Dachshunds are an active and energetic breed of dog that are simply adored by their owners. However, dachshund parents often complain that their dog sleeps too much. They worry that their dog is either lazy or has a medical problem that needs to be treated.
Experts say that a dog’s sleep patterns are very different than that of a human. A human needs anywhere from six to eight hours of sleep every day to feel active. On the other hand, a dachshund, along with some other breeds, needs twelve to fourteen hours of sleep.
Here’s the thing: only 10% of our sleep is restorative as compared to 25% in humans. If you sleep for eight hours, you will get a good two hours of deep sleep. However, we need to rest for twenty hours to get two hours of deep sleep.
How much we sleep also depends upon the type of lifestyle that we lead and our age.
Some Reasons Why We Might Be Sleeping Too Much
Boredom
Dachshunds value their time and energy. Energy spent doing nothing exciting is energy wasted. We tend to preserve our energy by dozing off or napping until something worth our attention takes place. This does not mean that we are lazy by nature; it likely means that we’re bored.
If we sleep throughout the day and get all the sleep we need, then we will probably keep waking up in the middle of the night or be unable to sleep altogether. Sleeping too much during the day can mess up our sleep schedule, which is why we must be kept busy for at least ten to twelve hours during the day. Giving your dog chew toys to play with, interacting and playing with them, and going outdoors can help keep your dachshund more active during the daytime.
If you are an active person and you include us in various activities throughout the day, then we will sleep less. Taking us for a jog in the morning, letting us play with other dogs and toys in the afternoon, taking us to the park in the evening – these are some activities that we enjoy and will happily participate in.
Old Age
The amount of sleep we need also depends on how old we are. Puppies and old dogs tend to sleep more compared to adult dogs.
When we get old, we do not have the stamina that we did when we were younger. A short walk to the park can tire an old dachshund. However, dachshunds have often been referred to as hiking dogs because they can accompany you on a hike in their mature years.
Once asleep, we can be the cutest little doggy with big floppy ears, utterly ignorant of everything around us. However, when we are younger, it takes time for us to fall asleep. When younger, we are full of energy. Furthermore, we need some time to adjust to our surroundings when we’ve just been adopted. We can be restless in our new home and might even pace around when nighttime comes. You have to be patient with young dachshunds and give them time to feel comfortable around you. Picking up a young dachshund and cuddling them to sleep is a great way to comfort us and ensure that we sleep restfully.
Habit And Routine
If you want your dachshund’s sleep schedule to match yours, you need to set up a routine for them at a young age. Fun activities should happen during the daytime so that nighttime is for sleep. This way, both of you can wake up active.
We are very sensitive dogs, and we love receiving treats and toys. You can consider giving your dog a snuggle-puppy so that he sleeps better at night.
Medical Issues
If your dachshund has all of a sudden started sleeping more than he used to, then there could be an underlying medical reason behind it. Drastic changes in sleeping patterns are often related to conditions like Hypothyroidism, Diabetes, Distemper, Kennel cough, Heartworm, Parvovirus, Heart and Liver diseases, and Leptospirosis.
In addition, Narcolepsy is an inherited condition in dachshunds that prevents them from staying up and active for long periods.
Depression
Depression in dogs must not be confused with boredom or laziness. If your dog shows disinterest in activities like playing and digging, then take him to a vet. If he does not have a physical medical condition, then he might be sleeping too much because of depression.
We are sensitive dogs, and when depressed, we need lots of love, attention, and affection to get better. Letting him sleep cuddled with you could also elevate his mood.
So, Is It Okay to Let Your Dachshund Sleep on Your Bed?
If you leave us home and go to work and other places every day, then we don’t get enough time with you. Sleeping on your bed is one way we can stay closer to you. We love resting our backs against our owner’s sides and receiving their warmth. Once you start letting us sleep on the bed, there is no going back. If you think about it, it’s not that bad a deal.
However, if you move around too much, then you shouldn’t let your dog sleep with you. If you fall on your dog, you could end up damaging his back. You might have to change the bed sheets more frequently, but there are no other problems that you will face if you let us sleep with you.
Co-sleeping could have many benefits for you as well. Sleeping with your dog can ease your anxiety and give you a sense of security. Your dog provides you with warmth and will wake you up ready to play.
Sleeping In A Crate
If your dachshund is properly crate trained and treats his crate like a den, then letting him sleep in the crate is never a problem. However, do not try to force them into it for any reason.
Sleeping Positions
When we feel completely safe and secure in an environment, we might sleep with our belly and neck exposed. If your dog often lies on his back or his side while sleeping, then he is incredibly comfortable at home. Sleeping curled up signifies that we are either apprehensive of our surroundings or shy.
If your dog has issues with his back, then you must discourage him from putting pressure on it, including when he is asleep.
Conclusion
If your dachshund sleeps for more than twelve hours a day, you don’t need to worry. Ensure that he is active during the day and are not putting on weight. If you still think that we are being lazy, then you need to modify our schedule and make our days more interesting and fun.
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