Decoding Pet Sleep: What Your Pet’s Sleep Patterns Say About Their Health

When it comes to our pets, it’s easy to take their sleep for granted. After all, they can nap on cue and have few, if any, responsibilities keeping them up at night. But a closer inspection of pet sleep patterns—particularly changes in sleep duration, restlessness, or unusual sleeping positions — can be subtle signs of a health concern warranting a call to the vet. 

To awaken pet families to the importance of pet sleep health, our team at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates has put together some tips for making sure your pets are getting plenty of shuteye.

How Much Sleep Do Pets Need?

Adult dogs should be snoozing for 12-14 hours every day, while their puppy counterparts may be zonked out for 19 hours. Cats, well known for their sleep talents, spend up to 16 hours every day asleep, with some heavy-eyed kittens needing as much as 20 hours of solid rest. 

Checking in on Pet Sleep Quality

While it certainly isn’t necessary, or possible, to watch over your pet as they sleep, there are some simple things to watch for that signal your pet is getting quality sleep, including:

• Their posture: Does your pet appear comfortable and relaxed, with their body in a natural position? Side sleepers and those who expose their bellies when they sleep are relaxed and feel safe in their surroundings.
• An occasional twitch: Pets dream, so a leg twitch or paw flick indicates REM sleep—a sign of good pet sleep quality.
• Your pet awakens bright-eyed and bushy-tailed: Pets should wake up refreshed and ready to start their daily routine.
• They have a consistent sleep schedule: Healthy pet sleep patterns make for healthy pets. They should have a regular bedtime routine with nap times throughout the day.

Spotting Unusual Pet Sleep Behaviors

When checking for signs of health issues in pet sleep, you want to be on the lookout for changes in pet sleep patterns, such as:

• Duration: If your pet is sleeping significantly more or less than usual, it can signal health problems like pain, infection, hyperthyroidism, or anxiety. 
• Signs of visible discomfort: Is your pet overly restless, whimpering, or circling their bed a lot before trying to lie down? Pets that can’t seem to get comfy may be in pain. Older pets, in particular, will sometimes pace at night because the pain of arthritis keeps them from finding a comfortable sleeping position.
• Stomach sleeping: A pet that suddenly starts sleeping on their tummy could be experiencing anxiety.
• Breathing patterns: Excessive snoring, heavy panting, or labored breathing during sleep can point to respiratory or cardiovascular problems. 

When To Consult a Vet 

If you notice significant changes in pet sleep patterns, especially if accompanied by lethargy, appetite changes, or weight loss, contact us at (248) 646-5655 for an appointment. We can help determine the cause of your pet’s sleep problems and do all we can to get your pet on the road to better sleep—and better health.