Understanding Your Dog’s Sleep Patterns and Needs
As pet owners, we often notice that our dogs sleep a lot—sometimes more than us! While it might seem like they’re simply resting, the amount and quality of sleep your dog gets play a crucial role in their overall health and well-being. But what makes dog sleep so special? In this blog, we’re diving into why dogs sleep better and how you can help ensure they get the most restful sleep possible.
Dogs Have Different Sleep Cycles Than Humans
Dogs experience different sleep cycles compared to humans, with a unique pattern that includes both slow-wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. During SWS, dogs experience deep sleep, which helps their muscles relax and energy restore. REM sleep, on the other hand, is when dogs dream, helping them process emotions and memories.
Most adult dogs sleep between 12 to 14 hours a day, with puppies and senior dogs needing even more rest. Unlike humans, who generally sleep in one long stretch at night, dogs take several naps throughout the day. This pattern aligns with their natural instincts as hunters or scavengers, where rest is spread out across the day.
