Does Your Dog Have A Sleep Problem?

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Since dogs spend a big portion of their day sleeping it away, it stands to reason that just like humans–our furry friends may have sleep issues as well. Does your dog have a sleep problem? Read on and find out!

I love my dogs and they’ve always been part of our bedtime routine–they come upstairs to their beds while we humans get ready for ours and we all tuck ourselves in for a nice night’s sleep.

Except my golden would scratch and scratch in the middle of the night. I’m a light sleeper and it woke me up. Now, we have a puppy who is just.like.her, only she’s a hound-mix so she talks in her sleep as well. Yes, talks in her sleep.

You see veterinarians will tell you that dogs not only have sleep disorders too, but the signs and symptoms that they have one are uncannily similar to those symptoms in humans.

Related:Researchers Believe Dogs Help Women Sleep Better

“But my dog lays around for pretty much most of the day,” you say. Sure, most dogs sleep between 12 and 14 hours a day, but just like humans, if that sleep isn’t restorative–if it doesn’t allow their brains to do what they need to do while they’re asleep–it can be very detrimental.

And, it might be a pain in your kiester too, because if your dog is staying up all night, odds are you just might be too. In dogs who are not getting restful, restorative sleep, there may be a buildup of hormones that could cause problems for Fido during the day. And, just like in humans, when the doctor tells you to get rest, it’s because rest heals and keeps your immune system strong. Dogs who are not getting enough shut-eye may have immune systems that aren’t as able to fight off germs and infection.

So how do you know if your dog has a sleep issue? Would you even know what a sleep disorder looked like? Check out the following and see if Fifi fits any of the bills:

Yes, yes, you might think it’s adorable when Lola saws wood like a lumberjack, but be real–is it that adorable at 2:37 in the morning? We know, we know. Dogs can have sleep apnea like humans can, and just like in humans, sleep apnea can be a big deal. If dogs are not getting enough oxygen in their brains, they’re not being the healthiest they can be and that loud snoring or gasping/snorting for breath in between their snores isn’t cute; it needs to be the trigger for your vet to look into why your dog is snoring or has apnea and if there’s anything you can do about it. It’s particularly prevalent in flat-faced dogs like pugs, bulldogs and Frenchies, so be sure they’re getting enough oxygen at night!

snores nomore

A post shared by Anna (@annasadventurouslife) on Jan 11, 2019 at 9:09pm PST

Yes, your dog can get insomnia too. We know it sounds weird because honestly, dogs are known for just finding themselves a nice cozy spot and taking a snoozie-poo any time they want. And that’s all the more reason that when they can’t/don’t? It’s an issue. It’s not often you’ll find dogs with insomnia but it can happen and it sadly tends to happen more often in older dogs. As my golden hit her last year with us, I could tell she wanted to just lay down and rest, and still–she didn’t seem to fall asleep super easily sometimes and even seemed like the inability to do so made her anxious. Veterinarians will tell you that like humans, anxiety or medical issues or even lack of exercise may keep your doggy from counting sheep, so if that is happening, you’ll want your vet to check him over and make sure there’s no underlying medical condition hiding.

“Awwww…look! She’s chasing deer!” is what you might find yourself saying if your puppy seems like they’re acting out their dream as they sleep. Sure, it’s sweet to think they’re frolicking through fields of flowers with you by their side in their dreams, but that movement (especially if extreme or violent) could be a sign of a sleep disorder called REM Behavior Disorder. It’s not usually a big deal every now and then, but if you find your pup is prancing through the night in her dreams, and especially if she actually gets up and moves into things that might hurt her, you will want to have your veterinarian check her out and see what’s going on during her REM sleep cycles.

Posted by on Sunday, January 13, 2019

This is particularly common in senior dogs who have dementia. Dementia itself is not a sleep disorder, but the pacing and crying at night–that feeling that they just can’t settle themselves down even though you KNOW they have to be tired–that might be a sign of dementia and will certainly affect their sleep. Yours too–because you’ll be so worried about your baby. Have your vet look them over carefully if they just can’t settle at night anymore, and it doesn’t seem there’s any good reason.

It’s probably not what you think in humans OR dogs. It can look like a lot of different things in people and dogs, but if you’ve ever seen your dog just fall over and pass out after they’ve just zoomied all over the place, you might have a pup with narcolepsy. It’s a genetic condition that is fairly common in Doberman pinschers, Labrador retrievers and poodles and if your dog is narcoleptic, they’ll just collapse and fall asleep. Most often, it’s usually after something super stimulating like a playdate or greeting neighbors at the door. A loud noise or even petting will most likely (and surprisingly) wake them up and your veterinarian will most likely recommend some lifestyle changes that will keep your pet safe in those narcoleptic episodes.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Rainbowfish

Rainbowfish are a family of small freshwater fish that get their name from their iridescent colorations that change shades in different light settings.

Lucy Liu Launches Le Roar, Dedicated To Quality Pet Products

Actress Lucy Liu partners with costume designer Ellen Stockbridge for her first dog product line, offering chic home and play accessories made in the U.S.

Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?

Have you noticed your pooch sneakily snacking on grass? Here''s why your lawn clippings suddenly seem as appetizing as kibble.

Best Raw Cat Foods

Raw cat foods are a healthy alternative to commercial pet foods laden with artificial ingredients and cheap fillers that could seriously harm your pet.

Why Do Felines Love Cat Trees?

Perching isn''t just for the birds. Have you ever noticed how your kitty loves to climb up cat trees? Let''s look at why cats love an indoor tree with a view!

Tropical Retreat From Kickstarter is The Lap of Luxury for Pets

Cabanas, tropical breezes, and beach babes - what a life! Parasol Pet Beds launches a Kickstarter campaign that''ll transport your pet to the lap of luxury.

PetGuide’s Best Dog Toy of 2018: Petmate’s Chuckit RingChaser

We’ve searched high and low and are thrilled to announce the winner of the PetGuide Best Dog Toy of 2018 is the Petmate Chuckit RingChaser! It’s…

Sorraia Horse

The Sorraia Horse is an ancient breed from the Iberian Peninsula. Once trained, the Sorraia horse could make a wonderful companion.

Chilier

The Chilier brings the Chihuahua together with the playful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The result is a friendly, family dog perfect for first-timers.

Bo Swims Away As This Week’s Wet Wednesday Weekly Winner

Some dogs just can’t get enough of the pool… and when you throw a tennis ball into the mix, fuggedaboutit! And Bo, the mini Aussie, is just one…

Lowchen

Many believe that the Lowchen is the perfect breed of dog. He is extremely friendly, loves everyone, is reliable with kids and boasts a playful nature.

Adoptable Dog of the Week- Momma

Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Momma, a 5 years old Chihuahua and Corgi mix from Warwick, Rhode Island. She is spayed, vaccinated, and housetrained.

Miniature Aussiedoodle

The adorable Miniature Aussiedoodle combines the hypo-allergenic Miniature Poodle with the play Miniature Australian Shepherd.

Kathiawari Horse

The Kathiawari Horse is an equine breed from India. Known for being affectionate and faithful, this horse are also extremely brave.

Nanday Conure

If you want a goofy, mischievous pet bird that will brighten up your day with their antics, then the unique Nanday Conure is the ideal choice for you!