed. For most dogs, this can appear like an older dog that gets awake randomly late at night and then tries to carry out everyday daytime routines.
It’s crucial to know that this differs from an older dog that gets up to go to the toilet or drink water before sleeping. It’s a common occurrence for an older dog, dependent on the situation. For dogs suffering from sundown syndrome, their evening behavior can develop into pacing and restlessness. They also appear worried or lost, which needs to be resolved by giving a straightforward solution, such as taking a bathroom break or drinking water.
If you notice any changes in your dog’s sleeping pattern, It is best to talk to an expert. While CCD isn’t a condition that can be treated, the sooner you notify your vet, the faster you’ll be able to intervene and treat the need to improve the quality and life of your elderly pet. Your veterinarian will assist you in developing ways to help your dog rest more peacefully in the evening and allow their brain to relax.
Nighttime restlessness can be observed in dogs who suffer from chronic pain. According to one research study, canines with arthritis-related pain were more restless at night. This decreased after the pain was controlled with medication. The pain was relieved with medications 22.
How to help your senior Dog’s Sleeping Needs
Supporting your dog’s sleeping needs is essential to ensure proper recovery and rest for their aging bodies. First, ensure your dog’s senior has a space to sleep where they feel relaxed and won’t be disturbed. Many orthopedic dog beds include an additional cushion for arthritis joint comfort.
If you are putting a bed for your dog within the home of the elderly dog, be sure that it’s in a place that is easy to access (especially for those with arthritis), and think about having more than one when your pet is prone to exploring different rooms in your home. The ideal pet bed will be one your pet is likely to be able to use. The more padding you can get, the preferred, but remember that stepping onto more extensive beds may be difficult for dogs of older age. Consider adding rugs or grip around the bed to make it easier to take off and on.
The right to let a senior dog be able to rest in peace is equally important. If you have guests or children, inform them your dog will not be disturbed during sleep.
Be attentive to their sleeping schedule, noting any changes to it. If your dog is uneasy or wakes up at night, inform your vet so they can check for possible factors.
Although doggy dementia doesn’t have a specific diagnostic test, your vet can help by identifying other illnesses whthatould impact your dog’s sleeping schedule, such as chronic pain disorders or metabolic disease. These ailments can also create discomfort in older dogs. Your veterinarian might prescribe your dog’s senior owner medication to aid them in sleeping at night or give them some relief from arthritis.
As a senior dog, keeping him on a regular schedule could also help. Setting up time for walks, meals, and “lights out” will help them know what is expected and ensure their routines for sleeping. Like older humans, dogs need physical and mental stimulation each day to promote restful sleep at night.
