Why Do Dachshunds Sleep So Much? Factors Affecting Your Dog's Sleep Patterns

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Brown Dachshund Stepping on Gray Slippers
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Dachshunds are notorious for their love of sleep, often clocking up to 18 hours of snoozing per day. This excessive sleeping is largely due to their unique body structure, which makes them prone to back problems and discomfort.

As a result, Dachshunds tend to spend more time sleeping to avoid exacerbating any existing back issues. A typical day for a Dachshund might involve a series of short naps, with some owners reporting that their dogs can fall asleep anywhere, anytime.

Their short legs and long bodies also mean that Dachshunds are more likely to experience joint pain and stiffness, which can further contribute to their love of sleep. In fact, studies have shown that Dachshunds are more prone to intervertebral disc disease, a condition that affects the spine and can cause chronic pain and discomfort.

This means that Dachshunds may need more sleep to recover from daily activities and manage their pain.

Why Dachshunds Sleep So Much

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Dachshunds were originally bred for hunting, which required bursts of intense activity followed by periods of rest. This ancestral trait persists in the modern Dachshund.

Their unique body structure, with a long spine and short legs, contributes to their need for more rest. Their physique can lead to quicker fatigue compared to other breeds.

As a result, Dachshunds often exhibit a pattern of high-energy spurts interspersed with long stretches of sleep.

Factors Contributing to Excessive Sleep

As Dachshunds age, their sleep patterns may change, often resulting in increased sleep duration. This is because old dogs need more rest to regenerate after daily activity and keep fit.

Their small size also influences their sleep patterns. Smaller breeds like Dachshunds have faster metabolisms, which can lead to quicker energy depletion and a greater need for restorative sleep.

Some health issues, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), may cause discomfort or pain, leading to increased sleep as a form of rest and recovery.

Size and Metabolism

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Smaller breeds like Dachshunds have faster metabolisms, which can lead to quicker energy depletion. This means they need more sleep to recover.

Their compact bodies work harder to maintain core body temperature and perform daily physiological functions. This necessitates more frequent downtime to recover.

As a result, smaller breeds often require more restorative sleep than larger breeds.

Health Factors

As we explore the factors contributing to excessive sleep, it's essential to consider health factors. Age is a significant contributor, as older dogs, just like older people, need more rest to regenerate after daily activity and keep fit.

Some health issues, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), may cause discomfort or pain, leading to increased sleep as a form of rest and recovery. This is why it's crucial for owners to observe changes in their dog's sleep patterns.

Age and Sleep Patterns

Dachshunds are one of the longest-lived dogs in the canine world, living an average of 12 to 15 years and often longer. A Dachshund is considered a senior dog after they hit about 8 years old, at which point they tend to slow down and sleep more often.

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Puppies and old dogs sleep as much as 18 hours a day, with puppies needing plenty of sleep to fuel their rapid growth and old dogs losing their vitality and strength with age. Dachshund puppies sleep between 18-20 hours in a day, broken up into nighttime sleep and several naps during the day.

As Dachshunds age, their metabolism slows down, and they may eat less but gain weight, which can increase their sleeping habit even more.

How Much Puppies?

Dachshund puppies can sleep as much as 20 hours a day, which is normal for their rapid growth and development.

Puppies need plenty of sleep to fuel their growth, immune system strength, and cognitive functions, and they typically take naps of 30 minutes or more, several times a day.

It's essential to keep things quiet during their nap time to help them get an adequate amount of sleep, as short naps like 5 or 10 minutes won't do.

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My own puppy, Eko, slept a lot, but every little sound would wake him up, so I kept things quiet by putting him in his puppy playpen with a soft blanket and using a fan for white noise.

As Dachshund puppies age, they start to slow down, but they still need plenty of rest to feel their best.

On a similar theme: Dachshunds Dogs

How Much Adult?

An adult Dachshund needs approximately 12-14 hours of sleep per day, which includes both nighttime sleep and daytime naps. Their sleep routine can be influenced by their family's lifestyle.

Dachshunds have a set schedule and can change their sleep pattern accordingly. They still prefer and often demand their siestas, so it's essential to provide a comfortable and quiet place for them to rest.

Good sleep quality is just as important as quantity, and owners should prioritize their dog's sleep needs. A Dachshund bed with bolstered sides, such as the Fur Baby Bed, can be an excellent choice for providing comfort and support.

As a general rule, adult Dachshunds sleep more than puppies, but less than senior dogs.

For your interest: Hot Dog Bed for Dachshunds

Dogs Change with Age

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Dachshunds, like any other breed, change with age. Puppies sleep a lot, up to 20 hours a day, to fuel their rapid growth.

As they grow older, their sleep patterns change too. Adult Dachshunds need approximately 12-14 hours of sleep for a day.

Older Dachshunds, on the other hand, sleep even more, up to 14-16 hours a day, and may have changes in sleep quality due to age-related conditions.

Dachshunds tend to slow down as they age, losing their vitality, strength, and stamina. This is normal and can be expected in senior dogs.

Senior Dachshunds may eat less, but they still gain weight, which can affect their sleep patterns. It's essential to provide them with comfortable and quiet places to rest.

Puppies and senior Dachshunds require more sleep than adolescent or adult Dachshunds. This is a natural part of their life cycle.

As Dachshunds age, their bodies take more time to heal, and getting plenty of rest helps them feel better.

Intriguing read: Adult Dapple Dachshund

Environmental Factors

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Dachshunds sleep a lot, and it's not just because they're lazy. In fact, they need a lot of rest to recover from their unique physical characteristics, such as their long, narrow bodies and short legs.

Their short legs require more energy to move around, which can lead to fatigue. This is especially true for older dachshunds, who may need even more sleep due to age-related health issues.

A typical dachshund sleeps for 12-14 hours a day, which is a lot more than many other breeds. This is likely due to their original purpose as hunting dogs, who would need to conserve energy between hunting trips.

Consider reading: Dachshunds Badger Hunting

What Affects Routine?

Their activity level plays a significant role in shaping their sleeping routine.

Dachshunds are relatively low-maintenance in terms of exercise needs, but they still require regular physical activity to stay healthy.

Age can also impact their sleeping habits, with puppies and senior dogs often sleeping more than adult dogs.

Their natural instinct as hunting dogs means they're wired to conserve energy and sleep a lot.

Their overall health can have a significant impact on their sleeping patterns, so it's essential to monitor their health and adjust their routine accordingly.

Comfort Seeking

Black Dachshund with Stick
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Dachshunds are prone to seeking comfort, often due to their burrowing habits in their hunting days. They would dig into dens to escape the elements and predators.

Their preference for tight, warm places can be attributed to this instinctual behavior. This is why they tend to snuggle up in cozy spots around the house.

Their love for naps is also a result of this comfort-seeking nature. They can sleep for longer periods in their preferred resting spots.

As a result, providing your Dachshund with a warm and comfortable environment can greatly impact their overall well-being.

See what others are reading: Dachshunds Seeking Forever Home Rescue

It's Cold Outside

As winter approaches, Dachshunds and other dog breeds experience a change in their melatonin levels. This means they'll sleep a bit more.

The nights get longer, and melatonin is the sleep hormone. Expect your Dachshund to sleep more during this time.

Dachshunds were bred to be fierce hunters and expend a ton of energy, which naturally made them need more sleep to recuperate. This is one of the biggest reasons they sleep so much.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet – all at an affordable price!

Insufficient Daily Activity

Photograph of a Black and Brown Dachshund
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Dachshunds are naturally inclined to sleep a lot, and it's not just because they're lazy. Their activity level, age, and natural instinct all play a role in determining how much they sleep.

If your Dachshund isn't getting enough activity during the day, they'll likely spend their time sleeping out of boredom. This is especially true if you're away from home for long periods, leaving your Dachshund to watch the day go by with nothing to do.

Dachshunds used to spend their energy digging and chasing badgers, but now they often spend their time sleeping instead. If you can't provide enough activity for your Dachshund, they'll just sleep more.

A lack of daily activity can lead to a Dachshund developing a habit of sleeping all day, every day. This won't change just because you're home with them unless you actively do something to get them up and about.

Dog Bedtime Needs

Dachshunds thrive on daily routines and need a set bedtime. Many Dachshund owners will know it's time to go to bed because their doxie will remind them – no need for an alarm clock.

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As Dachshunds age, their sleep patterns may change, often resulting in increased sleep duration, and they may need more sleep to regenerate after daily activity.

Older Dachshunds can sleep up to 14-16 hours, and even more if the dog has some health problems, such as arthritis or spine issues.

Pregnant Dachshunds often require more sleep due to physical and hormonal changes, and it's not uncommon for them to sleep for up to 16-18 hours a day, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.

Dachshunds enjoy comfort and love to search for a comfy place in the house to have naps, which can be traced back to their burrowing habits in their hunting days. They prefer tight, warm places where they can rest and feel comfortable.

Dachshunds are affected by the change in weather, and as winter approaches, they may sleep a bit more due to the change in their melatonin levels.

Other Possible Causes

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Dachshunds sleep a lot, and it's not just because they're lazy. Their unique body shape can make it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature, which can lead to excessive sleeping.

Their short legs and long bodies make it hard for them to dissipate heat efficiently, so they often sleep to conserve energy and stay cool.

Some dachshunds may also be sleeping more than usual due to their age, with senior dachshunds typically sleeping up to 18 hours a day.

Additionally, dachshunds can be prone to obesity, which can cause them to sleep more often as their bodies work harder to process the excess weight.

Is It Normal?

So, is it normal for your Dachshund to sleep a lot? Yes, it is. Dogs tend to spend 50% of their day sleeping, and Dachshunds are no exception.

Dachshunds have a natural tendency to sleep a lot, especially since their ancestors used to sleep a lot to conserve energy for hunting. This is still true today.

You can expect your Dachshund to sleep as much as 14 hours a day, which is completely normal.

Is It Normal for My Dog to Stay Awake All Day?

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If your dog is staying awake all day, it's not necessarily a cause for concern. On average, a dog sleeps at least 50% of the day, so it's possible your dog is just not a big sleeper.

Some breeds are naturally more energetic and may stay awake for longer periods. Dachshunds, for example, are known to be relatively low sleepers.

Dogs need adequate exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. If your dog is getting enough physical and mental activity, it's likely they'll be tired at some point during the day.

A dog that's not getting enough sleep can be a sign of an underlying issue, such as anxiety or pain. If you're concerned about your dog's sleep patterns, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian.

It's Natural

Dachshunds sleep a lot, but it's completely natural.

Their ancestors were hunting dogs, and their purpose was to help hunt badgers who were destroying crops and being a nuisance. This meant work for a Dachshund was hard, and they needed to recuperate the energy they spent in battle.

Close-Up Shot of a Dachshund
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Dachshunds have a long life expectancy, with many living upwards of 12 to 15 years. As they age, they'll slow down a bit, and you may notice they don't eat as much and receive less energy from their food.

Your Dachshund is considered a senior at around 8 years old. At this stage, they'll likely sleep even more, as their energy levels decrease.

The change in weather can also affect your Dachshund's sleep patterns. As winter approaches, they may sleep a bit more due to the change in their melatonin levels.

Dachshunds are generally sedentary dogs, and their natural tendency is to sleep a lot. In fact, they can spend up to 50% of their day sleeping, which is completely normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Dachshunds always tired?

Dachshunds tend to be more tired than other breeds due to their bodies losing efficiency with age, requiring up to 14-16 hours of sleep daily. This increased sleep need can be a normal part of aging, but may also be a sign of underlying health issues.

Why do Dachshunds like to sleep under blankets?

Dachshunds sleep under blankets due to their ancestral instinct to burrow, a trait developed from their original purpose of flushing small animals from underground burrows. This instinctual behavior is a leftover from their hunting heritage.

Elbert Hilpert

Lead Writer

Elbert Hilpert is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen interest in various topics, he has established himself as a versatile and reliable voice in the writing community. His expertise spans across multiple categories, including Animal Bites and Injuries, where he has delved into the complexities of animal behavior and the importance of proper treatment for bite victims.

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