Amanda Teixeira
Dogs need a rest too. Getting enough sleep is important for them to stay healthy. Here you can find out what you should do without when your dog is sleeping.
Like humans, dogs need sleep – and depending on their age, breed, and temperament, that can be up to 20 hours a day. It is important that the four-legged friend can relax undisturbed so that he stays healthy. Therefore, you should definitely not do these things when your dog is sleeping.
Permanent lack of sleep in dogs can lead, among other things, to a weakened immune system, reduced cognitive performance, and depressive or aggressive behavior.
Vacuuming is now taboo
A dog that is recovering must not be disturbed. So refrain from picking up the noisy vacuum cleaner when your dog is sleeping. They would only rudely wake him up, which can mean stress for the animal.
Try to use noisy household items only when your dog is awake. If he feels disturbed by the noise, he should be able to retreat to another room.
Turn down the music and TV
The dog’s basket is often in the living room, where there is also a radio and television. It’s important for the dog to rest, so it’s best to avoid loud music or a wild action movie now. As a dog owner, it should be a matter, of course, to take the needs of the animal into consideration.
Lots of strange and noisy people
When your dog is resting, it can be very irritating for him to be awakened by frequent doorbells and loud conversations. If he is torn out of his resting phase and immediately confronted with many new people with strange smells, this can be overwhelming for the dog.
Do not pet sleeping dogs
The dog can be startled if it is awakened from a deep sleep. That’s why: No matter how cute you may find your dog when it’s sleeping in its basket, it’s best not to pet it now. He is awakened by the touch and his restful sleep is disturbed.
Keep other pets away from him
In a household with several animals, you should make sure that each of them has enough time to rest. For example, if an excited young cat wants to play with the senior dog, even though the senior dog obviously wants to withdraw, you have to intervene.
Sick or old animals, in particular, need a lot of sleep. Be sure to help your four-legged friend get the rest he needs. It is best to occupy yourself with the awake animals so that the tired ones can retire and sleep undisturbed.
Don’t wake the dog!
The general rule is: only if the dog is left alone while sleeping can it really recover. Refrain from waking him up. Even if you just feel like playing or walking him, that’s no reason to wake him up.
Dogs need to sleep to stay healthy. Sleep is just as important for them as it is for humans in order to process the events of the past day. Permanent lack of sleep in dogs has a negative effect on the immune system and the process of cell repair, among other things. Disturbing him during his sleep can be dangerous in the long run.
What to do with nightmares
Even if you have the feeling that the dog is having a bad dream, it is better not to wake it up. However, it can be good for your dog if you gently place your hand on its stomach and speak very quietly to gently let it feel you are close. Some dogs calm down this way.
The dog should always be left alone when sleeping, because this is the only way for it to recover. A rested dog is not only healthier, but also mentally fitter and ready for new experiences.