According to research from the University of Florida, dogs sleep more than four hours per day on average.
This means that they spend about 20% of their time in REM sleep (the stage where we dream).
Dogs also have less muscle tone during this period, which allows them to relax while dreaming.
The fact that dogs sleep so much is why some people think they snore!
Despite all of these benefits, not all dogs like to go to bed.
Some dogs will wake up during the night, even though they usually fall back asleep when left alone.
These dogs tend to be nervous or anxious.
Other dogs find themselves wide awake after they’ve gone to bed, unable to fall asleep.
In either case, there could be an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed before you can expect your dog to stay alert through the night.
There are several reasons why dogs might close their eyes.
One of the most common causes of this behavior is dry eye syndrome.
Dry eye is caused by a lack of tears in the eyes, which makes it difficult for a dog to keep its eyes moist.
It’s important to note that dogs with dry eye don’t just close their eyes to protect their eyes.
They may also feel discomfort because the eyes aren’t lubricated properly.
Another reason for closing eyes is an overactive thyroid gland.
A dog with an underactive thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, which leads to a decrease in energy levels.
This in turn can make your dog lethargic and sleepy.
An overactive thyroid gland causes a dog to become hyperactive and energetic.
Some breeds of dogs are prone to develop a genetic disorder called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).
BOAS is characterized by a short muzzle, large nostrils, and narrow facial structure.
While some of these features are normal in other breeds, they cause breathing problems in brachycephalic dogs.
As a result, dogs with BOAS often breathe very quickly, which can lead to sleepiness and difficulty staying awake.
If your dog has any of these issues, you should consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
You should also be aware that certain medications can affect your dog’s ability to stay awake.
Many prescription drugs, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and seizure medications, can make your dog drowsy.
Antihistamines are especially dangerous since they can stop the production of saliva, which can then prevent your dog from licking his paws and face.
This can lead to pawing at his mouth and nose, which can cause him to choke.
In addition to these factors, poor nutrition can contribute to sleepiness and fatigue.
Lack of nutrients can lead to decreased mental function, which can impact a dog’s ability to focus.
Poor nutrition can also interfere with a dog’s metabolism, slowing digestion and leading to weight gain.
Finally, dehydration can also cause your dog to become tired and sleepy.
To avoid these problems, be sure to feed your dog well-balanced meals every day.
While you shouldn’t blame your dog for being tired, it’s important to understand how he feels when he closes his eyes.
Here are a few tips to help you get your dog to stay awake longer.
Dogs and light
Light is an important part of our daily lives, whether we are awake or asleep.
We don’t have much control over what time of day it is, but we can control how bright or dark our environment is.
While we might not realize it when we look at a picture of our pet, sometimes light can bother him.
Here are some ways to help your dog adjust to being around light.
Control the amount of light in the house
If your dog doesn’t like the brightness of the lights in the house, you should probably make them dimmer.
This will reduce his stress level.
You can use timers on lights to ensure they stay off at certain times during the day.
Some dogs prefer the light from outside, so you may need to find a way to keep the windows closed during the day.
Turn off the TV
When watching television, most people leave the lights on.
Many dogs will bark or whine when the lights come on while they watch TV.
While this isn’t necessarily harmful (as long as you aren’t using it as punishment), it does cause discomfort.
It also keeps them up late at night.
Use black-and-white TVs
Black and white TVs are less stimulating than color ones, which makes them more suitable for dogs.
They are also easier on the eyes, making them better for both humans and pets.
Change the channel
Many older televisions have a button that changes channels.
This is especially helpful if your dog is sensitive to loud noises.
Just press the button until the channel you want comes on, then turn the volume down so he can hear it without barking.
Avoid direct sunlight
Dogs get tired easily, so avoid exposing them to direct sunlight whenever possible.
Even if you only have to go outside for a minute, give them a break.
When you do have to let them out, put a towel underneath them so they won’t be able to stand up straight.
You can also cover their eyes with sunglasses, just be sure to wear them yourself.
This will help protect them from the sun’s UV rays.
Keep the blinds drawn
Blinds are great for blocking out extra light, but they can also block out natural light.
If you have blinds or curtains, make sure they are closed at night.
Try using blackout shades instead, if possible.
These are specifically designed to block out light.
Dogs and sleep
Many of us have had the experience of our dogs being wide awake when we go to bed or just before we fall asleep ourselves.
This happens because dogs are naturally curious creatures who love to explore their world.
Their curiosity is so strong that they often feel compelled to investigate everything around them.
This is great when your dog is exploring something new, such as a leaf on a tree branch or an interesting smell in the air.
However, this same curiosity can cause problems if your dog isn’t used to seeing certain sights or smells.
For example, if your dog sees or smells something unusual that he has never seen or smelled before, he might not know what to make of it.
This is why it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs that your dog may be uncomfortable with something he sees or smells, even if he seems fine at first glance.
If you notice that your dog is acting unusually in one way or another, it may be time to bring him to a veterinarian to get checked out for any possible medical issues.
Here are some common reasons why your dog might have trouble sleeping.
Light
Most dogs have very sensitive eyes, especially if they spend much time outdoors during the day.
They also have extremely sensitive hearing, so it’s no surprise that many dogs become alarmed by sudden noises like thunderstorms or fireworks.
When these types of sounds happen, it’s easy to see how your dog could wake up suddenly and start barking or whining.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
