4 Common Shih Tzu Sleeping Disorders

Shih Tzu love to sleep a lot, in this post, we will be discussing the most common Shih Tzu sleeping disorders you might experience with your Shih Tzu.

We will outline some of the importance of sleeping to your Shih Tzu, and finally, we will outline and discuss some common factors that affect your Shih Tzu sleep.

In Shih Tzus, there are signs of sleeping problems

The following are some of the most prevalent indicators of sleeping disturbances in Shih Tzus:

During sleep, there is a lot of snoring coming from the Shih Tzu.
Before going to sleep, the Shih changes the position of the bed.

The Shih Tzu is always sleeping with his eyes open.
Sleeping for longer than usual lengths of time.
Hanging anywhere for a brief nap and panting in the middle of the day.

At night, Shih Tzu keep pacing inside of sleeping.
Physical exercise is carried out when sleeping.
After an activity, there is a sudden collapse.

At night, it chews its bed.
While asleep, the Shih Tzu maybe howling.
Insisting on sharing a bed with the owner, etc.

Shih Tzu Sleeping Disorders

The average adult Shih Tzu sleeps 13 to 15 hours per day, including both daytime and nocturnal sleep.

Sleep-deprived Shih Tzus may cry, whimper, or wake up often throughout the night, become drowsy during the day or look bewildered when doing routine tasks.

Because sleep deprivation may produce a buildup of stress hormones, Shih Tzus with sleep troubles may become more aggressive or develop other behavioral problems.

Shih Tzus have been linked to the following sleeping disorders:

1. Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy in Shih Tzus is a nervous system sleep disorder that mostly affects younger Shih Tzus.

Narcolepsy is caused by a genetic defect in which the brain produces low quantities of hypocretin, a hormone that helps maintain alertness and regular sleep cycles.

Shih Tzus with narcolepsy slump on their side and fall asleep suddenly, usually after a period of excitement or hard activity.

The Shih Tzu will be startled awake by an external stimulation such as a loud noise or caressing.

2. REM behavior disorder

Body movement or activity during sleep is a symptom of REM Behavior Disorder in hyperactive dogs like Shih Tzus.

For certain Shih Tzus, this tendency can become extreme or violent, such as dashing into walls or attacking artificial objects.

The difference between REM Behavior Disorder and seizures is that Shih Tzus with REM Behavior Disorder wakes up properly, with no confusion or disorientation.

Take your Shih Tzu to the vet as soon as possible if you notice any changes in his sleeping patterns.

Collaborate with your veterinarian to establish a treatment plan that will successfully control the illness and help your Shih Tzu sleep better once the ailment has been accurately detected.

3. Insomnia

In Shih Tzus, anxiety, physical health issues like arthritis or an accident, stress, itchy illnesses, renal sickness, or diabetes are all major reasons for sleeplessness.

In older Shih Tzus, cognitive impairment caused by brain degeneration can disrupt sleep patterns and cause insomnia.

Exercising regularly during the day, scheduling playtime before night, improving the sleeping environment, and purchasing an ergonomic bed for your Shih Tzu if they have arthritis are all well-known methods for easing insomnia in Shih Tzus.

4. Apnea condition

Overweight Shih Tzus, as well as flat-faced breeds like English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Pugs, are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea.

A common sign of sleep apnea is loud and persistent snoring. Weight loss, surgery, and steam air purifiers are all alternatives for obese Shih Tzu treatment.

Excessive internal fat or abnormal respiratory architecture might cause a dog’s airway to collapse or narrow, waking him up for 9 to 15 seconds at a time and causing sleep apnea.

If your Shih Tzu is snoring loudly and wakes up frequently during the night, seek immediate veterinary attention.

Importance of sleeping to Shih Tzus

The following are some of the most prevalent Shih Tzu advantages of sleeping:

In Shih Tzus, sleeping enables for appropriate and continuous growth.
In Shih Tzus, regular sleeping reduces brain deterioration.
Shih Tzus’ immune systems are boosted by sleeping.

Shih Tzus benefit from sleep because it helps them form new neurological connections.
Shih Tzus’ brains are kept nimble by proper sleeping with disturbances.
Shih Tzus’ learning ability improves while they sleep.

The Shih Tzu body conserves and restores energy during sleeping.
In Shih Tzus, sleeping supports a healthy heart.
In Shih Tzus, sleeping relieves stress.

In Shih Tzus, sleeping increases comfort.
In Shih Tzus, sleeping helps to alleviate depression.

Factors that affect the sleeping habits of Shih Tzus

Here are some things that might affect how fast your Shih Tzu sleeps:

1. Environmental temperature

Because of their body size and nose shape, Shih Tzus are prone to heat exhaustion.

Shih Tzus are not bred to withstand hot environments, thus they have trouble sleeping and may become anxious when the weather is hot.

So, if your Shih Tzu is having trouble sleeping, check to see if your surroundings are conducive to his or her body temperature.

2. Environmental noises

Even people find it difficult to sleep when everything is noisy, so imagine how much more difficult it is for your Shih Tzu that loves to sleep a lot.

If your Shih Tzu is having trouble sleeping, make sure the environment is quiet and there are no loud noises in the area.

If you live in a busy area, just make sure you provide a cool and calm spot for your Shih Tzu to hang out and take a nap.

3. Sleeping disorders

Whether you pay close attention, you will always be able to tell if your Shih Tzu has a sleeping condition.

The most prevalent sleeping issues in Shih Tzus have been listed here.

The following are Shih Tzu sleeping issues:

Narcolepsy
REM behavior disorder

Insomnia
Sleep Apnea

Sleeping disorders found in Shih Tzus can greatly affect the way a Shih Tzu sleep.

4. Presence of parasites

If your Shih Tzu is infected with a parasite, it will have a significant impact on how your Shih Tzu sleeps.

Fleas, one of the most common parasites that can cause your dog worms, have been a concern for most dog owners in recent years.

There are various methods for dogs to obtain worms that you should be aware of and avoid, as well as many signs of worms in dogs that you should be aware of.

Here are common ways Shih Tzus get worms:

Shih Tzus get worms from eating a worm-infested feces.
Shih Tzus get worms from eating a worm-infested food.

Puppy Shih Tzus get worms from their mother.
Shih Tzus get worms from drinking worm-infested water.
Shih Tzus get worms from eating worm larvae or eggs.

Shih Tzu get worms from infected mosquito bite.
Shih Tzu get worms from eating a worm-infested raw meat.
Shih Tzu get worms from unkept gardens around the house.

5. Alterations in the regular routine

Changes in your Shih Tzu’s normal routine might make him anxious, depressed, and frustrated, this will definitely affect his sleep.

Changing your Shih Tzu’s habit might cause sleeping problems, so pick a daily pattern that works for you and your dog and stick to it until it stops working.

Changing your daily routine frequently might cause your Shih Tzu to become hostile and bark excessively.

6. Anxiety

Shih Tzus are a little dog breed that was developed to be a human friend rather than a guard dog, which means they are drawn to their owners.

They are impacted by various forms of anxiety, which may have an impact on how they sleep.

Because nervousness makes it difficult for them to sleep, you should make sure your Shih Tzu is not suffering from anxiety if they have sleeping problems.

Read more: 11 Shih Tzu Stress Symptoms.

7. Hunger

Even people cannot sleep when they are hungry, so why do you believe your Shih Tzu can?

A hungry Shih Tzu is constantly pushy, following its owner about in search of food, and they remain restless until they eat.

If your dog is having trouble sleeping, be sure you haven’t forgotten to feed him.

Feeding your Shih Tzu improper food might result in not just Shih Tzu sleeping problems, but also major health problems.

To avoid unwanted health issues, always consult your veterinarian before giving your Shih Tzu any type of food.

8. Depression

An unhappy and dissatisfied Shih Tzu is always hostile and refuses to sleep until it has calmed down.

Simple reasons for depression in Shih Tzus include stress, poor food, hunger, frequent changes in daily routine, yelling at your dog, loneliness, and more.

If you find your Shih Tzu is melancholy or frustrated, figure out what’s causing it and address it, as well as seeing your veterinarian.