Did you know that our dog companions most likely dream of daily activities such as running in the garden, chasing birds, or interacting with the rest of the family? We have some facts about dogs’ rest that you most likely didn’t realize. Find out if dogs dream, in what situations they yawn, and what they try to tell you when they are in bed.
Why does my dog sleep so often? How long should it take?
Although dogs sleep up to 80% of their daytime, they wake up much more often than humans. It is important not to disturb their dream and let them wake up naturally. There are great arguments for the relationship between pets’ proper rest and emotional health, mood, and behaviour. It is especially noticeable in stressful situations. Among other things, animals yawn when upset or unable to do something significant to them. Though we are concerned about their behaviour or suspect they are having a nightmare, we should not disturb their naps. Proper rest helps avoid unpleasant circumstances, deal with accumulated tension, and effectively regenerate the dog’s strength. It finds confirmation in academic research. Dogs that sleep less than eight hours are more prone to problem behaviour. How long should sleeping last to avoid negative consequences for their health and development?
Dogs who lead a very active lifestyle, are convalescing or are already old have the greatest need for sleeping. Their breed and environment will also be meaningful. Dogs probably build their habits to be active when other animals and household members are already on their feet. That is why a dog living at home can sleep much longer than a dog living on a farm, for example.
Do dogs dream?
Probably each of us has already seen our pets waving their tail while sleeping, gently gaping their mouth, growling or moving their paws very vigorously. Scientists have no doubts: dogs, like many other animals, dream regularly. Regarding this, they are not very different from humans. Like us, they go through several cycles before their bodies and brains are ready for rest. However, dogs need much less time to enter the deepest sleep state – the REM phase. Typically, as little as 10 or 20 minutes is enough for pets to enter paradoxical sleep and start dreaming. Their breathing becomes shallow and irregular, and muscle cramps start. The characteristic symptom is uncontrolled sounds and body movements, and, most important, the eyeballs that move under the eyelids.
The position of the dog in the bed - what does it show?
The position of the dog during sleep is not accidental. Certain behaviours may be the first indication that the dog is not feeling well, and may be struggling with unpleasant disorders or anxiety, tension and stress. It’s a good idea to take the time to observe its habits. In this way, we will be able to verify the dog’s mental state, comfort and general condition, as well as solve common problems that could disturb a night’s rest. What positions are the most popular?
Very energetic animals, who do not want to miss the opportunity to play or walk together, usually lay down for a short, relaxing nap on their stomach with their legs stretched out. You don’t have to worry about waking them up. Often, dogs choose this position when they are ready for action and do not intend to fall into a deep sleep. Since their muscles are ready to move, it is much easier for them to get up when they hear the first noises, and the family becomes more active. What else should you pay attention to?
Sometimes our pet’s behaviour while sleeping is a clear sign that it feels safe, comfortable, and carefree. The habit of lying on the side or back shows the dog’s confidence. The latter position proves to be beneficial when it gets warmer outside. A completely exposed stomach helps to keep it pleasantly cool in hot weather. What else can we expect? Some animals prefer to keep their tail and paws very close to their body, huddling up into a ball in the bed. If this repeats every night, you probably have nothing to fear – chances are good that your pet likes to sleep this way. Sometimes, however, this position means that the dog still feels insecure in his surroundings or is quickly getting cold. In such situations, comfortable, enclosed beds will work well. Dogs can maintain a sense of security and high thermal comfort in those.
