Top 4 Sleep Disorders in Dogs and How You Can Fix Them

April 25, 2019

Pets, including dogs and cats, are considered part of the family for many people, just like humans. Dogs are susceptible to various sleep disorders that can affect their quality of life and daily activities. There are a few different types of common sleeping disorders in dogs. Dogs can have problems getting to sleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early.

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The Truth About How Long Dogs Can Sleep

Dogs can sleep for a surprisingly long time, anywhere from 12 to 18 hours per day. It seems like a lot, but it's necessary because dogs are constantly on the move when they're awake. They need a lot of rest to recover from their daily activities. Puppies usually need more sleep than adult dogs, and as they age, they generally require less. Dogs usually sleep the most during the night and less a day. 

Types of sleep disorders in dogs

Some of the most common sleeping disorders in dogs include;

Type#1 Insomnia

Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep for an adequate amount of time. Dogs with insomnia have difficulty falling or staying asleep. It can be caused by many different factors, including anxiety, pain, medications, and noise.

It can also be caused by medical conditions such as pain, thyroid problems, or cognitive dysfunction. Insomnia can lead to restless behavior, such as pacing or whining, making it difficult for the dog to concentrate and learn new things. Important dog breeds, Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston, are more commonly affected by insomnia.

Treatment

• There are a few ways to treat insomnia in dogs. One is to try to identify and address the underlying cause. If that's not possible or doesn't work, medication may be prescribed by the concerned vet.
• If left untreated, insomnia can lead to other health problems like obesity and diabetes. Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause but typically includes some combination of medications and behavior modification.
• There are several things you can do to help your dog get more restful sleep:

1) Make sure your dog has a comfortable place to sleep. 

2) A soft bed or crate can make all the difference.

3) Establish a regular bedtime routine and stick to it as closely as possible.

4) Avoid letting your dog play or exercise right before bedtime.

Type#2 Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a genetically originated sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden episodes of muscle weakness. Dogs with this disorder are afraid of loud noises such as thunder or fireworks. As a result, they may pant, pace, or shake excessively during sleep. This problem is most common in Labradors, Poodle, and Doberman dog breeds. In addition, dogs that partially awaken during sleep may experience confusion, anxiety, or aggression.

Treatment

There is no proper treatment available for Narcolepsy; proper behavioral modifications and antispasmatic drugs like clonazepam is prescribed by a veterinarian.

Type#3 REM Behavior Disorder 

REM Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a condition that affects dogs and is characterized by abnormal behavior during sleep. Dogs with RBD will act out their dreams, resulting in them barking, growling, whimpering, and even attacking their owners or other animals in the home. Dogs that walk in their sleep may wander around the house or even go outside. They may not remember.

Treatment

There is no definitive treatment for RBD in dogs. Some common treatments include medications such as clonazepam or melatonin, behavioral modification, and environmental changes. If your dog is exhibiting symptoms of RBD, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to come up with a treatment plan that is right for your

Type#4 Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where a dog stops breathing for some time during sleep. It can cause the dog to wake up frequently, be tired during the day, and have other health problems. Dogs with sleep apnea may snore loudly, their chests may move up and down rapidly when they breathe, and they may even choke or vomit during an episode. This disorder is characterized by shallow breathing or brief pauses in breathing during sleep.

Treatment

There are several ways to treat sleep apnea in dogs. Treatment may include changes to the dog's diet, medications, or surgery. If your dog has sleep apnea, it is important to seek veterinary care.

Final Word!

Dogs can suffer from various sleep disorders, which can be frustrating for both dogs and owners. In this article, we've outlined some of the most common sleep disorders in dogs and provided some tips on how to control them. But thankfully, most of these sleeping disorders can control with the help of our best-selling products.

If your dog is having trouble sleeping, be sure to check out our website for more information on how to get them back to their old self.