We’re all regularly told of the importance of getting enough sleep.
But have you ever stopped to think about your pet’s slumber?
New research by PDSA has revealed exactly how long pooches should spend snoozing – and it’s longer than you probably think.
Worryingly, the vet charity says that more than half of the dogs in the UK aren’t clocking enough hours.
‘We’re all aware of the saying “waking up on the wrong side of the bed”, and it’s no surprise lack of sleep plays a part in how we are feeling but it is also true for dogs – the amount of sleep they are able to get contributes to their wellbeing,’ said Lynne James, a vet with the PDSA.
New research by PDSA has revealed exactly how long pooches should spend snoozing – and it’s longer than you probably think (stock image)
The NHS advises that, on average, adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
However, dogs need considerably longer than this, according to Ms James.
‘Although the perfect amount of sleep will vary between dogs, what the evidence suggests might actually be surprising for many owners – dogs should in fact get over 13 to 16 hours of sleep every day,’ she explained.
‘This means your dog should ideally spend more than half of the day snoozing!
‘But our findings reveal a large number of dogs aren’t getting enough sleep – in fact 5.6 million dogs in the UK sleep for 12 hours or even less a day.’
If your dog doesn’t get enough sleep, it increases the risk that they’ll display ‘hostile behaviours’ including growling, snapping, and even biting.
According to PDSA’s research, four per cent of dogs who get less than 10 hours sleep will confront other dogs in the household, while six per cent will confront familiar dogs not in the household.
Both figures are double the amount compared to dogs who get more than 13 hours sleep.
‘This highlights the importance of providing dogs with the opportunity, plus the right environment, to sleep to protect their emotional health,’ Ms James added.
PDSA says that a dog’s home environment appears to play a role in the amount of sleep they get.
If your dog doesn’t get enough sleep, it increases the risk that they’ll display ‘hostile behaviours’ including growling, snapping, and even biting (stock image)
It found that significantly more dogs with three or more people in their household are getting less than 10 hours sleep.
‘This is the same for households with children – more dogs with children at home get less than eight hours (8%, 800,000 dogs) or 8-10 hours (24%, 2.5 million dogs) sleep compared to those with no children in their home (5%, 490,000 dogs and 19%, 2 million dogs respectively,’ Ms James said.
‘In contrast, we have found in households with just one person or two people resident, 4.7 million dogs (44%) and 4.5 million dogs (43%) are getting a good amount of rest, with more than 13 hours sleep each day.
‘Which showcases the impact “busier” households may be having on our dogs’ ability to get some rest.’
Based on the findings, the researchers are urging dog owners to take measures to increase the amount of sleep their pet gets.
This includes giving your dog a good amount of ‘alone time’, ensuring they get enough exercise, and allowing for several ‘snooze spots’ throughout the house.
‘If your dog isn’t able to get enough undisturbed sleep due to a change in routine or suddenly busier household, they may then showcase signs of stress,’ Ms James added.
‘Signs of stress in dogs include stiff or tense bodies, turning away when approached or withdrawing from company, ears back, fixed gaze or “whale eye”, not eating and low energy, plus panting when not hot, and yawning when not tired.
‘If your dog is showing any of these signs, they might be feeling stressed so it’s important to take steps to help them.
‘If you don’t take any action, your dog’s stress could lead them to show more severe signs of stress, including growling or aggression.’
