Shih Tzus, those adorable little bundles of fur with flowing locks, are known for their playful personalities and affectionate nature. But there’s another characteristic often associated with these charming companions – their love of sleep! So, are the rumors true? Do Shih Tzu dogs truly spend the majority of their days snoozing?
The answer is yes, Shih Tzus does tend to sleep more than some other dog breeds. While the exact amount varies depending on their age and activity level, adult Shih Tzus typically requires between 12 and 16 hours of sleep per day. This includes both nighttime rest and frequent daytime naps.
How Much Sleep Does Shih Tzus Need Each Day?
Shih Tzus needs about 12 to 16 hours of sleep daily, depending on age and activity level. Puppies and senior dogs may need more sleep, up to 20 hours a day, while adult dogs may need less, around 10 to 14 hours a day.
How Sleep Impacts a Shih Tzu’s Health and Well-being
Sleep is essential for a shih tzu’s health and well-being, as it helps them to rest, recover, and recharge their energy. Sleep also supports their immune system, brain function, memory, learning, and mood. Lack of sleep can lead to various health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, infections, and behavioral issues.
Why Do Shih Tzus Sleep So Much?
Shih tzus sleep so much because they are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have short and flat noses. This makes them prone to breathing difficulties, especially in hot and humid weather, which can make them tired and sleepy. Shih Tzus also have a low metabolism, which means they burn fewer calories and need less energy than other breeds. Additionally, shih tzus are adaptable and can adjust their sleep schedule to match their owner’s lifestyle.
Factors Affecting a Shih Tzu’s Sleep Quality and Duration
Many factors can affect how well and how long a Shih Tzu sleeps, such as:
- Excessive exercise: Too much physical activity can exhaust a shih tzu and make them sleep more than usual.
- Their brains and minds are complex at work: Shih tzus are brilliant and curious dogs, which means they constantly learn and explore new things. This can stimulate their brain and make them need more sleep to process the information.
- Anxiety: Shih tzus are susceptible and emotional dogs, so that they can get stressed or anxious easily. This can affect their sleep quality and make them restless or unable to fall asleep.
- Depression or sadness: Shih tzus are very loyal and affectionate dogs, which means they can get depressed or sad if they are neglected, abused, or separated from their owners. This can affect their sleep quantity and make them sleep more or less than usual.
- Age: As shih tzus get older, their sleep needs change. Puppies need more sleep to grow and develop, while senior dogs need more sleep to cope with the aging process and health issues.
- Overfeeding: Feeding a Shih Tzu too much or too often can make them overweight or obese, which can affect their breathing and energy levels. This can make them sleep more and have less quality sleep.
- Boredom and loneliness: Shih tzus are very social and playful dogs, which means they need regular interaction and stimulation from their owners and other dogs. If they are left alone or bored for too long, they can become depressed or restless, which can affect their sleep patterns.
- Lack of mental stimulation: Shih tzus are very smart and need mental challenges to keep them interested and engaged. If they are provided with enough toys, games, or training, they can stay energized, affecting their sleep quality and duration.
- Allergies and medication effects: Shih tzus are prone to allergies, which can cause skin problems, ear infections, or respiratory issues. This can affect their comfort and sleep quality. Some medications can also have side effects involving their sleep, such as making them tired or hyperactive.
Shih Tzu Sleep Requirements by Age
Newborn Shih Tzus: Very High Sleep Requirements
Newborn shih tzus, also known as neonates, are fragile and vulnerable. They spend most of their time sleeping, up to 22 hours a day, to support their rapid growth and development. They need a warm, comfortable, and safe place to sleep, preferably with their mother and littermates.
Shih Tzu Puppies’ Sleeping Patterns
Shih tzu puppies are very active and curious but also need a lot of sleep to recharge their energy and learn new skills. They typically sleep 16 to 20 hours daily, divided into several naps throughout the day and night. Depending on their feeding, playing, and training schedule, they may have irregular sleeping patterns.
Adolescent and Adult Shih Tzu Sleeping Amounts
Adolescent and adult shih tzus have lower sleep requirements than puppies and seniors, but they still need more sleep than most other breeds. They usually sleep 10 to 14 hours a day, with more extended periods of sleep at night and shorter naps during the day. They may adjust their sleep schedule to match their owner’s lifestyle and routine.
Senior Shih Tzus: More Sleep Necessary
Senior shih tzus, aged 10 years and older, tend to sleep more than younger dogs as they experience the effects of aging and health issues. They may sleep 18 to 20 hours daily, with more frequent and longer naps. They may also have difficulty falling or staying asleep due to pain, discomfort, or cognitive decline.
Shih Tzu Sleep Habits
Can Shih Tzus Sleep Alone at Night?
Shih Tzus can sleep alone at night but may not prefer it. Shih Tzus are very social and loyal dogs, and they may feel lonely or anxious if separated from their owners or other dogs. They may also need help sleeping if they are not comfortable or secure in their sleeping area. If you want your Shih Tzu to sleep alone at night, you should train them early, provide them with a cozy and safe bed, and give them plenty of attention and affection during the day.
Should Your Shih Tzu Sleep in Bed with You?
Whether your Shih Tzu should sleep with you depends on your preference and situation. Some benefits of sleeping with your shih tzu are that it can strengthen your bond, provide warmth and comfort, and reduce stress and anxiety. Some drawbacks are that it can disrupt sleep quality, increase the risk of allergies or infections, and create behavioral problems. Consider your health, hygiene, and lifestyle before sharing your bed with your Shih Tzu.
Shih Tzu Sleeping Positions and What They Mean
Shih Tzus can sleep in various positions, and each one can reveal something about their personality, mood, and health. Here are some of the standard Shih Tzu sleeping positions and what they mean:
- Active Rest Position: This is when your Shih Tzu sleeps on its belly, with its legs tucked under its body and its head up or slightly tilted. This position allows them to get up quickly and be alert to their surroundings. It means your shih tzu is confident, curious, and ready for action.
- Deep Sleep Position: This is when your Shih Tzu sleeps on its side, with its legs stretched out and its head resting on the ground or a pillow. This position indicates that your shih tzu is relaxed, comfortable, and trusting. It means that your shih tzu is happy, calm, and secure.
Improving Shih Tzu Sleep
Helping a Shih Tzu Puppy Sleep Through the Night
Shih tzu puppies may have trouble sleeping through the night as they adjust to their new environment and schedule. To help them sleep better, you can try the following tips:
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine, such as feeding, playing, and potty training your puppy before putting them to bed.
- Provide your puppy with a comfortable and safe sleeping area, such as a crate, bed, basket, blanket, toy, clock, or radio for soothing sounds.
- Avoid giving your puppy too much water or food before bedtime, as this can cause them to wake up and need to go outside.
- Do not reward your puppy for crying or barking at night, as this can reinforce their behavior. Instead, ignore or gently calm them down until they fall asleep again.
Tips for Shih Tzu Dogs of All Ages to Get Great Sleep
Shih tzu dogs of all ages can benefit from getting great sleep, as it can improve their health, mood, and performance. To help your Shih Tzu get great sleep, you can try the following tips:
- Ensure your shih tzu receives enough exercise and mental stimulation during the day, which can tire them out and make them sleep better at night.
- Keep your shih tzu’s sleeping area clean, comfortable, and quiet, and avoid any distractions or disturbances that can interrupt their sleep, such as loud noises, bright lights, or other pets.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule for your shih tzu, and try to avoid changing it too often, as this can help them adjust their circadian rhythm and sleep cycle.
- Monitor your shih tzu’s sleep quality and duration, and look for any signs of sleep problems, such as snoring, breathing difficulties, restlessness, or excessive sleeping.
Additional Tips for Senior Shih Tzu Dogs
Senior shih tzu dogs may need more sleep and care than younger dogs as they face the challenges of aging and health issues. To help your old Shih Tzu sleep better, you can try the following tips:
- Provide your senior Shih Tzu extra support and comfort, such as an orthopedic bed, a heating pad, or a soft pillow, to ease their pain and discomfort.
- Check your senior shih tzu’s health regularly, and consult your vet if you notice any changes or problems, such as arthritis, diabetes, dementia, or vision loss, that can affect your sleep.
- Adjust your senior shih tzu’s diet and medication, as they may have different nutritional and medical needs than younger dogs, and some foods or drugs can affect their sleep.
- Be patient and understanding with your senior shih tzu, as they may have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep due to cognitive decline, anxiety, or confusion.
How to Ensure Your Shih Tzu Gets the Correct Amount of Sleep
The correct amount of sleep for your shih tzu depends on various factors, such as age, activity level, personality, and health. However, a general guideline is that shih tzus need about 12 to 16 hours of sleep per day on average, with more or less depending on their individual needs. To ensure your shih tzu gets the correct amount of sleep, you can do the following:
- Observe your shih tzu’s sleeping patterns and habits, and look for any signs of sleep deprivation or oversleeping, such as lethargy, irritability, or lack of appetite.
- Balance your shih tzu’s sleep and wake time, and make sure they get enough rest and stimulation throughout the day without overdoing it or underdoing it.
- Please communicate with your shih tzu and learn to read their body language and signals, such as yawning, stretching, or curling up, that indicate when they are sleepy or awake.
Teaching Your Shih Tzu to Be Better at Sleeping
Shih Tzus can sleep better if trained and taught to follow some rules and habits to enhance their sleep quality and duration. To prepare your shih tzu to be better at sleeping, you can do the following:
- Set a routine for your shih tzu, and stick to it as much as possible, as this can help them learn when to sleep and when to wake up and create a sense of security and stability.
- Create a positive association with sleep for your shih tzu, and reward them with praise, treats, or affection when they sleep well or follow your commands, such as “go to bed” or “stay.”
- Avoid doing anything that can disrupt your shih tzu’s sleep, such as playing with them, feeding them, or letting them out right before bedtime or during the night, as this can confuse them and make them think it is time to be active.
- What You Should Not Do: You should not force your shih tzu to sleep or wake up, as this can stress them out and make them resentful or fearful. You should also not punish your shih tzu for sleeping poorly or having accidents, as this can make them anxious or depressed. Instead, you should be gentle, supportive, and consistent with your shih tzu and help them overcome any sleep issues they may have.
When to Be Concerned About Your Shih Tzu’s Sleep
When Should You Be Concerned About Your Dog’s Increased Sleeping?
You should be concerned about your dog’s increased sleeping if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or lethargy. These could indicate a severe health problem that needs medical attention. You should also be concerned if your dog’s increased sleeping is sudden, drastic, or out of character, as this could signal a change in their environment, mood, or behavior.
Possible Reasons for Increased Sleeping in Dogs
Some of the possible reasons for increased sleeping in dogs are:
- Illness or injury: Your dog may sleep more if sick or injured as their body tries to heal and recover. Some common diseases or injuries that can cause increased sleeping are infections, parasites, allergies, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, or trauma.
- Medication or treatment: Your dog may sleep more if they are taking medication or undergoing treatment, as some drugs or therapies can have side effects that affect their sleep. Some common medications or treatments that can cause increased sleeping are antibiotics, steroids, painkillers, or chemotherapy.
- Age: Your dog may sleep more as they age, as their metabolism slows down and their energy levels decrease. Older dogs may also have more health issues or cognitive decline that can affect their sleep.
- Weather or season: Your dog may sleep more if the weather or season is hot, cold, or dark, as these can affect their body temperature, circadian rhythm, and activity level. Dogs may also sleep more during winter or rainy days, as they have fewer opportunities to play outside.
- Boredom or depression: Your dog may sleep more if bored or depressed, as they have less motivation and interest in their surroundings. Boredom or depression can be caused by a lack of stimulation, socialization, or attention from their owners or other dogs.
Conclusion
Shih Tzus are one of the most sleep-loving breeds of dogs, and they can sleep anywhere from 12 to 20 hours a day. However, many factors can affect their sleep quality, such as age, health, lifestyle, personality, and environment. Understanding shih tzu sleep can help your dog get the best sleep possible and improve their well-being. You should also know the signs and causes of increased sleeping in dogs and consult your vet if you have any concerns.
Sleep is not only a luxury but a necessity for shih tzus. It helps them to stay healthy, happy, and energetic. As a Shih Tzu owner, you should respect and support your dog’s sleep needs and provide them with a comfortable and safe sleeping area. You should also ensure they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization during the day to balance their sleep and wake time. By doing so, you can ensure that your shih tzu lives a long and fulfilling life.