There’s no doubt that dogs are some of the most amazing creatures on earth. They’re loyal, friendly, and always happy to see us. But one of the things that I’ve always been curious about is why dogs wake up so easily.
It seems like they can be sleeping soundly one minute and then suddenly be awake and wagging their tail the next! Today we’ll take a look at some of the possible reasons why dogs wake up so quickly and what we can do to help them get more restful sleep.
Dogs are often considered the “light-weights” of the animal kingdom when it comes to sleeping. They seem to be able to wake up easily and take naps whenever they please. But what many people don’t know is that dogs have a lower sleep stage than humans and the period of REM is short. This means that their sleep cycle is not as restful as ours, which could explain why they are always ready for an adventure. There can be other reasons why your dog wakes up so easily, such as cognitive dysfunction in senior dogs, a higher level of excitement, protective behavior around their owner, breed make-up, anxiety or hypothyroidism.
Reasons Why Dogs Wake Up So Easily
Lower Sleep Stage
Dogs are known for their propensity to sleep a lot, and they usually wake up easily. This is because their deepest stage of sleep (REM) is very brief compared to humans. In fact, dogs only spend about 10 minutes in the deepest stage of sleep, while humans go longer.
Dogs typically enter NREM first and then progress into the other stages. During wakefulness (NREM1) and drowsiness (NREM2), dogs are in a light sleep state and can easily be aroused. It’s during slow waves (NREM3) and deep sleep (REM) that dogs enter a deep sleep state and are harder to wake up.
However, the REM period is pretty short in dogs. Hence, they wake easily.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352154619301378
Survival Instinct
Do you know why dogs are always alert and seem to wake up at the slightest noise? It’s because they have a genetically embedded survival instinct. This means that they are hardwired to be on the lookout for danger and to react quickly to any potential threats.
So, if you’re trying to sleep through the night and your dog keeps waking you up, don’t get too frustrated. They’re just doing what comes natural to them!
Cognitive Dysfunction In Senior Dogs
Dogs wake up easily for a variety of reasons. For one, they may be suffering from cognitive dysfunction, which is a common problem in senior dogs. This condition can cause them to be confused and disoriented, and may make it difficult for them to stay asleep for long periods of time.
Additionally, dogs may simply be more attuned to their environment than humans are, and thus may be more likely to wake up at the slightest noise or movement.
Higher Level Of Excitement
Dogs have a higher level of energy than humans, which is why they wake up more easily. Dogs are also less likely to be groggy when they wake up, since they don’t have all the built-up mental baggage that humans do.
So if you’re looking for a way to wake up feeling refreshed and energized, consider getting a dog!
Protective About Owner
Do you ever find yourself struggling to get out of bed in the morning? You’re not alone. But have you ever wondered why dogs seem to wake up so easily?
It turns out that they are much more protective of their owners than we are of ourselves, and this makes them more alert and responsive when they hear something loud or unexpected.
So the next time you’re feeling a little sluggish, be grateful that your dog is there to keep you safe!
Breed Makeup
Dogs are one of the most commonly kept pets in the world and there are many different breeds. Some people choose dogs based on their size, others choose them based on their Fur Pattern or coat color.
But did you know that some dogs are bred for a special purpose? like being guard dogs or hunting dogs? This is why some dogs wake easily.
For example the guard dog breed like German Shepherds are very alert dogs. Similarly hunting dogs have a great sense of smell and can hear the smallest of sounds. So, the breed of the dog matters too.
Anxiety
Dogs are notorious for being loyal, loving companions. But sometimes their anxiety can get the best of them – and that’s when they might wake up several times during their sleep and become restless too.
If you find your dog shifting places during the night, it’s better you have a word with the vet.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can affect a dog’s sleep in a few different ways. One is that if the hypothyroidism is severe, it can cause a dog to become restless and have difficulty settling down to sleep.
Additionally, dogs with untreated hypothyroidism may spend less time in deep sleep than healthy dogs, which could lead to them feeling more tired overall.
Finally, some dogs with hypothyroidism experience changes in their circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle), which can also lead to poor sleep quality.
Frequent Urination
If your dog is waking frequently to urinate, it’s likely due to a medical condition called diabetes mellitus. Frequent urination can also occur due to other health conditions.
For example, urinary infection, kidney issues etc. While this may sound serious, with treatment and some lifestyle changes, dogs can live long and happy lives and have better sleep too.
Arthritis
You may have noticed that your dog wakes easily from a deep sleep, especially if he’s been diagnosed with arthritis or joint pain. Believe it or not, this is a common symptom of these conditions.
Dogs who suffer from arthritis or joint pain often wake up more easily than other dogs because their discomfort makes it difficult for them to get comfortable and stay asleep.
What To Do To Help Your Dog Sleep Well?
Rule Out Medical Causes
If your dog is having trouble sleeping, it’s important to rule out any medical issues that could be the cause. A trip to the vet is a good first step.
But what if your vet says there’s nothing wrong? There are still things you can do to help your dog sleep better.
Comfortable Bed
Just because they can sleep anywhere doesn’t mean they should. Your dog deserves a comfortable bed to help them get a good night’s sleep. A quality dog bed will provide your pet with the comfort and support they need, especially as they get older.
Whether you’re looking for a bed that is soft and cozy or one that is sturdy and durable, there is sure to be a perfect option out there for you and your furry friend.
So don’t wait any longer – head to your nearest pet store today and pick up a comfortable dog bed for your pooch!
Quiet Place
Dogs need their sleep just like people do, and providing them with a quiet place to rest can help them get the most out of their slumbers.
If your dog has trouble sleeping through the night, consider giving them their own designated spot in your home where they can relax without too much noise or distraction.
Since they are alert creatures they can wake very easily.
Exercise
Do you ever wonder how come your dog always barks and whines when it’s time to go to bed? It might be because they’re not getting enough exercise. A tired dog is a good dog, and will most likely sleep through the night without any trouble.
Dogs are just like us when it comes to needing a good night’s sleep. Providing them with plenty of exercise during the day helps them sleep well at night. By giving your dog a good workout, you’ll both be able to retire early.
Dark Place
It is well known that dogs are descendants of wolves. In the wild, wolves sleep in dens that provide them with a sense of security and comfort. Domestic dogs still have this instinct to find a secluded, safe place to sleep.
If you want your dog to get a good night’s sleep, it is important to provide them with a dark place to rest their head. This can be accomplished by creating a makeshift den using a crate or establishing an inviting space under a table or desk.
By giving your dog their own private sleeping area, they will be able to relax and drift off to sleep.
Feed Them Few Hours Before Bed Time
Dogs are just like us in that they need a good night’s sleep to feel their best. If you’ve ever been kept up all night by your furry friend, you know how important it is to get them on a sleep schedule. One way to help your dog sleep through the night is to feed them a few hours before bedtime.
This will give their digestive system time to do its work and hopefully make for a calm dog come bedtime. So if you’re looking for some zzz’s of your own, try feeding your pup a little earlier at dinnertime!
And as always, consult with your veterinarian about what food and feeding schedule is best for your dog.
Bathroom Break
Do you have a hard time getting your dog to sleep through the night? One way to help them (and yourself) is to get them to pee before bedtime. Just like humans, dogs need to relieve themselves before they can relax and drift off into dreamland.
A full bladder can keep your dog up just like a human being. Imagine trying to sleep with a balloon inside of you – not very comfortable, right? The same goes for your pup.
By giving them a chance to empty their bladder before bed, you’re setting them (and yourself) up for a better sleep.
Puppies
In the wild, wolf puppies will nurse for up to eight weeks before gradually weaning off of their mother’s milk. Domestic dog puppies, however, are typically weaned anywhere from four to six weeks old.
Some puppies may still wake up during the night to feed from their mother after they have been fully weaned, but this is considered normal behavior and does not indicate a problem with the pup or its mom.
In fact, it is actually quite natural for young dogs to want to resume suckling periodically throughout the night.
Puppies are so cute and cuddly, but they can also be a handful. If you’re bringing home a new puppy, there are some things you can do to help them adjust to their new environment.
Creating a calm place for them to sleep and feed is important, as well as socializing them with other dogs. With a little patience and effort, your new puppy will be settled in no time.
Wrapping Up:
So, why do dogs wake up so easily? The answer is a bit complex, but in short it has to do with the fact that their sleep stage is lower and the period of REM is shorter. This means that they can quickly enter into deep sleep and wake up feeling refreshed without spending as much time in REM, which is associated with dreaming.
There are many factors that can influence how easily your dog falls asleep and how soundly they sleep, such as their breed makeup, anxiety levels, and whether they suffer from cognitive dysfunction. If you’re having trouble getting your dog to stop waking you up at night, rule out any medical causes first by taking them to the vet.
