Being a pet parent, you might often find yourself asking a common question ‘How much should dog sleep?’ Well, it is not possible to give a single answer for this question as the sleeping needs of dogs vary according to their size, breed and the amount of physical exercise they do. The sleeping needs of humans vary from person to person and so does the sleeping requirement of dogs. Let us understand the various aspects related to the sleeping patterns of dogs and find out if our dog is getting enough sleep or not.
How much should dog sleep
As a general rule, dogs generally sleep from 12-14 hours a day. This also includes their naps and their bedtime. Pet parents might have observed that instead of sleeping continuously, dogs doze off and on throughout the day. Let us have a look at the sleep requirement of the dogs according to their age.
1. Puppy
Puppies tend to sleep for about 18-20 hours in a day. Their sleep hours are generally spread over short naps throughout the day. 60% of their sleep is during the day and 40% is during the night.
2. Adult
Adults sleep for about 11-12 hours in a day. For About 70%-75% of the night they are asleep and the rest 24%-30% of the sleep is during the day.
3. Senior
Senior dogs sleep for 14-18 hours in a day. 60% of the night is spent sleeping and the rest 40% is during the day.
This was the classification according to the age of the dogs. If we talk about the breed, the smaller breeds sleep for 14-16 hours in a day, medium sized breeds sleep for 10-14 hours and large sized breeds sleep for about 18 hours every day.
It can be noted that the sleep requirement of the puppies and adults is almost the same. To ensure they have a relaxing sleep, you need to invest in the best dog beds UK so that they can get the comfortable sleeping place they deserve.
Where should dog sleep at night
Pet parents are often in a dilemma when choosing a place where their furry friends can sleep comfortably. Let us have a look at some of the common places where dogs often sleep and find out if those spots are perfect for your furry friend or not.
1. Dog crates
Dog crate is considered as a training tool and is a good place where your dog can relax. If you have a dog that causes destruction to the household items and has a chance of hurting himself, a comfortable dog crate can be a good place where your furry friend can relax comfortably throughout the day.
Dogs consider their crates as their personal relaxing places and it helps them to stay stress free. You can leave the door of the crate opened once your dog is trained. You can turn the crate into a comfortable, snuggly bed with a blanket, and leave the door open so that your dog can comfortably enter and leave the crate when needed.
2. A dog bed
When you make your dog sleep on a dog bed, your dog will come to know that it is his spot to sleep. You need to choose a dog bed according to the needs of your dog. Some of the popular dog beds are:
- Chew-Proof Dog Bed
If you have an aggressive breed and are tired of replacing your dog’s bed frequently, a chew-proof dog bed is perfect for you. These beds are bite resistant, moisture proof and waterproof. Although these beds are made of soft materials, they provide support and warmth to your furry friend for a restful sleep.
- Nest Pet Sofa Bed
The Nest Pet Sofa Bed is cosy and durable and is perfect for long naps. This bed is perfect for chilly winters as it is made of ultra-soft plush fabric. These beds are washable, making them a must have for all pet parents.
- Donut Dog Bed
The donut dog bed can be called the anti-anxiety bed as it is made of pure organic cotton with plush Sherpa cushioning. The donut dog bed is eco-friendly and washable. The bed is designed in such a shape that supports better sleep and reduces anxiety.
All these beds are available at PetBuds, which is a UK based online pet store. You can get special discounts by visiting our website.
3. Human bed
There are many pet parents who feel that their pets should sleep with them on human beds as it will lead to deeper bonding with your furry friend. But the downside of this is that human beds are not designed for your furry friends. Your dog will start developing orthopaedic issues if you keep making your dog sleep on human beds for a long time.
Now that you are aware about the various aspects of the sleeping places of dogs, you can carefully consider the various facts and choose a suitable sleeping place for your dog.
Best way to keep a dog house warm in winter
For making your dog house warm in winter, you can go for any one or all of the options mentioned below:
- You can insulate the walls of the house with help of either foam, straw or a blanket.
- You can provide thick, warm bedding or a heated dog beds to help your dog to stay cosy during the winters.
- Instead of keeping the dog house outdoors, you must place it indoors or in a sheltered area to avoid the chilly winters.
Conclusion
There is a need to understand the need of the dog for providing a comfortable sleeping environment. If you make your sleep rest on dog beds, you can visit PetBuds, which is a UK based website dealing in a huge variety of dog beds. By providing your dog with a dog bed, you can ensure that your furry friend stays happy, healthy and well-rested. Visit our website to explore our pet accessories.
FAQs
Q1. Until what age should a dog sleep in a crate?
Dogs, at least up to the age of 6 months should spend in a crate. Later on, they can be allotted a comfortable dog bed.
Q2. Where does the dog sleep when it is scared?
Dogs prefer to move to enclosed spaces when scared. They also start gravitating towards their owners.
Q3. Where should a dog sleep at night?
A dog can either sleep in a dog crate or in a dog bed. Any of these places can be chosen as both of them are safe for dogs.
Q4. How much sleep is good for dogs?
Dogs need to sleep for at least 12-14 hours. Regular sleep is necessary for them to recover from the fatigue of daily activities.
Q5. Why shouldn’t your dog sleep in your room?
Sharing a room with your dog can make it difficult for dogs to build independence. It can also lead to increased separation anxiety and higher chances of allergies and other hygiene concerns.