Why does my Chihuahua sleep so much?
Do you wonder why your Chihuahua sleeps so much? Usually, there is no need to worry because all dog breeds sleep a lot. In this article, we will go into more detail about how much a Chihuahua sleeps.
Sleep is essential for your Chihuahua to stay healthy and recover properly. A Chihuahua sleeps between 17 and 20 hours a day. But a large part of this time is not sleeping, but more like dozing. Puppies need even more sleep, up to 22 hours a day. So if your Chihuahua is sleeping a lot, it is nothing to worry about. Too little sleep in the long run, however, can lead to health problems.
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How long does a Chihuahua sleep?
Sleep and rest are also essential for Chihuahuas and dogs in general. Dogs’ sleep needs are met by dozing, resting, and deep sleep.
A Chihuahua sleeps a total of between 17 and 20 hours a day. However, most of this time, your Chihuahua does not spend in deep sleep but merely dozing.
The eyes are closed, but your Chihuahua gets through their ears and nose everything that happens in his environment.
When resting, compared to dozing, the eyes are usually open.
In deep sleep, your Chihuahua is only 6 to 8 hours.
How long do Chihuahua puppies sleep?
Chihuahua puppies still need a little more sleep and rest than adult Chihuahuas. This is because everything is new and more strenuous for them.
They are getting to know everything, absorb smells and sounds for the first time, and have to process them. This all happens while they are sleeping or resting.
A Chihuahua puppy can sleep up to 22 hours a day.
Why does a Chihuahua sleep so much?
A Chihuahua sleeps so much to recover, process, and regenerate the experienced situations from the day.
So if you have done a lot with your Chihuahua, like a trip to a forest, he will probably sleep more and need more rest afterward than if you have gone for your daily pee-pee walk.
Also, mental exercise is exhausting for dogs and leads to the fact that they sleep afterward because they are tired.
Chihuahua sleeps too little.
Sleep and rest are essential for your Chihuahua to regenerate and stay healthy.
Too little sleep can lead to the following symptoms in your Chihuahua in the long run:
Your Chihuahua seems over-excited
- too little sleep can lead to a loss of concentration
- too little sleep can make your Chihuahua more irritable and aggressive
- lack of sleep can make you more susceptible to diseases
So sleep is essential not only for us humans but also for your Chihuahua and dogs in general.
Tips on how to get your Chihuahua to sleep more
Many dogs have to learn to rest first. Some dogs are always ready to walk or play with you if you encourage them.
So it is up to you to give your Chihuahua puppy enough rest and breaks from the beginning.
This has the advantage that it is healthy, as already mentioned, and you will not have to keep your Chihuahua busy all the time later.
You can also accustom a dog, one more the other less, to work and exercise.
Especially with breeds that need a lot of exercise, it is essential to ensure they have enough breaks and rest periods, especially when they are puppies.
Bring your Chihuahua in between in his dog bed and ensure he stays there.
Regular times for walking, playing, and sleeping or resting will help you to get your Chihuahua used to breaks.
For example, we always have a walk before the first feeding. After that, our dogs are usually exhausted and full and want to go to their dog bed to digest and sleep.
Does a Chihuahua need a dog bed?
Even if your Chihuahua likes to lie next to you on the couch or sleep in your bed, I think he needs his dog bed or dog pillow as a retreat.
When your Chihuahua goes to his dog bed, it must be clear that he will be left alone and not disturbed.
A Chihuahua must have the opportunity to retreat when he needs rest. Next to you on the couch, especially when children are in the house, is never really quiet.
A fixed place where your Chihuahua knows that he has his peace there and can withdraw is essential.
The dog bed from Bedsure* is perfect for the little Chihuahua to rest. It’s washable and has an edge, which most dogs love because it provides some protection.
*Amazon affiliate/advertiser link
Frequently Asked Questions
How much exercise does a Chihuahua need?
Even though the Chihuahua is a small dog, they have energy. A Chihuahua needs at least 1 hour of exercise daily to be tired.
How often does a Chihuahua need to be fed?
Ideally, a Chihuahua should be fed two times a day. The best feeding times are in the morning and the evening after a walk.
Conclusion: Why does my Chihuahua sleep so much?
A Chihuahua typically spends most of the day sleeping. Between 17 and 20 hours is entirely normal, and no cause for concern. However, it is essential to distinguish between deep sleep, dozing, and rest. A Chihuahua is only in a deep sleep for 6 to 8 hours. The rest of the time, he is still aware of what is happening in his environment. If your Chihuahua sleeps too little, this can lead to health problems.
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