Dogs sleep a lot more than us, right? They actually need a lot of sleep, but most of the time they just doze off. Just like humans, the furry ones process what happened during the day in their dreams and often put themselves in strange postures and move their eyes and legs. Although their sleeping habits are different from ours, they can have disturbing dreams or make strange faces sleeping with their eyes open.
If you are reading this article on our site, surely your dog sometimes sleeps with his eyes open and you wonder why it is and what you should do. Calm! Keep reading this article on why does my dog sleep with his eyes open and you will discover interesting tips on this topic.
How do dogs sleep?
Surely you have observed your dog sleeping in funny positions that seem to be uncomfortable. He often rolls his eyes when he sleeps or moves his paws. The main difference between the sleeping behavior of humans and dogs is the intensity of sleep. However, we have in common with them the different stages of sleep, such as light and deep sleep.
Although dogs have REM phases and light phases, just like humans, their sleep is more sensitive In addition, they have to sleep more hours than us. They can fall asleep in seconds, but just as quickly as they fall asleep, they wake up. His rest schedule adapts to our sleep routine, although deep down dogs have their own natural rest rhythm.
How many hours does a dog sleep?
Dog friends can sleep 10 to 20 hours a day The hours a dog sleeps depends a lot on its age and physical and mental exercise you do throughout the day. In addition, they do not always sleep soundly, but usually doze during the day to be able to be on all fours at all times.
Why does my dog sleep with his eyes open?
Dogs sometimes sleep with their eyes open or half open, but in general is no reason to be alarmed. This behavior comes from their ancestors, who lived in the wild and had to be alert, even when resting.
They have developed a way to recover energy by resting or sleeping with their eyes open or half open, but at the same time being attentive to their surroundingsAs we can see, there is no need to worry, as it is a completely natural and instinctive behavior In addition, they move their eyes slowly or blink so that they do not dry their eyes when have them open.
Although in most cases there is nothing to worry about, sometimes this behavior can indicate other things. If your dog's pupils are relaxed, surely your dog is well and dreaming. But if they are fixed and dilated and your eyes are literally wide open, you could have seizures.
Take a good look at your dog and if he also begins to moan and howl, make sure he is in a safe place, where cannot fall or hurt. Right now you can only wait for it to pass. Then see a vet to find out the reason for the seizures.
My dog rolls his eyes when he sleeps
Have you ever noticed that your dog rolls his eyes? Calm! When a dog is falling asleep or is already sleeping soundly, he often rolls his eyes. What should I do if my dog rolls his eyes when he sleeps? Absolutely nothing! This usually occurs when the puppy has a posture that pulls the skin on its head and opens its eyelids while sleeping, causing the whites of the eye to suddenly appear.
Your dog could also try to stay awake and keep his eyes slightly open. If your dog rolls his eyes when he sleeps, it does not indicate any he alth problem, but it means that he is very relaxed and happy, as we explain in this other article about Postures of a happy dog. So you don't have to worry or wake him up. Surely as soon as he changes his posture he will close his eyes.
How do I know if my dog sleeps well?
Just like humans, dogs must sleep to replenish their energy. Actually, sleeping well is essential for the furry, since his adventures and what has happened during the day are processed with sleep. This means that after a day full of activities he may have a restless sleep. If he moves his paws or frowns it doesn't necessarily mean he has nightmares. He is simply dreaming. Maybe he's running around a green meadow playing with his friend
Dogs are like children, they should not be woken up when they are asleep, for the simple fact that they have to rest to be in a good mood. If a dog doesn't get enough sleep, he will be more restless and less likely to learn. In this sense, a dog that sleeps well will be happier, more balanced and active during the dayIn addition, his sleeping postures can help you know if he sleeps well or not. For more information, you can consult this other article on What do dog sleeping positions mean?
If your dog suddenly wiggles his legs or starts crying in his sleep, he may be a heavy sleeper. Watch him but be careful if you want to wake him up. If he is really suffering from a nightmare and we wake him up, he might get scared and bite us.
Tips for your dog to sleep well
Some factors improve or worsen the depth and effectiveness of your dog's sleep. The following tips ensure restful sleep for your dog:
- Physical and mental exercise: Physical activity helps your dog or puppy rest and relax. But not only physical exercise tires our dog, but also mental education, such as clicker training, agility and mantrailing (tracking the tutor).
- Avoid stress: If your dog sleeps poorly or simply doesn't want to sleep, he may be stressed. Nervous dogs need a consistent place to sleep that is safe, dark, and free of distractions.
- Have a routine: Dogs are routine animals, and going to bed at the same time every day provides security and you can sleep better. Keep in mind to include in the routine the fixed time to eat and go for a walk.
- Comfortable bed: It is also important that you provide a comfortable place to sleep. There are different beds for dogs, so our advice is to find the right one for the needs of your furry friend.
