Puppies, like babies, need a lot of sleep.
If a puppy does not sleep enough, this can have a negative effect on its physical development and even on its social behavior.
In this article you will find out why your puppy sleeps too little, how much sleep it needs and what you can do to ensure a healthy and sufficient sleep.
Causes: My puppy sleeps too little
The main causes of a puppy not getting enough sleep include the sleeping place and its surroundings. An uncomfortable place to sleep is just as likely to cause restless or insufficient sleep as it is constant noise, noise or too bright light.
Often the puppy is also unknowingly prevented from sleeping. Exercise and activity are also very important for puppies, a overload however, can also fatigue to lead.
An overtired puppy can really rev up and sleep is out of the question.
Also a irregular daily routinesuch as different feeding, playing or exercise times can have a negative effect on the sleep rhythm.
How much sleep does a puppy need a day?
Puppies sleep on average 16 to 18 hours during the day.
Newborn puppies even up to 22 hours. The need for sleep decreases with age. However, an adult dog still sleeps an average of 12 to 14 hours a day.
A puppy with 8 weeks is sleeping up to 20 hours during the day. So a puppy sleeps not only at night, but also during the day.
Initially, your puppy will not sleep through the night as he is not housebroken and needs to relieve himself.
With 12 weeks are they about 18 hours. is the puppy 4 months old, he still should at least 15 hours sleep during the day.
From the eighth month of life your puppy is considered an adult and needed 12 to 14 hours sleep during the day.
However, the times may also depend on the breed of dog. Smaller breeds tend to need less sleep than larger breeds.
Reading tip: How long do dogs sleep?
Good to know:
Puppies and adult dogs sleep significantly more than humans. In dogs, the deep sleep phase (REM sleep) is only 10 percent. In humans, however, this is at least 25 percent.
What happens when a puppy doesn’t sleep enough?
If your little four-legged friend doesn’t get enough sleep, he will irritable and gets stressed easily.
Lack of sleep also has an impact on the puppy’s immune system, its ability to learn, concentration and performance.
Over a longer period of time, lack of sleep can lead to serious health problems and permanently disrupt the puppy’s development.
Behavior can also be permanently negatively influenced and can manifest itself in aggressiveness, mood swings and increased barking.
How do I help my puppy sleep longer? – Tips for a good night’s sleep
Puppies can usually regulate their sleep schedule themselves and simply fall asleep doing whatever they are doing.
However, it is often the case that little Bello does not know that he is tired. If your puppy absolutely refuses to sleep, you need to make him sleep and, if necessary, force him to sleep.
For a good night’s sleep, you should first look for a cozy place to sleep care for. This can be a basket, but also a dog box. A familiar scent in the form of a pillow, towel or cuddly toy in place is also helpful.
If the puppy doesn’t sleep during the day, the sleeping area may be too bright or too noisy. Make sure you have a quiet place dim light. It doesn’t have to be pitch black.
When you are tired, you sleep better. A long walkone game hour or brainteasers before bed is therefore extremely useful.
But be careful: 10 minutes of mental challenge corresponds to 45 minutes of active play for a puppy. You should therefore not overwhelm your puppy.
Avoid giving your pup a full bladder or stomach before bedtime. He should eat and drink enough at least an hour beforehand.
The puppy still has time to do its business before sleeping.
You should for one too fixed daily routine care for. Fixed times for walking, playing and romping, eating and sleeping are not only helpful for you to organize your own routine.
The little dog will quickly get used to the daily routine and will understand when it is time to play or go to sleep.
Tip:
Dim the lights when the puppy goes to sleep and make sure he wakes up in the light. This way, your puppy will learn for itself when it is time to sleep and when it is time to get up.
Conclusion
A tired puppy can be very stressful. However, over a long period of time, lack of sleep can also lead to serious health problems.
Lack of sleep can also lead to limitations in physical and mental development and even behavioral disorders.
It is often possible with simple means to ensure a healthy puppy sleep. Do you have a special trick up your sleeve? We look forward to your comment.