Is Your Dog Getting Enough Sleep? Vets Explain How Many Hours They Really Need
We often hear about the importance of getting enough sleep for ourselves, but how often do we consider our pets’ sleep habits?
According to new research by the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals), dogs may need more rest than most of us realize.
The findings reveal that many dogs in the UK aren’t getting the recommended amount of sleep. Lynne James, a veterinarian with the PDSA, highlights how crucial sleep is for a dog’s overall health and behavior: “Just like humans, the amount of sleep a dog gets can affect how they feel and behave.”
While adults are generally advised to get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night, dogs need much more.
Ms. James says dogs should ideally sleep between 13 and 16 hours a day, significantly more than many owners might expect. “Your dog should be asleep more than half of the day,” she said.
However, the research indicates that over 5.6 million dogs in the UK get 12 hours of sleep or less daily, which may not be enough to support their well-being.
Dogs that don’t get sufficient sleep may exhibit hostile behaviors, including growling, snapping, or even biting.
The PDSA study found that dogs who sleep fewer than 10 hours a day are twice as likely to show aggression toward other dogs as those who get the recommended rest.
This highlights the importance of creating an environment that allows dogs to sleep properly. The PDSA research suggests a dog’s home environment can significantly impact their sleep patterns. For instance, households with more people tend to have dogs that sleep less.
James explained that in homes with three or more residents, more dogs sleep less than 10 hours a day.
In contrast, dogs living in quieter households, with only one or two people, are likelier to get 13 or more hours of sleep each day.
These findings suggest that “busier” households may disrupt dogs’ ability to rest adequately.
So, if your dog seems restless or irritable, it might be time to reassess their sleep schedule. Creating a calm, quiet environment could help them get the rest they need to stay happy and healthy.
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