Dogs experience, like humans, various stages of sleep. The first is the slow wave SWS (Slow Wave Sleep) in which dogs remember what they have done during the day. This phase is interspersed with several deeper REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phases. During the REM phase is when the dog dreams: it moves its legs as if it were running, shows its teeth, cries, barks … Various studies carried out from encephalograms indicate that dogs dream that they run, eat and have nightmares . They also snore and some very loud!
Each dog is different and depending on its characteristics and daily routine, it may need more or less hours of rest. In addition, there are dogs that are very active and need to get tired doing exercise to fall asleep and other more pachones that sleep like dormouses.
In general, an adult dog sleeps about 13 hours a day, which is divided into 8-9 at night and naps or light dreams during the day . In this kind of daytime sleeper, the dog is easily awakened when something disturbs or catches its attention. This behavior comes from the wolf and his need to be alert and react quickly to any danger. The dog sleeps for 5 to 20 minutes at a time, wakes up another 5 minutes, and gets fried again. In nature, a deep sleep could be a death trap.
Age also influences the hours the dog sleeps. Thus, a puppy can sleep up to 90% of the day but intermittently and changing places until he learns to sleep in his bed, like the grown-ups. And if your furry companion is older and has arthritis-like pain, he may sleep through the night without moving.
All dogs like to have their own space to sleep and be quiet. Reserve a corner away from noise, with a padded bed or a cushion in which he is comfortable. It is better that he does not sleep on your bed but on the floor since you will be waking up each other every two by three. In winter, your best friend may need a softer blanket and cushion and may be especially sleepy. In summer, something lighter will do you good or you will even go to sleep on the bare ground. Monitor the temperature of the room where you sleep. Ideally, it shouldn’t be hot or cold.
Finally, respect your sleep, you need it to charge batteries and be healthy. Provide him with a good diet and the necessary exercise so that he can rest. Observe his sleep routines and if you notice that, for example, he sleeps more than necessary and is like groggy, take him to the vet, it may indicate a problem.
