Shih Tzu owners always ask why do Shih Tzus sleep so much, which is what this post is all about.
In this post, we will outline and discuss some of the most common reasons why Shih Tzu may sleep more than expected.
Let’s answer the question you came for before we move to the reasons why Shih Tzus may sleep longer than expected.
Why do Shih Tzus sleep so much
Shih Tzus require a lot of sleep because it allows their bodies and minds to function at their best, allowing them to absorb and store memories as well as acquire new abilities and phrases.
For their physical and mental well-being, senior Shih Tzus demand additional sleep hours.
Shih Tzus are susceptible to the following sleeping disorders: Narcolepsy, Apnea, and Insomnia.
Reasons Shih Tzu sleep more than expected
Here are some common reasons why your Shih Tzu may sleep more than expected:
1. Excessive exercise
When a Shih Tzu gets too much exercise, he or she becomes weary, which can lead to stress. Here are symptoms of stress in Shih Tzus.
Shih Tzus who get too much activity sleep for longer periods of time than they should.
If your Shih Tzu appears to be napping excessively, you should look into his or her physical activities.
Shih Tzus are prone to heat exhaustion, and excessive physical activity might lead to heatstroke.
You should always keep track of your Shih Tzu’s physical activity to avoid unnecessary health hazards.
2. Health conditions
The Shih Tzu has a variety of health problems that are common in tiny dogs, as well as a few that are specific to this breed.
Shih Tzus have a few health concerns that can and will affect their sleeping rate or cycle.
Obesity in Shih Tzus may be very dangerous to their health and sometimes lead to your Shih sleeping more than expected.
Obesity is a serious ailment that can cause or worsen musculoskeletal problems, as well as metabolic breakdown, which can all interrupt Shih Tzu’s sleeping routine.
3. Lack of mental stimulation
In Shih Tzus, a lack of mental stimulation not only fosters behavior issues but also encourages sloth.
As a result, if your Shih Tzu isn’t cognitively busy, it’s either destroying something or napping someplace.
Keep a Shih Tzu occupied by giving a variety of intriguing and engaging toys; if your Shih Tzu is bored, it will just seek out a place to sleep.
4. Overfeeding
Overfeeding your Shih Tzu, as amusing as it may sound, can cause them to sleep longer than planned since they will become too sluggish to accomplish anything.
So, if your Shih Tzu is napping for longer periods of time than normal, be sure you’re not overfeeding him.
Consult your veterinarian for a feeding plan and follow it religiously, as overfeeding can lead to a variety of health problems.
5. Age factor
The age of a Shih Tzu has a big influence on how the dog sleeps because of how active the dog is.
Dogs’ activity levels decline as they age, necessitating more sleep in order for them to live a happy life.
As a result, your Shih Tzu will likely slow down and take more naps in a bright part of the house as she gets older.
A newborn puppy, on the other hand, sleeps more because it needs more sleep in order to develop correctly.
Consider your Shih Tzu’s age as a factor that may impact how long he or she sleeps if he or she is sleeping excessively.
6. Depression
Depression may manifest itself in two ways: as a cause for your Shih Tzu sleeping excessively or as a reason for your Shih Tzu sleeping insufficiently.
Whatever perspective you choose, one thing is certain: depression has an impact on how a Shih Tzu sleeps.
Depression in Shih Tzus can be caused by a variety of factors, including excessive stress, loneliness, boredom, physical Illness, trauma.
A depressed Shih Tzu may sleep longer than expected depending on its personality.
7. Loneliness
Loneliness has two faces, which implies that a lonely Shih Tzu may sleep more than usual.
On the other side, some lonely Shih Tzus will not get enough sleep as a result of tension, and this might result in Shih Tzu sobbing.
Boredom and loneliness are two of the most typical causes of Shih Tzu behavior issues, which might result in your Shih Tzu digging its own grave.
When your Shih Tzu sleeps excessively, it’s possible that he’s bored and has nothing better to do but sleep.
8. Separation anxiety
If you’re a Shih Tzu owner or lover, you’ll agree that separation anxiety is one of the most common problems Shih Tzus faces.
This is why, if you work all day long, you shouldn’t buy a Shih Tzu since Shih Tzus were intended to be by their owners’ sides all day.
Anxiety can alter how long your Shih Tzu sleeps, either by enabling your Shih Tzu to sleep longer or by not letting your Shih Tzu sleep at all.
Read more: 9 Top Reasons Shih Tzu Refuses To Walk.
Importance of sleeping to Shih Tzus
The following are some of the most prevalent reasons why Shih Tzus gain from sleeping:
- Sleeping promotes healthy and continuous growth in Shih Tzus.
- Regular sleeping decreases brain degeneration in Shih Tzus.
- The immune systems of Shih Tzus are improved by sleeping.
- Sleep is beneficial to Shih Tzus because it allows them to build new brain connections.
- The minds of Shih Tzus are maintained sharp by proper sleeping with interruptions.
- The capacity of Shih Tzus to learn improves while they sleep.
- During sleep, the Shih Tzu body conserves and recovers energy.
- Sleeping helps Shih Tzus maintain a healthy heart.
- Sleeping reduces stress in Shih Tzus.
- Sleeping is beneficial to Shih Tzus.
- Sleeping aids in the treatment of depression in Shih Tzus.
When it comes to Shih Tzus, how long should they sleep?
A healthy Shih Tzu should sleep between 12 and 14 hours a day on average, assuming there are no sleeping problems, tension, anxiety, or excessive activity.
Because Shih Tzus have a small nose and may develop respiratory issues if overworked, they should avoid vigorous physical activity.
Heat exhaustion can result from excessive exertion and engagement in physical activities, making breathing harder.
I hope your question about why do Shih Tzus sleep so much was explained to your understanding.
Read more: 10 Signs That Your Shih Tzu Is Dying.
