You wake up in the morning, and your Shih Tzu comes running to greet you with the eyes of someone who was just sound asleep. You start making breakfast, and after the initial joy of seeing you, your Shih Tzu returns to its spot and continues sleeping. When you return home after a long day at work, your Shih Tzu is still sleeping. But is sleeping all that your Shih Tzu does? To put your mind at ease, it’s not just your Shih Tzu; most Shih Tzus spend the majority of their time sleeping. The question is, why do Shih Tzus sleep so much?
How much sleep does a Shih Tzu need?
Shih Tzus require more sleep than humans. When they are adults, they can sleep between 12 and 15 hours, while as puppies, they might even sleep up to 18 hours.
Several factors influence their sleep needs, such as age. As they grow older, they need more sleep due to the effects of aging on their bodies and health. Another factor is whether the dog is domestic, wild, or a working dog:
- Wild dogs, who live under constant threats, need to be vigilant for food or potential enemies.
- Working dogs, as the name implies, have jobs and little free time, so they cannot sleep as much as they might want.
Why does Shih Tzus sleep so much?
Domestic dogs have ample free time and can easily get bored, which is why they often pass the time by sleeping. So, with the required hours of sleep due to their canine nature combined with chronic boredom, your dog can end up sleeping a lot.
When should you be concerned about your Shih Tzu’s sleep?
If you notice that your dog sleeps more hours than previously mentioned, it might be a sign of illness or an indication that something isn’t right. However, it’s also possible that your dog sleeps most of its necessary hours during the day and disturbs your sleep at night. Here are some tips to help your Shih Tzu sleep at night:
- Ensure the sleeping place is comfortable and that your dog feels secure.
- Exercise is essential for ensuring your Shih Tzu falls asleep easily at night. Play and run around with your dog in the early evening to tire them out.
- Feed your dog early so they don’t go to bed with a full stomach, as this can disrupt sleep.
- Consult your veterinarian about any sleeping difficulties your dog may have and inquire about medications to help them adapt to a nighttime routine.
If your dog sleeps more during the night than the day, consider yourself lucky. You might not need the last set of advice. However, if your Shih Tzu sleeps fewer hours than needed, consult a veterinarian, as it could be a sign of stress or anxiety that requires specialized treatment.