My dog sleeps a lot - why?

Question

My chihuahua (around 3 years old) sleeps a lot...she pretty much sleeps the entire day. I think she sleeps the entire day until I come home around 6. After I come home and take her out on a walk, she eats food and then afterwards dozes off again. She'll wake up here and there but she's mostly dozing. And at night when I'm about to sleep, she sleeps with me fully throughout the night. This is her daily repetition. Is this normal?? Is she okay?

Answer 1

Dogs do sleep quite a bit! My schnauzer mix is a power napper (in fact, we both are) and loves stretching out on the couch for houuuurs. It does depend on factors such as breed, environment, and even your schedule. This article is very helpful on the subject: http://archive.dailyitem.com/archive/2005/1103/fea/stories/02fea.htm

If you feel she's sleeping far too much, and is not responding to stimuli that would wake her up normally, it can't hurt to take her in for a checkup. At least then, if anything is wrong, you'll have taken steps to helping her out.

Have a good sleep :]

Answer 2

Dogs were 'made' to hunt for food.
We take them and supply food, water and one (or two) daily walks - they've got no reason to waste energy.
The neighbour's dog is chained on the front porch and sleeps all day - except when someone gets close to the letter-box! When he's allowed inside at night - he sleeps.
My dog lives inside while I'm at work and is often still sleeping when I come up the drive (unless I'm much later then usual).
After his walk and feed, he sleeps some more. When I go to bed, he bounds into the bedroom - and sleeps.
I think it's quite normal for a house-bound pet to sleep most of the time - they can't do much else! Just watch the diet, especially with a 'toy' dog like a chihuahua (I call my friend's one "Ratty", cos he looks like one - but imagine a fat rat, ugh!)

Answer 3

I assure you she is probably mre active during the day than you think. Dogs do spend a lot of time sleeping tho. About 16-18 hours a day. As long as she is eating, drinking, peeing, pooping and acting normal, then she is okay. If she hasn't seen a vet in awhile you could take her for a checkup.

Answer 4

if she seems lethargic even when you offer her toys or treats, or doesn't seem excited to see you when you get home, then something is wrong. if that's not the case, then there's probably nothing to worry about. dogs sleep a lot, about 14 hours a day, and can sleep more when it's cold or boring. it's a natural way to conserve heat and energy. chihuahuas get cold pretty easily and may not want to get out of bed. also, you may have noticed a marked decrease in her activity level at this age because she is now well into adulthood and leaving her crazy puppy days behind.

Answer 5

She is 3, a small dog and has hit maturaty. Make sure she goes on walks or has some exercise this will help her activity level.... a litttle @ first and then more. And then make sure she has toys she likes. She may actually be playing throughout the day while you are at work.

Answer 6

i would say thats normal for her i have a weiner dog he is 10 now but he has always done this..he gets up around 10 goes and pees and poos comes in and goes back to bed and sleeps until about 4 then goes out and pees again comes in and lays down on the carpet to watch me cook then he sleeps some more. at 7 he pees again and comes in to eat then sits on my lap and sleeps more then around 10 he goes to bed and sleeps all night long in a days time i would say he sleeps about 18-19 hrs lol.... i would say if your dog acts ok and eats and drinks and does her buisness ok then dont worrie shes just a sleeper lol

Answer 7

The dozing area you are going to be asserting thank you my yorkie sleeps basically like 8hr and at random circumstances yet while she is infrequently ingesting or ingesting how massive is it because of the fact that is going to possibly not could devour lots i might take her to the vet or purely provide them a decision

Answer 8

My dog does the exact same thing, but i think it's just because they're getting old. My dog is also around 3 yrs. old it may not seem too old but in dog years! So, yes I do think it's normal.

Answer 9

Yes. It could be known that you had Fed the dog a lot of food. But has the dog played with any children, lately?

Maybe you can get your children/grandchildren or who ever to play with it.

Answer 10

sounds normal. I have a 4 yr old pomeranian and she sleeps a lot also except when she's playing with the cat