Chihuahuas are one of the dogs that sleep the most. They can get up to 18 hours of sleep in a day! This is because they have such small bodies. They need all the rest they can get to keep going. If you have a Chihuahua, ensure you give them enough time to sleep each day. So they stay healthy and happy! Why do chihuahuas sleep so much?
Chihuahuas sleep much because of dehydration, high activity, age, obesity, medication, etc. They sleep for 12-18 hours a day. Anything more than that can be dangerous.
Why Does My Chihuahua Sleep So Much?
Chihuahuas will be busy little pups no matter what life throws at them. They always have a lot of energy, and they love to play. So it’s only natural that they want to nap after all that excitement!
In addition, Chihuahuas are bred as companion dogs. This means they form strong emotional attachments with their family and enjoy human interaction more than most breeds. When they’re not playing or napping, they love to hang out with their people and take in all the sights and sounds.
Their small size also means that Chihuahuas don’t require as much energy as other breeds to keep them going. This could be another reason why they tend to sleep more!
There are a couple of reasons why your Chihuahua might be sleeping more than usual:
Dehydration
Dehydration can be a common cause of excessive sleepiness in dogs. If you haven’t been taking your dog on walks as often as usual, or if they aren’t getting enough water, this can lead to them feeling tired all the time.
Another possibility is that your Chihuahua may have a health problem such as diabetes, liver disease, or Cushing’s syndrome. If you notice that your pup is excessively sleepy and has lost weight, seems to be drinking and urinating more than normal, or is having trouble breathing, then take them to the vet as soon as possible.
If your dog isn’t getting enough fluids, it becomes lazy and sleepy as the body tries to conserve energy.
Obesity
If your Chihuahua is obese, then it will sleep more than normal. This is because obesity can lead to diabetes and other health conditions that always make dogs drowsy. When you first notice this problem with your dog’s weight, it might be difficult for them to get up after napping. It means even less time playing and exercising!
When a Chihuahua becomes obese, it’s usually because they eat too much or the wrong kind of food. If you feel like your pup is overweight, take them to the vet for an exam as soon as possible.
Overweight dogs will often sleep more as their body works harder to move around.
Inactivity
If your dog isn’t getting enough exercise, it will tire more than usual.
This will lead them to sleep much longer every day. It’s especially common in Chihuahuas that aren’t getting enough exercise or mental stimulation throughout the week!
When your dog isn’t able to move around as much, they’re usually less active – which means their digestive system doesn’t work as efficiently. As a result, the body slows down to conserve energy and uses that extra sleep time to digest food!
Age
Chihuahuas reach full development around two years of age and then start slowing down.
If your Chihuahua is sleeping more than usual, it could signify that something isn’t right! Get them checked out by the vet, just in case.
Old dogs often sleep more, especially if they are dealing with any health issues. In addition, senior dogs sleep more due to a slower metabolism and less energy.
Medication
If your Chihuahua is on any medications, it can have side effects that cause them to sleep more.
Chihuahuas are very well known for their sleeping habits! They love napping – no matter where they are or the time of day.
They often find themselves in comfortable spaces around the house and curl up easily. In addition, because their small size allows them to be fairly mobile at all times (especially if you take them outside frequently), many owners report having little trouble keeping an eye on their pups while they sleep.
It’s not uncommon to see one curled up in the kitchen during breakfast, snoozing away as everyone else prepares for the day ahead. However, if there isn’t much room to move around in your house or the weather is too hot, you may find that they sleep more often inside.
Some medications will make your dog sleepy and less active, which means that it’s likely for them to get even less exercise than usual (and thus be able to sleep even longer).
Sleep Apnea
This is a common problem in Chihuahuas and can cause them to snore, have trouble breathing, and even stop breathing momentarily while asleep. If you think your dog might have sleep apnea, take him/her to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.
There are many reasons why your Chihuahua may be sleeping more than usual, but most of the time, it’s nothing serious! Just keep an eye on their activity level and water intake, and they’ll be fine.
Chihuahuas usually sleep in little groups or piles and often curl up with their owners too! Some even prefer sleeping under the covers; it’s best not to let your Chihuahua do this for safety reasons (they could get smothered).
Positions/Habits
Most of you will find that all Chi’s love is cuddling into a tight ball when resting comfortably. You can tell how tired your dog is by whether they sleep on its back or stomach – if on its back, then they are probably feeling relaxed enough to stay asleep until you wake them up! If belly-down, they feel more alert and might want to get up soon.
Some Chihuahuas love to sleep in high places, like on the back of the couch or inside a cabinet – these little daredevils can be quite adventurous when napping! Others prefer sticking close to their humans and will often be snuggled up against them during slumber time.
How Do I Know If My Dog Is Sleeping Too Much?
There are a few things you can look out for if you’re worried that your Chihuahua is sleeping too much:
- Lethargy Or Lack Of Energy
- A Change In Eating Habits
- Not Drinking Enough Water
- Lethargy And Inactivity
- Sudden Weight Gain Or Loss
- Increased Snoring Or Breathing Problems
- Being Restless During Sleep
If your dog exhibits any of these signs, it’s best to take them to the vet for a check-up. But don’t wait too long, as excessive sleeping can be an early sign of health problems!
FAQ
How Long Do Chihuahuas Sleep?
Newborns: up to 18 hours a day! This is normal as they are just babies and need lots of rest for their growing bodies.
Puppies: 14-16 hours on average, but it can vary depending on your pup’s energy level and appetite at different stages of growth.
Adults: 12-14 hours a day is typical but can vary depending on the individual dog.
Old Dogs: May sleep up to 18 hours a day as they begin to slow down in their older years.
As you can see, there isn’t a “normal” amount of time that Chihuahuas sleep – the amount they need will vary between individuals and as they grow up.
How To Manage Sleep Of Chihuahua?
Chihuahuas are known to be very attached to their owners, so it’s not uncommon for them to wake up when you do! If your pup tends to get in the way of your morning routine or is loud and disruptive, try taking them outside before starting anything.
If they’re waking up early because they are lonely, consider purchasing a second Chihuahua so they can keep each other company!
It’s also important to ensure your dog isn’t sleeping too much during the day. Lack of exercise means that their body needs more sleep to recuperate. You’ll notice this, especially if they wake up tired after some playtime with you or another pup.
Try playing games with them throughout the day and taking walks together to get rid of any excess energy which might lead them towards excessive napping!
Make sure to manage their bed and sleeping space, and omit any source of unnecessary noise for your Chihuahua can get a good sleep and rest.
Conclusion
Chihuahuas are adorable, but they can also be a handful when it comes to sleep! By following the tips in this article, you should be able to help your pup get enough rest and keep everyone happy. Thanks for reading!
There are many reasons why your Chihuahua may be sleeping more than usual, but most of the time, it’s nothing serious! Just keep an eye on their activity level and water intake, and they’ll be fine.
