Dogs Sleep With One Eye Open?

Ever wonder what is up with dogs and the hours and hours per day they sleep?  Excluding working dogs, dogs sleep from 13 to nearly 20 hours per day depending on the size, breed, and age–more than half their lives.

Pat Pape, a Dallas Examiner pet products writer, notes that dogs have cycles of non-REM and REM sleep, like their people, and can dream loudly, with woofs, whines, and legs flailing.  The old maxim “let sleeping dogs lie” serves the dog well(and possibly whatever part of your anatomy is within biting reach): while dogs may spend the better part of their lives sleeping, Pape points out that most of that sleep is fraught with interruptions.  No wonder they can be so cranky when we try to “save” them from dog nightmares! 

Most dogs, home alone all day, with perhaps a visit from a professional walker or a helpful relative, sleep.  They must be a little bored with no squeeky toys to chase.  Since people’s lives are so littered with projects, programs, and family needs, dog walks may amount to less than 30 minutes per day, contributing to behavior problems and/or weight gain. 

Keep this in mind if you notice your dog is getting a little ornery, paces, or becomes destructive.  After consulting with your Vet, you may need to consider a doggy treadmill.