Silly question here, but is it normal for dogs to sleep a lot? My dog does sleep, but I have noticed she sleeps a lot more lately. She follows me around the house everywhere I go. If she is sleeping and I get up to leave the room she will follow me where I go then get comfy and fall asleep again. Should I be concerned? Just asking since we will be boarding her this weekend.
By Kari
She's not by any chance pregnant, is she? I am a breeder, and all of the dogs I own do that if they're pregnant. Towards their due date they become very possessive of me. (06/28/2005)
How old is she? It's normal for senior dogs to sleep a lot. If she is a young dog I would get a profile blood test done because it wouldn't be normal. (06/28/2005)
By Vicki
No, she has been spayed. She is about 2 1/2. Where I live it is extremely hot and humid and we always keep her inside, it literally is the dog days of summer. She does have energy though for some part of the day. I also am not usually home during the day to notice her sleeping habits since I teach. But being home this summer I noticed it. (06/29/2005)
By Kari
Considering her age I would have the profile blood test done. You keep her inside but do you have AC? Also, is she a long haired dog? I have a long haired dog who's hair is extremely thick and she's completely a slug during the summer even though I have central air. To give some perspective she falls asleep on ice outdoors in the winter (MI). (06/29/2005)
By Vicki
I have owned several dogs, and they have all behaved this way. When they play, they can play hard and act like puppies. But they have all followed me throughout the day, sleeping at my feet. In fact, they wake up very easily, and then seem to fall back asleep just as quick. But I've always just viewed this as normal behavior. (06/30/2005)
By Pam
Oh yeah, we definitely have AC. I let her out early in the morning for about an hour, then keep her in most of the day with occasional quick potty breaks. I am not going to jump the gun on this one yet. She still is playing and being crazy like she always is. But I am for sure going to keep my eye on her. She is somewhat short haired but sheds like crazy. I could make a coat from all that fur! :-) (06/30/2005)
By Kari
The medication may make her drowsy (please check the side effects!) but if she eats well and is generally happy, she is probably fine. Shaklee Corporation makes great supplements that many people have given to their dogs to boost their immunity and general health. I give mine EPA (fish oil) for his skin, as he is part husky, and he has the energy of a puppy at 6 years old (and he sleeps whenever he can because it is just too hot for his coat!). You can check out www.shaklee.com to look at their ingredients. Kelly (05/11/2006)
By Kelly
Sounds every dog I ever had. Unless it is a sudden change, I wouldn't' be worried, especially if the breed is not very active. She's probably just bored. Maybe boarding her in a doggy day care will help stimulate her. I give my dog those treat puzzles. (12/05/2006)
My 7 month old male Shitzu is always sleeping. If I had to guess I would say 20 hrs a day. Other than walks, which he loves, he is sleeping. (04/26/2007)
My Yorkie is about 1 1/2 and he sleeps a lot. Usually while we are at work, he sleeps most of the day. He sleeps all through the night. We play with him and he plays hard then sleeps well. I am home for the summer (I'm a teacher), and I notice that he still sleeps most of the day. (06/27/2007)
By rileylover
All of you, I'm no expert on dogs, but maybe this is why I feel I can shed a bit more light on this. I think that most of your dogs are just bored.
Unlike us, they don't need to work to pay bills, or hunt for food as they would in the wild, and having no responsibilities whatsoever, sleep is really an obvious option. Being a domestic dog is an easy life, but the trade off is that it's a boring one. (07/27/2007)
By Guest
I have a seven year old shi-poo that has been sleeping since I first got him (seven years ago). He also follows me everywhere but if I shake his chain to go outside, his energy level boosts immediately. The vet says he is healthy and I just think he's bored. (03/26/2008)
By NoahBoo
I have two labs and they do NOT sleep a lot. Maybe it's a small dog thing or maybe it's an age thing - one is 7 months, one is a year, but they are always up and moving if we let them out of their crates. (06/09/2008)
By amanda
I have a 2 year old great Dane that sleeps about 20 hours a day. He seems to be in good health otherwise, just enjoys his sleep time. (10/01/2008)
By Mel
My great Dane does, too. Don't worry about it, they're a lazy breed! It's the age. One minute bouncing off the walls, next they don't ever want to get up! (10/15/2008)
By claire
I think that this is normal dog behavior. Over the last months, we had a few other dogs visiting (taking care of for friends) and each of our guests ended up sleeping along side my dog most of the day. They actually only played with each other intermittently between naps so I don't think it is boredom. If you think they are acting out of the ordinary though, take them to the vet.
In answer to the other question about the cruelty of leaving your dog home alone the majority of the time. Just make sure that you are taking them for at least 2 good solid walks/runs per day (30 minutes or longer) to get their energy drained and if you will be away for extended periods of time, there are doggy daycares as an alternate choice. Or you can consider getting them a friend (another dog) for company or a dog walker. These animals are still living a better life with you than they would be as a stray or with an abusive owner so don't be too hard on yourself as you obviously care about your pet. Exercise, discipline, and love...ingredients for a good relationship with your dog, as per Caesar Milan (The Dog Whisperer), catch an episode if you get a chance. (10/20/2008)
By Michelle
It is in a dog's nature to sit quietly, sleep, and wait for food. (01/01/2009)
By Petenice
I was also concerned. I have a 1 yr old English bulldog. I try to take him to the doggy park at least 3x a week and we have a huge yard that he goes out in. He sleeps a lot but then I thought hey, he gets more exercise than I do. :) (02/24/2009)
By robin
Dogs like to sleep. They like to dream. If they were living in a pack that had to hunt for food they would sleep a lot after they hunted and ate. You should be glad they have the ability to chill out. (08/10/2009)
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