You wake up in the morning, and your Shih Tzu comes running to greet you with sleepy eyes. After the joy of seeing you, it goes back to its spot and continues sleeping. When you return home after a long day of work, and the Shih Tzu is still sleeping! But does your Shih Tzu do anything other than sleeping? To reassure you a bit, we’ll say it’s not just yours; all Shih Tzus spend most of their time sleeping. The obvious question is, why do Shih Tzus sleep so much?
How Much Sleep Does a Shih Tzu Need?
Shih Tzus need more sleep than humans. As adults, they’ll spend between 12 and 15 hours sleeping, while as puppies, they can sleep up to 18 hours.
This is due to various factors, such as age. As they get older, they need more sleep because the weight of age and health demands more rest. Another factor is whether the dog is domestic, wild, or a worker:
Wild dogs, living under constant threat, always need to be alert for food or potential enemies.
Working dogs, as the name suggests, have a job, limited free time, and typically follow their owner’s schedule, unable to sleep as much as they’d like.
Why Do Shih Tzus Sleep So Much?
Domestic dogs have a lot of free time and tend to get bored easily, so the best way to pass the time is by sleeping. Thus, due to their inherent need for sleep and chronic boredom, your dog may spend a significant amount of time sleeping.
When Should I Worry About My Shih Tzu’s Sleep?
If you notice that your dog sleeps more hours than mentioned earlier, it could be a sign of illness or discomfort.
If your dog sleeps more during the night than the day, consider these tips:
Ensure your dog’s sleeping place is comfortable and that it feels secure.
Provide a warm environment in winter and a cool one in summer.
If your Shih Tzu is very dependent on you, place its bed near your room or, if you don’t mind, inside your room.
Exercise is crucial; make sure your Shih Tzu runs and plays early in the evening to ensure it’s tired when bedtime comes.
Encourage early dinners to avoid a full stomach at bedtime, as digesting food at night can disrupt sleep.
Consult your vet for advice or inquire about sleep aids as your dog adjusts to changes in its nighttime routine.
If your dog sleeps more at night than during the day, consider yourself lucky; our last tips won’t be necessary. If you notice your Shih Tzu sleeps fewer hours than needed, consult the vet, as it may be experiencing stress or anxiety that requires professional attention.