The truth about your pet's sleeping habits

Nothing beats a good night’s sleep or even a restorative catnap during the day. Well, the same goes for our pets. They make us smile with their quirky sleeping positions, cute twitches as they dream and lazy stretches in the morning. But just like us, their slumber can be affected by external factors, ranging from noise to nutrition.

There’s no need to lose sleep over your companion’s sleeping behaviours though, as the grain-free pet food experts at Canagan have addressed common questions posed by pet owners.

HOW MANY HOURS IS A DOG SUPPOSED TO SLEEP?

On average, dogs sleep for 12-14 hours a day. Effectively they spend 50% of the day snoozing, 30% lying awake and 20% being active. Of course, this can vary. For example:

• playful puppies burn lots of energy exploring and interacting so may need up to 18-20 hours’ rest
• much older dogs also tend to need more relaxation time
• certain larger breeds have earned the nickname ‘mat dogs’ due to their love of naps - Mastiffs, St. Bernards and Great Pyrenees in particular
• working pooches — like police or farm dogs — can survive on fewer hours of sleep than their fellow companions who lounge around the house

MY PET CAN’T SLEEP, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

There can also be the worry of a pet sleeping too little. A poor companion that’s struggling to drift off can disrupt your sleep too. A dog may bark, a cat may meow excessively, and both may even scratch at the bedroom door if they’re sleep deprived.

If this situation is not dealt with, sleep deprivation risks escalating into depression, with symptoms including lethargy and withdrawal in yourself. By adopting the following tips, your companion is more likely to settle down when they should:

• Create a routine: Set a time each day to dish up breakfast, go for a walk (if you own a dog), serve dinner and settle down for bed. It may be harder to get the timings right at the weekend but try to stick to the routine as closely as possible. The evening routine is key; choose a dinner slot that allows your pup time to digest but leaves them feeling satisfied and sleepy — say at 5pm. It’s wise to avoid giving them treats or exciting them with play before bedtime hours. Ensure they’ve gone to the toilet too, so they won’t be hassling you at night or worse, do their business elsewhere
• Show them love: It’s vital to meet your pet’s social needs. They’ll really appreciate cuddles before bedtime and may slowly drift off as a result
• Exercise: It’s no secret that exercise is key to better physical and mental wellbeing. If you’re a dog owner, going on walkies, for a run or simply playing together improves their health and happiness. Better yet, Canagan research proves that it boosts our mood too! Tiring your dog out through exercise can lead to a night of uninterrupted slumber. Similarly, with cats, it’s worth investing in a cat tower so they can climb, scratch and perch. Brightly coloured balls and moving toys can also be outlets for their hunting impulses
• Evaluate their sleeping environment: Ensure your companion has a warm, comfortable place to sleep. Invest in a good quality bed and a soft blanket, so that they snooze off in no time. Cats will seek out a private, quiet nook to settle into, no matter what the time of day, so support their needs by creating a snug sanctuary like a cardboard box padded with a quilt. Check the temperature of the room, ensuring it’s not too hot or cold. Low, ambient sound can also help. Reduce loud outside noise and bright lighting streaming in at night-time, if possible
• Settling in new pets to the home:Puppies and kittens need a little extra TLC. If you’ve welcomed a new companion into the family, who has recently been separated from their mother and / or litter, they may take time to acclimatise to a new routine, sights and smells. Therefore, settling to sleep may be harder. Another common reason for sleeplessness is over-excitement — your companion may simply not be ready for bed yet! With good training and clear instructions from a young age, they’ll soon learn the boundaries at bedtime
• Check for medical conditions:If your pet is still experiencing sleep problems, check in with your vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions — especially in older companions, who have previously slept through. Discuss any changes in behaviour, movement, appetite and sleeping pattern with your vet; they can advise and offer medication if needed. Once your vet has ruled out illness, they may refer you to a clinical animal behaviourist with a specialist understanding of animal psychology

DOES MY DOG OR CAT’S NUTRITION IMPACT ITS SLEEP?

It’s crucial that your companion consumes sufficient food and water throughout the day. Lack of hydration and nutrition can zap their energy levels. In turn, they may feel sluggish during the day then head to bed on an empty stomach, meaning their sleep quality suffers. There’s nothing more distracting than a grumbly tummy.

Equally, if your companion feels too full at bedtime, they may struggle to get comfortable. That’s why it’s important to time dinner just right before bed and calm their excitement or desire to play, to eliminate any digestive disturbances.

Dogs and cats are carnivores that, in the wild, would enjoy mini meat-based meals throughout the day. It’s therefore wise to mirror this ancestral diet with the correct ratio of meat protein and fat to carbohydrate. Exploring a grain-free diet for your domestic cat or dog will mean they receive wholesome food with plenty of nutritional benefits. Ensure you make the switch gradually to avoid digestive upset. This way, they’ll stay energised for longer and sufficiently sated for a restorative rest.

WHY DOES MY CAT SLEEP UNDER THE COVER?

Cats snuggle down under the covers to feel safe and secure. However, their reasoning is more practical than emotional. Just like us, felines want to stay warm; their sleeping habits are temperature related. Cats are nocturnal creatures, so it’s unlikely that they’ll be your bed buddy for long, but a shared catnap during the day can feel comforting and strengthen your bond.

Sleeping with a pet isn’t for everyone; sometimes a cuddle on the sofa is more than enough! Good quality sleep is vital to both you and your pet, but if they (or you) are tossing and turning, your night together will be highly disruptive. Fur also floats around, which may cause sneezing; it’s a particularly bad idea to share the bed if you suffer with asthma or allergies.

WHY DOES MY PET SLEEP BY MY FEET, STOMACH OR HEAD?

You may notice that your companion likes to sleep on random parts of your body. For dogs, this behaviour stems from their pack mentality. They instinctively huddle close to loved ones, but also feel the need to protect or guard you.

When a cat sleeps on top of you - they’re acutely aware of it and it is a conscious decision. They’re territorial and possessive by nature. In truth, your cat is actually letting you sleep by their side. This remains a sign of huge affection and if they’re licking you too, they truly see you as one of their own.

WHAT DO MY DOG’S SLEEP POSITIONS MEAN?

Your dog’s sleeping position can tell us a lot about their character and health. Relaxed dogs will fall asleep on their backs or their side, while playful pooches will sleep on their tummy.

Here are common dog sleeping positions:

• The Donut: This is when canines curl up into a little ball. Not only is this position comfy, but it helps pups regulate their body temperature. You’ll notice in summer that dogs do the reverse, stretching out on cool surfaces. Being tightly coiled also makes our furry friends feel less vulnerable.⁶



• The Superman: Some dogs like to sleep on their stomachs, with their front legs fully outstretched before their heads and their hind legs kicking back. One reason may be because the fur on your pup’s underside is not as thick and insulating as on the rest of their body. Otherwise, if they’re snoozing in a warm environment, lying in this position may cool them down.



• The Lion: When your pup is sleeping with their head resting on their paws, the likelihood is that they’re dozing and not in a deep sleep. Felines also take cat naps in this position, affectionately known as the ‘Cat Loaf’, so they can spring into action if needed; otherwise, they’re simply enjoying their comfy surrounding.



• The Side Sleeper: This common position involves a companion lying on their side, legs extended. It’s a sign that they’re relaxed, comfortable and trust their surroundings. Your pet may initially fall asleep in ‘The Lion’ position, then slump into the ‘Side Sleeper’ as their muscles relax, and they drift into a deeper slumber.



• The Cuddle Bug: For some pups, there’s nowhere safer or more snuggly to snooze than on top of their favourite human. This behaviour may stem from being a puppy and needing closeness to another to regulate their body heat. It’s learned feeling of comfort can linger into adulthood.

WHAT DO MY CAT’S SLEEP POSITIONS MEAN?

The sleeping position that cats adopt can also indicate how they feel about their surroundings⁷:

• Curled up: Felines wrap their tails gracefully and tuck their heads tightly into their chest to conserve body heat. Instinct also tells them that a rival cat could sneak up to them at any time, so this is also a protective position.



• Cat in a Box: Cats seek out small spaces to sleep in, to make them feel safe. Your cat might welcome a box with four solid walls to squeeze their fluffy form in, especially in lively households with children and other animals. Because they’re nocturnal creatures, it’s fair for them to slip away for privacy and uninterrupted slumber.



• Belly Up: A feline’s stomach is their most vulnerable area. They’re very conscious of what might happen if the wrong creature approached them in this exposed state. So, if they’re sprawled out with their tummy facing the ceiling, take this as a compliment - they’re fully trusting and confident in their surroundings. Unlike dogs, cats don’t take kindly to belly rubs, so try to resist the temptation of fussing them, especially if they’re relaxed enough to sleep like this.

CAN MY PET SLEEP IN THE SAME ROOM AS MY BABY?

If you’re a new parent, it’s wise to keep your dog or cat out of your little one’s room while they are sleeping. Excitable, affectionate or curious pets might wish to jump onto the cots, which can increase your baby’s risk of injury. It’s again important to be mindful of floating fur, which could affect your child’s breathing.

If your pet has historically been the ‘baby’ of the household, and therefore used to receiving lots of attention, they might experience jealousy when a new child comes along. Slowly reduce the amount of attention you offer your companion in the lead-up to the new arrival, to allow them time to adjust. Make it clear that the baby’s room is a no-go area, as early as possible.

Being wise to your pet’s sleeping habits and ensuring they can get sufficient shuteye with simple lifestyle changes, will protect their wellbeing so they can continue being your energetic, loving companion. They’ll sleep easy and you’ll rest assured.