Do German Shepherds sleep a lot? The answer may surprise you. Contrary to popular belief, GSD do not necessarily spend more time sleeping than other breeds of dogs.
Different dogs will rest in different amounts depending on their age, size, and activity level. So, what is the truth about Shepherd’s sleep habits? Keep reading to find out more.
Do German Shepherds Sleep A Lot?
This is a high-energy breed, so they need more rest than an average dog. They should rest 12 to 14 hours every day.
A GSD puppy will typically only get 18 – 20 hours of rest per day unless you’re interacting with them! However, this might vary based on various circumstances, including your dog’s age and health status.
What Are The Causes Of Your German Shepherd’s Excessive Sleeping?
Despite the average range being 12 to 14 hours per day, 15 hrs is still near enough and can be deemed normal. However, resting for 16 hours or more each day is a matter of worry.
There might be various reasons why your pet is sleeping more than usual:
Illness
If you find that your pup is resting more than usual, it might be because of illness. Getting more rest can help it recover and enjoy the best outcome possible.
Old age
Another factor that could cause the dog’s need for relaxing more may come from getting older. Age does have a significant impact in influencing how much a Shepherd rests (and other behaviors).
How Can You Make Your Dog Sleep Less?
One of the best ways to help your pet sleep less is by setting a consistent schedule for him, which will ensure that he has ample time during waking hours.
If you want your pet to remain awake, regulate what activities caught his attention most recently. Activities could be playing ball or walking around town (or even just outside). These acts can assist a dog stay awake, aware, and focused.
In some cases, you might have trouble waking up for Shepherds, even after resting longer than usual. It’s worth checking with a specialist about this behavior. Maybe something is going on in their heads rather than just being lazy or stubborn!
What If My Dog Doesn’t Get Enough Sleep?
Too little rest could signal a pent-up energy level in your Shepherd. Ensure your pet gets plenty of exercise with at least two hours outdoors or on activity toys from morning till night – this will help keep them healthy throughout their lifespan!
We all know our furry friends need more than just food and rét. So if you’re also noticing your pup has been staying up way past his usual bedtime, it could be because he needs some exercise, or else melatonin might help with this problem as well.
If you think of using pills, consult with a veterinarian about the pros and cons. It is an option if your pet has trouble getting into sleep.
Melatonin is a natural rest aid that is safe for your furry friend to take. Based on the size and age of the pup, a dosage of 5 to 6 milligrams might be appropriate.
Again, get the advice of a veterinarian before administering any medications to your pup. It may conflict with any medications your pet is taking or cause additional problems.
Besides, the pain your dog is feeling may be because of arthritis. Symptoms include painful joints, trouble relaxing, and thinning cartilage in the joints.
Overall, a professional will help find what’s causing the discomfort and provide better advice.
How Can I Assist My Dog In Sleeping?
This breed has a highly long guard dog and police history. As such, they are naturally predisposed to alertness – but this can often lead them into fight or flight mode when it comes time for bedtime routines!
They are constantly on the prowl, and they respond quickly to any orders given to them.
So what should you do if your pup struggles with falling asleep? There’s no need to worry. We’ve gathered a list of suggestions below to help your furry friend:
Provide a dark, quiet place
One of the best ways to ensure that your dog has an excellent night’s rest is by providing them with a dark, quiet place.
Use a blanket
If your pet is a night-time dog, you might try covering their crate with a blanket. In addition, if it rests outside, solid kennels with sturdy doors offer superior blocking abilities against external factors like streetlights and daybreak.
The German Shepherd had to learn to stay alert and listen for all the sounds when guarding sheep before. So they should be cautious about sleeping lightly.
Cut down noise
Noise is a big problem for pups. The noise we make at home can keep them from sleeping well. They will wake up and be alert to noises that shouldn’t be there.
Fortunately, reducing your Shepherd’s exposure to undesirable sounds is simple. For example, if your pet is napping inside, consider shutting off all loud noise.
FAQs
Can my dog rest in my bed with me?
It is determined by a dog & an owner. Still, It is not ideal since these animals shed fur. This fur could cause health problems if breathed in.
Plus, resting on top of dog hairs feels very uncomfortable because the fabric gets close and tight after many years of use.
How much time should my puppy spend exercising each day?
Healthy living starts with exercise! Your pet needs to stay healthy, so they need 2 hours spent walking or going on long walks every day. Taking him out to the park is also a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy himself.
Final Thoughts
That’s our answer to how much rest your puppy needs.
As owners, you must ensure that your pet receives enough rest each night to feel refreshed throughout its daily activities. Your pup may also need more or less sleep if they have different needs than their breed standard requires. Furthermore, talk to your vet for individualized advice!
If you have any questions about “do German Shepherds sleep a lot?” contact us today!
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