Dog is Sleeping a Lot?

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February 23, 20090 found this helpful

Just like people, dogs are each different in their sleep needs ... They also sleep more as they get older ... A lot of dogs sleep as much as 16 hours a day so unless your dogs personal sleep habits have changed drastically over a short period of time I wouldn't worry about it unless he/she is not eating and/or drinking water ...

Carol Rodriguez

February 24, 20090 found this helpful

Once dogs get through the puppy stage, they do tend to sleep more, if your dog is older, and sleeping alot, you will want to check with your Vet.

We have an older female dog, she was sleeping all of the time. We recently got two tiny puppies, and our older dog has perked up quite a bit. She loves to play with the puppies. We are excited and happy about how they play together.

We also have an older dog who was diagnosed with cancer. He will die anytime now. Even though he can't play with the puppies, he loves the excitement of them, and they bark at each other, since he cannot physically play with them.

He loves it, and it makes him happy, and the pups seem to understand it. They love their bark-a-thons, and we are tolerant of it, knowing he is dying.

Why a dog is sleeping a lot can mean many different things, it's best to find out from a Vet. Even age or heat from the weather can play a factor.

Bless You and your dog!

You don't give much info to go on. If your dog is otherwise healthy; they may simply not be getting enough exercise and play time to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active. Make sure they're getting good, healthy food and aren't obese.

Try taking them on long walks and increasing the time you play with the dog. If possible, take them to a dog park where they can play with other dogs. if the dog hasn't done much exercise at all, make sure you start slow and build up just as you would need to do in your exercise regime.

If they aren't more lively with any of that take them for a vet checkup.

Puppies are NOT recommended with older dogs as they are usually very stressful and as annoying as lively children are when forced on older people 24/7. It is also just as depressing for sick and ailing dogs who can't keep up with younger dogs as it is for older people to compete with young adults daily. If your dog perks up significantly at the dog park, think about adopting another dog that has similar energy levels as yours. That helps ensure both dogs are happy in your home.