Animal Talk

For dogs, sleep is also important for physical

health, growth and emotional wellbeing.

health

PETTA LK

pattern of around 12 to 14 hours, depending
on other factors. Senior pets may sleep over 18
hours in a 24-hour cycle.

Health
In times of illness or pain your dog will sleep
longer hours. If he seems to be sleeping more,
it is worth taking him for a vet check-up. This
may be a natural change in his sleep habits
or it may be a sign of illness. Dogs who have
lost a human caregiver or animal companion
may also sleep more as they experience a
depressed mood.

Lifestyle
Your dog’s environment and daily programme
can also influence his sleep patterns. For
example, a small breed dog who lives with a
senior in a retirement home will naturally sleep
more than a working dog.
If your adolescent or adult dog seems restless
at night, he may be bored during the day. Try a
daily walk or get him involved in a dog sport so
that he can use up his energy. A very lethargic
dog could also benefit from additional exercise
in his daily routine.

Choosing the right bed
While some pet owners do allow their pets
to sleep in their beds, you should provide
your dog with a bed of his own and allow
him to decide when he wants to use it. Also
consider where your dog stays during the day
while you are at work and provide him with a
comfortable place to rest. Outside beds must be

placed in a shaded area, ideally on an enclosed

patio or inside a lapa where he can find shelter

from sun and rain.

Size, style and material

Consider your dog’s size when choosing

a bed. He should be able to stretch out

comfortably on the bed. Some smaller breeds

may enjoy snuggling up inside a covered bed,

but not all dogs like them.

Consider your breed’s disposition. Some

breeds, especially those from cooler climates

or longhaired breeds, may not like a bed

that is too snug – and pet owners end up

distressed to find their dogs stretched out on

cold tiles. In this instance, a stretcher type bed

• raised off the floor and providing airflow
  from below – may be a good compromise.
  Crates are also suitable beds for dogs of
  any size and breed. Crate-training should
  be considered early on and started during
  puppyhood. Provide bedding for comfort
  inside the crate.

Lifestyle also impacts on your choice of bed.

For example, if your dog enjoys playing out

in the garden (think mud and other yucky

stuff), a basic plastic bed with extra pillows

and blankets that can be easily washed may

be a better choice for him.

Health issues

Dogs with joint problems, arthritis or even

more serious conditions like hip dysplasia

will benefit from an orthopaedic bed.

Orthopaedic beds are manufactured from

high-density memory foam which ensures

a soft and comfortable night’s rest, taking

pressure off painful joints. These beds may

mean a significant investment on your part,

but they do assist in helping your pet enjoy a

better night’s sleep. For large breeds, consider

this investment early on in your dog’s life as

the support foam is able to better take the

dog’s weight and can help to mitigate later

joint issues. When choosing a product, check

for loose covers that are washable.

DOGS AND

THEIR DREAMS

Once a dog dozes off to sleep, researchers believe

that he is likely to dream. If you pay attention to

your dog, you will notice that his breathing slows

down. His heartrate and blood pressure drops. After

10 or 20 minutes, he will begin rapid eye movement

(REM) sleep – and it is in this sleep phase where

humans and other mammals dream. You may notice

that your dog’s legs or ears twitch, or even notice the

movement of ‘running’ legs. Researchers believe that

these are consistent with the movements the dog likely

‘experiences’ in the dream.

A stretcher bed is ideal for dogs

who stay outside most of the day.

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