How long should older dogs sleep

Does your dog sleep more than this? Are you worried? Dogs sleep different amounts depending on their breed, age, sex, and environment.

Go for a long walk, buy him stimulating toys, play scavenging games or arrange a play date. She has earned her rest, so let sleeping dogs lie. Again, report excessive sluggishness or sleepiness to your veterinarian, as some illnesses can cause these signs.

And remember, even though dogs at this age may need more rest, exercise is still important. As she ages, expect behavior changes in your dog. Sometimes, the changes are signs of underlying medical problems; other times, they are simply evidence of aging. Some dogs start to bark or growl for no apparent reason or at inappropriate times. Such behavior canbe due to anxiety, or to cognitive dysfunction syndrome ; a condition resembling Alzheimer's disease in humans.

As your dog ages, her senses begin to wane, and she can become increasingly anxious about her surroundings. More than ever, she will appreciate familiar things and a stable routine. Your veterinarian can help you determine if such events are the result of a medical condition. Your dog should have a warm, well-cushioned place to sleep.

There are beds available that are designed especially for older dogs with orthopedic problems, and there are even pads and diapers to help with incontinence.

Another cause of behavior changes can be pain, which can make your dog more reclusive or aggressive. Other common signs of pain include excessive panting, reluctance to move and suddenly being picky about food.

Consult your veterinarian. In addition to being less active, many dogs at this age begin to develop digestive issues,kidney problems and other conditions that can benefit from diet modification. Only your veterinarian can accurately assess your dog's needs. Do not attempt to correct a suspected gastrointestinal ailment by randomly changing her diet. Doing so could lead to more problems. As your dog ages, take her to the veterinarian at least twice a year for a complete geriatric workup , including a thorough physical exam and blood tests.

Your veterinarian also may want to perform other screening tests, as well as examining her urine and stool. Depending on medical history and findings of the physical exam, other tests may be recommended, such as radiographs X-rays or ultrasounds of her abdomen to evaluate her internal organs, or similar studies of the heart and lungs. If your dog is sleeping too much, it could be a sign that your dog is dealing with some pain.

Take your dog to the vet to rule out common causes of pain, such as arthritis or chronic illnesses. As a pet parent, you know your fur baby best, but you may not know exactly what to look out for in senior pups.

Some things that could indicate a problem include:. Apart from sudden sleep changes, frequent naps can also be a sign of hidden discomfort, according to Nutkins, who works with arthritic senior dogs on a regular basis. If your gray-faced pup is in pain, you may notice laziness, or even lethargy, when she is awake as well. Nutkins adds that pups suffering from CCD may become more active at night — a result of their confused sense of time.

This is a great example of when a veterinarian can be especially helpful in diagnosing your senior pup and helping you all adjust to her changing needs. Ahn also mentions that certain brachycephalic breeds — those with flat noses like bulldogs and pugs— are at risk for breathing complications as they age.

A veterinarian can help guide you and your pet toward the best course of action should this be the case. One last problem to look out for is a result of too much sleep.