Just like humans, dogs also need sufficient sleep to maintain their physical health. Lack of sleep can affect their emotions and behaviors. In this regard, experts have shared some guidelines to help you determine if your dog at home has sleep issues.
According to a report by the UK’s “Daily Express,” experts say that ideally, dogs should sleep for 12 to 16 hours a day. A 2024 animal health report by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) in the UK revealed that dogs getting less than 10 hours of sleep a day may show certain warning signs.
European veterinary behavior medicine expert Sarah Heath mentioned that there may be a possible link between insufficient sleep in dogs and behaviors identified by caregivers as problematic. This aligns with recent studies published in the veterinary behavior medicine field, warranting further research.
Here are some signs provided by PDSA experts to observe if your dog has sleep issues:
Dogs are social animals that require companionship to thrive, but they also need quiet rest time to recharge. PDSA experts emphasize that some dogs may exhibit signs of anxiety when left alone, such as pacing, whining, or restlessness.
Interestingly, dogs left alone for long periods sometimes show fewer signs of distress, possibly because they have grown accustomed to it or their owners have adjusted their daily routines to avoid stressful situations.
However, being left alone for more than 5 hours can have negative effects on a dog’s mental health. Dog owners should observe if their dogs relax when alone, sleep soundly, or experience sleep interruptions due to anxiety.
Experts warn that lack of sleep or poor sleep quality can lead to increased aggression or fear-related behaviors in dogs. The PDSA report indicates that dogs sleeping less than 10 hours a day are more likely to exhibit behaviors like growling, lunging, or biting towards both familiar and unfamiliar dogs compared to dogs sleeping over 13 hours a day.
These aggressive behaviors may serve as important warning signs, indicating that dogs are not getting enough sleep, which is crucial for their emotional regulation and cognitive function.
Another significant indicator is the impact of the household environment on a dog’s rest time. Dogs living in households with more family members or children and a busier environment often sleep less compared to dogs in quieter households.
Noise, activity, and unpredictability in households with many members can disturb a dog’s sleep, leading to less rest time than the recommended 12 to 16 hours per day.
For example, the PDSA report suggests that dogs in households with four or more people are more likely to sleep less than 10 hours a day compared to dogs in two-person households.
If your dog appears tired, agitated, or behaves abnormally during the day, you may need to assess their sleep environment and establish a more structured routine to ensure they have a quiet and safe place to relax, away from noise and distractions.
Speaking of sleep, dogs’ sleeping positions can be quite amusing and revealing. Some experts say that a dog’s sleeping position can reveal secrets about their personality and feelings, making it a key observation point for owners.
For instance, when a dog sleeps on its side with all four legs extended, it indicates they feel comfortable and are trusting as they expose their belly to show trust in you. This also signals that they are sleeping well and deeply, so it’s best not to disturb them.