They occupy the largest storage space on our phones and bring us the most satisfaction, but sometimes also a lot of worries. We are devoted to our pets, and keep an at them throughout the day. If you observe something that isn’t there before, you might be worried that something is not right. What is the case, for instance, do dogs or cats rest more during the winter? Do they suffer from depression during the winter months as humans do? What can you do if they’re experiencing a lot of Z’s? We were fortunate enough to speak with vets to learn about the feline and canine winter sleep habits so that you can have assurance.
What is the amount of sleep Pets and Cats Really Need?
As per Dr. Jeff Werber, DVM, an Emmy award-winning veterinarian and consultant for Fi The majority of adult dogs sleep between eight to 14 hours each day. “While humans need only between seven and nine hours of rest, the average is around 11 hours of sleep for dogs that are adults,” he explains. “Meanwhile puppies and older can be found sleeping anywhere from about 18-20 hours each day in bed.”
Cat sleeping patterns differ slightly from doggies. According to Werber says, felines spend 70% of their time asleep most of which is done through cat napping. If you look at daily data this is equivalent to 18 hours of rest every day for more than forty percent of felines.
While pups are more likely to sleep for longer periods, Werber says cats will have multiple times during the day when they are asleep in short bursts. “These cat naps typically last one hour and a quarter in length, ranging between 15 and 100 mins,” the expert explains. Although humans are a part of a cycle where we rest at night and are awake all daytime, pets usually follow this pattern. Cats are not.
Werber states that cats are crepuscular. That means they experience two periods of activity. One is in the morning, before sunrise, and another in the evening, before sunset, so they’re typically up late at night. “This is because of their nature as predators–cats are known to be hunting during the day and the night, and the early in the morning and late at night is when they have the chance to rest,” he adds.
Do dogs and Cats sleep more in the Wintertime?
Werber claims that cats and dogs are more likely to nap for a bit longer in winter months. The majority of this is because of the same kind of reasons that humans are less active. it’s cold! “They’ll search for a cozy blanket to snuggle with and a warm place to rest. If they don’t have some external sources of heat, they could have to move around to stay warm,” he explains.
It is possible to wonder whether your dog is bred to endure freezing temperatures like a Husky or a Malamute or the Samoyed–do they still require more rest? A little bit. Like Werber says the coat of a dog acts as a thermos, but they could still be cold, and some of it may be transferred to their feet. “At the end of the day it makes them desire to rest more,” he adds.
Felines can also take in more zzzs due for the same reason. However, in the past, the colder months meant less hunting, and they are able to reduce their energy as he explains.
RELATED: Do Cats Get Cold? How Can You Help Your Cat Stay Warm this Winter
Can dogs and Cats get seasonal depression as well as Cabin Fever?
In short, definitely. Animals are more agitated when they’re in the house more frequently than in other seasons. For instance, in the summer months, you can leave the back door open to allow animals to roam around your enclosed yard without restriction. The warmer weather makes it more enjoyable for them to go on zoomies inside. A shorter time spent chasing balls (or for real, squirrels) and going on an adventure can cause them to experience something like seasonal depression.
What’s more crucial than keeping track of the season is keeping track of the routine changes. Be aware that at times your pet may feel less energetic, which is normal. “Even though dogs may sleep most of the time, however, the remainder of the 50% of their day isn’t all-out activity. The average dog will sleep between 20 and 30 percent of the time they’re not sleeping,” Werber says.
The issue is that dogs don’t want to move in any way it’s a sign there’s something wrong. According to Werber suggests, if you notice that your patterns have changed, it could require a thorough examination by your veterinarian.
In general, the routine of dogs will include waking up early in the morning, before a rest that lasts between three and four hours. If you observe a constant rise to between five and six hours of sleep it is recommended to consult your pet’s veterinarian. “Irregular sleeping patterns could be indicators of diabetes, hyperthyroidism as well as cardiovascular disease that are not supplying enough oxygen for the brain” He continues. ” Arthritis could cause sleepiness because it causes pain when pets move.”
In cats hypothyroidism, is an illness in which thyroid glands don’t produce sufficient thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. This can result in sleepiness and lethargy, Werber warns. Hyperthyroidism is a common occurrence in cats who are older, and they may become hyperactive. It is possible that they eat more, but being thin.
How to Make Sure That Your Cat or Dog isn’t Napping All Night
It is important to keep in mind that as a pet’s parent the pet you love best. Therefore, should you be concerned if your pet’s regular activities are getting replaced by more sleep or they appear less active than usual this could be an indication that something isn’t right according to Michelle Lugones, DVM, the veterinarian of Best Friends Animal Society? But, this does come with a warning take a look at the context of the event.
“If your pet is taking the medication that causes sleepiness, you might observe that they are sleeping more. If your pet has gone suffering from a stressful event, like just coming to their home after being hospitalized due to an illness, they will likely require some time to heal and regain their strength,” she says. On a more serious note in the event that your pet participated in long-lasting play or an exercise session, they may rest a bit longer than normal after the event.
For cats and dogs sleeping less and more frequently, it is a sign that they’re not being stimulated enough. If you’re binge-watching Netflix movies instead of taking a stroll (and consequently, taking your pet along for the ride) you’re not getting the same amount of attention as they would in the summer when it’s warm.
Particularly with cats, Werber says they could cause insomnia since you did not take enough time with your pet throughout the day. If you are able to make sure you schedule an entire 20-30 minutes of vigorous playtime with your pet indoors in the coldest months of the season. This will help increase their energy levels and keep them active.
Vitamin D is also essential. While vets suggest that it’s not necessary to supplement but putting on a coat to combat the temperature when the sun is shining can be beneficial for both you and your pet. In order to get your cat to lie in the window might require some effort, however thoughtfully placed treats can benefit enormously.
The best test is to find out whether your pet’s sleeping habits are something to worry about or if it is linked to essential purposes. Lugones suggests that your dog or cat should be easily awakened from their sleeping, and consume their food in the same way as they normally do. If it takes some time to convince them to wake up from their sleep or to show some interest in food consult your vet. Otherwise? Take them for a winter nap. And maybe, you can take one for yourself too!
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