Do Shih Tzus sleep a lot

Do Shih Tzu Sleep A lot: Should You Let Them Sleep With You?

Shih Tzus are small, cuddly lapdogs loved worldwide for their affectionate and loyal personalities. But did you know they can sleep up to 18 hours a day? Thats right, these little pups love to snooze, and theyre not afraid to show it.

So why do Shih Tzu sleep a lot? How has this long-haired pup become such an excellent napping companion?

In this blog post, well discuss why your Shih Tzu sleeps a lot and want to share your bed and whether or not you should let them.

Why do Shih Tzu sleep a lot?

There are a few reasons why Shih Tzus sleep so much:

1. Shih Tzus are small dogs

Theaverage weightof a Shih Tzu is between 9 and 16 pounds. It makes them one of the smaller dog breeds. Smaller dogs generally have a higher metabolism and burn energy more quickly than larger dogs. As a result, they tend to sleep more than their larger counterparts.

2. Shih Tzus are bred for companionship

Shih Tzus were originally bred in China for companionship. They were bred to be lapdogs and to providecompanionshipto their owners. As a result, they strongly desire to be close to their humans and will often follow them around the house or sleep next to them in bed.

3. Shih Tzus have short noses

Shih Tzus have what is known as brachycephalic syndrome, meaning they have short noses and flat faces. It can cause respiratory problems, such as difficulty breathing, snoring, and snorting. It can also lead to overheating, as the short nose does not allow for adequate airflow. Because of this, Shih Tzus need to sleep more than other dog breeds to regulate their body temperature.

4. Shih Tzus are prone to anxiety

Many Shih Tzus suffer fromanxiety or separation anxietywhen their owners leave them alone. It can lead to destructive behaviors, such as chewing on furniture orurinatinginside the house. Sleeping is often a way for anxious dogs to cope with anxiety and feel more relaxed.

5. Shih Tzus are susceptible to health problems

Shih Tzus are susceptible to several health problems, such as respiratory problems,eye problems,allergies, and joint problems. These health problems can be exacerbated by stress, which is why Shih Tzus need to get plenty of rest.

Why does your Shih Tzu sleep with you?

Shih Tzus are relatively inactive indoors, dozing the day away. They are quiet, gentle companion dogs that adapt readily to many different lifestyles and living situations. There are a few reasons why your Shih Tzu may prefer to sleep with you rather than alone in their bed:

1. Its comforting

Your Shih Tzu may sleep with you because it is comforting. Dogs are social animals and thrive on companionship. When you are away, your dog may feel anxious and stressed. Sleeping with you can help to ease your dogs anxiety and provide a sense of security.

2. Its warm

Another reason your Shih Tzu may sleep with you is that it is warm. Dogs are susceptible to cold weather and need a warm place to sleep. Your bed is likely the warmest spot in your house, so it makes sense that your dog would want to sleep there.

3. Its familiar

Sleeping with you may also be familiar to your Shih Tzu. If you have always allowed your dog to sleep in your bed, then it is likely that sleeping in your bed is what feels normal and comfortable for your dog.

4. You smell good

Your Shih Tzu may also enjoy sleeping with you because you smell good. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and can detect odor at a concentration up to 100 times lower than humans. So, if you smell good to your dog, it makes sense that they would want to sleep close to you.

5. It feels safe

Sleeping in their owners bed feels safe and secure for many dogs. Its especially true for small breeds like Shih Tzus, who may feel vulnerable whenleft alone. Sleeping in bed can help your dog feel protected and safe from harm.

Should You Let Your Shih Tzu Sleep with You?

If youre a proud Shih Tzu parent, you may wonder if letting your furry companion sleep in bed with you is okay. On the one hand, there are some benefits to co-sleeping with your pupbut on the other hand, there are some potential drawbacks as well.

1. Benefits of Sleeping With Your Shih Tzu

One of the most obvious benefits of letting your pup sleep in bed with you is that it can help strengthen thebondbetween pet and owner. Sharing close quarters with your pet teaches them they are safe and secure, which can help ease anxiety or fear.

Sleeping together can also help keep you and your dog warm during cold nights. There are some potential health benefits as well; studies have shown that people who share their beds with their pets sleep better than those who dont. Having a pet in the bed can help reduce stress levels before bedtime, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Finally, co-sleeping with your pup can provide comfort and security for the pet and the owner.

2. Potential Drawbacks of Sleeping With Your Shih Tzu

Of course, there are some potential drawbacks to consider before allowing your pup into bed with you. For starters, having an animal in the bedroom can lead to added allergens due to fur or dander; this could be problematic if anyone in the home has allergies or asthma.

Additionally, dogs have an instinctive desire to protect their ownerswhich means they could become overly protective while sleeping near them at night. And finally, having a dog in bed could lead to disruptions like snoring or pacing throughout the nightmaking it harder for everyone involved to get a good nights rest.

How Can You Help Your Shih Tzu Get Enough Sleep?

The key to helping your pup get enough rest is creating an environment where he feels safe and secure. Start by setting specificnap timesthroughout the day, so your pup knows when it is time for them to rest.

Additionally, ensure no distractions, such as loud noises or bright lights; these can easily disrupt your dogs sleep schedule and cause unnecessary stress and anxiety during naptime.

Finally, ensure your pup has access to plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated; dehydration can also lead to excessive sleeping in humans and animals.

Conclusion

So, do Shih Tzu sleep a lot? Shih Tzus may seem small, but these little pups need a lot of rest! While most adult dogs only require 12-14 hours daily, these special little guys often require closer to 15-18 hours each day due to their unique anatomy and size compared to larger breeds. Fortunately, with careful planning, you can ensure that your pup gets the quality shut-eye they need while having fun during regular playtime sessions throughout the week! With your help and dedication, your Shih Tzu should be able to live a happy and healthy life full of lots of sleepy snuggles!

FAQs

How many hours Shih Tzu should sleep?

Shih Tzu dogs typically sleep for twelve to fourteen hours per day, although this can vary depending on the age and health of the individual. Generally, puppies will require more sleep than mature adults, while elderly dogs may need anywhere from sixteen to eighteen hours of rest each day.

Is it normal for a Shih Tzu to sleep all day?

Yes, it is normal for a Shih Tzu to sleep more than other breeds of dogs. They are known as lapdogs, and they tend to enjoy cuddling and napping throughout the day. Adequate exercise can help reduce this sleepy behavior, but overall their sleep patterns are usually quite natural.

Do Shih Tzus snore while sleeping?

Yes, Shih Tzus can snore while sleeping. Like all small dogs, their airways are narrower and more prone to having respiratory blockages which can lead to snoring. However, this doesnt happen in every case and it varies from individual to individual.

Why do Shih Tzus sleep on their back?

Shih Tzus sleep on their back because this position allows them to stay warm and comfortable while they rest. It also helps to protect their vital organs while sleeping, allowing them a sense of safety and security.

Do Shih Tzus prefer light or dark when sleeping?

Shih Tzus typically prefer to sleep in a dark and quiet place. They are sensitive to light and sounds, so its important to provide them with a comfortable space where they can relax. Most owners find that by providing their pet with a blanket or bed in a darkened corner of the house, their Shih Tzu can get the rest it needs.

Do Shih Tzus Sleep a Lot?

Its a fact that all dogs sleep a lot more than humans. Sometimes it can seem like sleeping is all they do. But if you have a Shih Tzu or two you might be wondering do Shih Tzus sleep a lot? Heres what you need to know

Do Shih Tzus Sleep a Lot?

Sleep is an essential part of life.

We spend one-third of our lives sleeping, and its a huge factor in keeping us healthy.

But you might not know much about the sleep patterns of different breeds of dogs.

So lets take a look at Shih Tzus.

Shih Tzu Sleep Patterns

Like most dogs, these pups need to sleep a lot.

They have a lot of energy and are playful, but also like to get some much-needed rest.

They tend to be very good at napping throughout the day and evening, and thats just an important part of life for these little ones.

A long nap will usually leave them happier than before the nap.

How much sleep is normal for a Shih Tzu will depend a lot on its age and health.

How Much Should Your Shih Tzu Sleep?

If your Shih Tzu is a newborn or a puppy under the age of one month, you can expect them to sleep up to 16 hours per day.

Just like human babies, they need a lot of sleep because they are growing pretty quickly at this stage.

Once a Shih Tzu is over a month old, they will sleep a bit less and more likely clock in at 12 hours per day.

They will sleep the normal eight hours per night with their owner and then nap throughout the day for about another 4 hours.

This sleeping pattern will continue until they reach the age of about 10 years old.

After the age of 10, Shih Tzus will start to sleep more.

By 12 years of age, they are considered a senior dog and you can expect them to sleep as much as 16 hours a day.

My Shih Tzu, Truman is now going on 16 years of age. He is certainly an old man and is much less active than he once was.

He is no longer even interested in his toys.

His favorite pastime is sleep and that he does. Dogs of this age can sleep up to 19 hours per day.

Id say he falls into this range.

Your Shih Tzus Health

Depending on your Shih Tzus health they may sleep more than the average. If they arent feeling well, they will be less active.

As they age and have more age-related issues, you can expect them to sleep more.

However, if your Shih Tzu is normally pretty active and awake and all of the sudden starts sleeping much more, it is time to take them to your vet to see if there is a serious issue that needs tending.

Do Shih Tzus Snore?

Shih Tzus can snore, but not all of them do.

If this happens, there are a few things you should keep in mind: One is that it can be completely normal.

Another is that it doesnt necessarily mean your pup has health problems.

A lot of Shih Tzus have breathing issues, so snoring can be a side effect of that.

Of course, if your Shih Tzu starts to snore out of the blue, then you should have them checked out by a vet to make sure there isnt a more serious issue.

Why Do Shih Tzus Sleep so Much?

These pups will sleep a lot because they are very active during the day.

They need to be able to run and play throughout the day, but it doesnt take much to wear them out.

If you play with your Shih Tzu a lot, they will need quiet time to catch a few Zs.

Should You Let Your Shih Tzus Sleep With You?

Its very common for Shih Tzus to sleep with their owners.

This is how they have been bred, and its considered quite normal.

Just know that as they age, they may not sleep through the night as well as they did when they were younger. This means you wont sleep as well either and it will be too late to kick them off the bed

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How to Help Your Shih Tzu Puppy Sleep at Night

When you have a puppy, they will need to sleep for longer periods of the day.

This is normal, and you can even expect your puppy to sleep more soundly.

You will probably notice that they get up to use the bathroom several times a night because their bladder hasnt developed fully yet.

This is all normal for a puppy, so dont worry about it too much.

However, there are some things you can do that might make it easier for your pup at night.

You can choose calming music that will play throughout the night. Many people find that this helps their pup sleep better at night, and you wont have to worry about getting up as much.

There are also some pheromone sprays that you can spray in your dogs room if they are having trouble sleeping throughout the night.

These sprays can help calm your dog and help them sleep more soundly without having to get up and use the bathroom all the time.

A hot water bottle with warm water covered by a towel can also make sleeping through the night easier. Your Shih Tzu wont feel as alone as the water bottle will remind the puppy of the heat from its mother.

A ticking clock can also make it feel as if there are other puppies there as well as it mimics their heartbeat.

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To Sum it All Up:

It is normal for your Shih Tzu to sleep from 12 hours a day to 19 hours per day depending on their age and their health.

Please Note:

This article is informational only and does not substitute for veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your Shih Tzus behavior. This article should not be considered in any way as veterinarian advice.