teacupdogbreed.com

Dogs are wonderful pets that also doubles up as guards. Dog owners though should not be too complacent as the dog on guarding duty, like the owners, may also be sleeping soundly. Dogs are not only voracious eaters - these animals are great sleepers as well. Did you know that dogs can sleep for more than 13 hours every day? This sleeping time can vary between different dog breeds but generally dogs are asleep for more than half of their lives.

What makes dogs sleep so long? The sleeping pattern of a dog would depend on several factors. The time spent sleeping would depend on the age, the personality and the activities of the dog. Old dogs would not be as energetic as young ones thus instead or romping and running, the older dog will be seen curled up in the corner - sleeping. The desire to sleep is innate in dogs but working dogs cannot give in to the desire to have a shut eye because of the work at hand. However, dogs have the ability to be asleep in an instant so that after the work is done, the rescue or the herding dog will be seen on its way to dreamland.

Dogs may appear to be sleeping all the time but they also wake up more often. Dogs too experience the rapid eye movement and slow wave stages of sleep but unlike human sleep that is generally uninterrupted, dog's sleep would be constantly interrupted. A sleeping dog will be easily awakened by any unusual sound, movement and scent given the fact that these animals have very sensitive senses.

For lack of anything better to do, idle people would sleep. Dogs left at home all day with no toys and no other pets to play with will be bored and bored dogs would either sleep or be destructive. Surely, a dog owner would rather have a dog that sleeps all day than a dog that becomes destructive.

The dog's sleeping habit would have a bearing on its sleeping area. Dogs kenneled outdoors would have to endure discomfort associated with the change in the weather thus these pets may not be able to have long sleeping times. Pampered dogs on the other hand, are not only allowed to live outside the house. These dogs are either provided with well padded comfortable beds if not allowed access to the master's bed. These conditions will certainly motivate the dog to sleep.

Why do dogs sleep so much? This and questions about first aid for dogs are answered at Sarah's Dogs.