Does My Small Dog Really Need a Bed?
The average adult dog sleeps between 12 and 14 hours each day! Don’t they deserve to do so on the best dog bed possible?
Quality sleep is essential for humans, benefiting our physical and mental health. The same is true for your tiny pooch, giving its body time to restore and replenish. A supportive and cozy bed can help them wake up ready to play, socialize, or maybe just snuggle with you on the couch.
Whether your dog is taking a short afternoon snooze or bedding down for the night, this blog post will show you why a good small dog bed is a must.
Photo by Matthias Cooper from Pexels
How Much Sleep Do Small Dogs Need?
Dog sleep can depend on a few factors, the two most important being age and size. Small dog breeds and toy breeds, like the Affenpinschers and Shih Tzus, tend to sleep just as much as large breeds, such as Great Danes. These groups generally snooze for about 14 to 16 hours a day. Interestingly, medium dog breeds sleep the fewest hours, needing only 10 to 14 hours.
Age can also influence their sleep requirements. Senior dogs and puppies get the most sleep compared to adult dogs, though for different reasons. Your petite Pomeranian puppy may doze for nearly 20 hours daily with sporadic breaks to play and eat. Unfortunately, the majority of puppy sleep happens during the day instead of overnight. Similarly, senior dogs spend a lot of time sleeping, often around 18 hours in total. If their daily activities are especially tiring, they may sleep as much as 20 hours.
Adult dogs get the fewest hours of sleep, anywhere from 8 to 16, depending on the breed, activity level, and environment. Adult dogs, small or large, have sleep schedules that usually mimic their owners. Thankfully, most of their sleep happens during the night. But getting as much as twice the sleeping hours as their human means regular naps happen.
Of course, there is no standard formula for small dog sleep. Their surroundings, health, and activity level can strongly influence their rest. But even if your pooch is on the lower end of the sleep spectrum, you still should provide them with a safe and comfy sleep space.
Why the Best Small Dog Bed is Important
Even if you love snuggling with your dog, it’s necessary for them to have a bed of their own. This is especially true with smaller, fragile dog breeds. They may love to cuddle and burrow, but falling off a bed or getting trapped between the mattress and a wall could injure them. Aside from being a safe sleeping spot, a dog bed also offers a dedicated space for your pet to retreat to whenever they desire.
A Good Dog Bed Means Good Sleep
We’ve already discussed how sleep is vital to your dog’s health. It gives their body a chance to heal, restore, and replenish. But did you know it’s also important for dog training? One study found that adequate sleep for dogs benefited their memory, possibly even making them more intelligent! Dogs who were taught new commands and then received proper rest did better with command recitation. Like you, your dog will likely perform better if they’re well-rested.
To encourage them to get adequate sleep, provide a size-appropriate comfortable bed. Plush beds may also warm small dogs, helping them reach their total eight hours plus! Regardless of the inner support of the bed, finding a washable small dog bed or a small dog bed with a removable cover can make it easier to clean and more hygienic for your pet.
Supportive Beds Help Protect Joints
Large-breed dogs tend to be more at risk for joint issues, like arthritis, but a supportive bed can benefit all canines. It isn’t uncommon to see your dog flopping on the floor, but hard surfaces may hurt their bones and joints, especially if they have ailments like hip dysplasia. Instead, offer them a supportive orthopedic dog bed that cushions their body and relieves pressure points. These benefits don’t just apply to older dogs but to developing puppies as well. A tiny dog bed may help your pup wake up with less joint pain and stiffness.
Beds Can Provide a Place to Retreat
If your dog seems overstimulated and overwhelmed sometimes, know that it isn’t uncommon. Some small dogs want to do their daily exercise routine or play to overcome their feelings, while others may want to retreat somewhere. A dog bed can be just the place!
If your dog enjoys spending time in their bed, it can also provide you peace of mind, knowing they’re somewhere safe and cozy instead of underfoot. Puppies feel safe in their crate, and you can even place your tiny dog’s bed inside its crate to make an extra relaxing oasis away from your home’s hustle and bustle. In addition to a small dog bed for a home, some owners find that a small dog bed for a car or a dog backpack carrier for trips can be beneficial, too, providing your pet with a secure spot when they’re on the go.
Should I Encourage My Small Dog to Sleep In Their Own Bed?
When it comes to small dog breeds, a common question is, can my little dog sleep in my bed? Or should your tiny pooch have its own bed? While bigger dogs can interrupt your sleep, it’s much more likely that you’ll disturb your small dog when bed-sharing. Furthermore, depending on the size of your dog, you could put them at risk by bunking together.
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Fragile breeds may become easily tangled in blankets, pinched between the mattress and a hard surface like the wall, or face injury from falling off the bed. These risks can be increased for small-breed puppies. But is it okay for a small dog to sleep with you? With you in the bedroom, yes! But not necessarily in your bed.
Moving your dog’s bed into your bedroom may benefit you both. Many dogs sleep more soundly in their owner’s bedroom and often view it as a special reward. You may also feel extra security and comfort, knowing that your loyal companion is close by. You can start puppy training your dog to sleep in its own bed from the day you bring them home. As a bonus, many owners find it easier to train a puppy when they room-share, allowing them to pick up on cues more quickly and offer their new pet some semblance of the security and comfort of their former sleeping arrangements with their littermates.
So, go ahead and snuggle your small dog all you want, but when it is time to sleep, it’s best to give your tiny dog its own bed for its happiness and health!