GabyDoctors constantly remind us about the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. But have you ever thought about your pet’s sleep? A new study from the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) has revealed just how much time dogs should be spending asleep—and it’s more than many of us might have thought. According to researchers from this international veterinary organization, more than half of pet dogs are not getting enough time outdoors, which also affects the quality of their rest.
“We all know the saying ‘waking up on the wrong side of the bed,’ and how a lack of sleep impacts our well-being. The same goes for dogs: their well-being is directly linked to the amount of sleep they get,” said lead researcher Lynn James. According to the National Health Service, adults need an average of 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. In contrast, dogs require significantly more, Ms. James noted. While the ideal sleep duration varies among different breeds, the study’s findings may come as a surprise to many pet owners. According to the researcher, dogs should sleep at least 13 to 16 hours a day, meaning they should ideally spend more than half of the day asleep.
Why is this important? The study found that most dogs sleep less than 12 hours a day. If a dog isn’t getting enough sleep, it increases the risk of aggressive behavior. This can manifest as growling, snapping, or even biting. PDSA veterinarians report that 4% of dogs sleeping less than 10 hours confront other dogs in the household, while 6% have conflicts with familiar dogs outside the home. Such behavior is observed half as often in dogs that sleep more than 13 hours, according to the Daily Mail. Therefore, it’s crucial to provide dogs with comfortable sleeping conditions, as this will help strengthen their emotional health, Ms. James added.
What factors contribute to a dog’s sound sleep? According to PDSA, first and foremost, a dog needs a comfortable resting place, away from noise and chaos. If possible, multiple such spots can be set up throughout the home. Another factor is the number of household members. Veterinarians found that in families with more than three people, dogs typically sleep less than 10 hours. Most dogs living in homes with children sleep less than 8 hours. Conversely, if there are only one or two people in the household, a dog is more likely to sleep over 13 hours a day.
Researchers believe that every family member should understand the importance of not disturbing a dog when it’s sleeping in its safe space. Veterinarians urge dog owners to take steps to improve and extend their furry friends’ sleep. Pets need enough time for solitude, and when they are awake, they should be properly exercised. For example, running and playing with them outdoors is essential. If a dog is unable to get enough sleep due to changes in routine or sudden increases in activity, it may show signs of stress. According to Ms. James, the first signs of stress in a dog include a tense or rigid body, avoidance of company, yawning, and refusal to eat. The dog may have pinned-back ears, a fixed gaze, and rapid breathing, even when it’s not hot. “If your dog shows any of these signs, it may be experiencing stress, so it’s important to give it more attention. If you do nothing for your dog, stress can lead to aggression,” the PDSA team warns.
