If you’re a pug owner, one thing you’ll agree about this dog breed is that it sometimes gets a bad rap when it comes to sleep. Besides sleeping, getting a new pug should be an exciting experience for any first-time dog owner.
Many people love this dog breed because of its laid-back personality and adorable looks. If it’s your first time owning a pug, you’ll not fail to research the potential health concerns that may affect your dog and the ideal type of food for this dog breed. While at it, you need to know how much sleep your pug needs and when it’s becoming too much.
Let’s explore the normal sleeping patterns at different ages, why pugs sleep so much, and when to worry about their sleeping habits.
What Are The Recommended Hours Of Sleep For Your Pug?
It’s normal for an adult pug to sleep up to 14 hours a day, and the number of hours will be more for newborns and young puppies. Here’s a detailed look at the amount of sleep your pug requires at different stages in its life.
Newborn Pugs (1 day to 3 weeks old)
Pug puppies from one day to about three weeks will sleep 22 hours a day. They’ll wake up when it’s time to eat and then return to bed near their mother and littermates.
Young Pugs (3 to 8 months old)
When your pug puppies are between 3 to 8 weeks, their vision and hearing function well. This is also when their curious nature kicks in. With their heightened interest in exploring their surroundings and playing with siblings, they’ll remain awake longer than newborns.
At this age, expect your puppies to sleep 21 hours a day.
Adult Pugs (6 months to 9 years old)
Adult dogs sleep an average of 14 hours a day, eight to nine hours at night, and five to six hours on and off naps during the day.
Most pugs tend to shadow their owners, meaning that they’ll follow you around and even go to bed when they see you resting. Additionally, you’ll rarely see them sleeping when you start your day.
Senior Pugs
If your furry friend is more than nine years old, it will begin to experience physiological changes like reduced activities and decreased metabolism. You may notice your pug sleeping an extra 20 minutes to one hour at this age.
Top 4 Reasons Why Your Pug Could Be Sleeping Too Much
If the dog sleeps more hours than what’s normal within their age, it should be a cause for alarm. Here are some of the reasons why this could be happening.
Your Pug Is Likely Sick
If your dog sleeps more than usual, it’s a warning indicator that it has a medical condition. For instance, puppies between two to five months that look dizzy and weak could be suffering from hypoglycemia. This medical condition is common with this dog breed when they’re young.
Sometimes, adult pugs may not show signs of weakness when they’re sick. However, if they sleep more than usual for three consecutive days, visit your nearest veterinary office even if they don’t show other symptoms.
Your Dog Could Be Bored
If your dog doesn’t have anything that’s keeping them active, they’ll likely snooze away. However, you can do plenty of things to provide your pug with stimulating activities when you aren’t around.
For instance, you can provide them with treat-dispensing toys. This way, when your pug pounces or chews the ball, it releases treats, and this keeps them engaged.
Alternatively, you can request any of your family members to drop by and take your dog for a walk once or twice a day. Check whether your local area has professional dog walkers if none are available.
Your Pug Could Be Mimicking Your Behavior
This intelligent dog breed is known for mimicking human behavior. So even if you’re not asleep but spend most of your time watching TV or playing video games, pugs take it as a sign that it’s time to pause all activities and rest.
The Diet Your Dog Takes
The kind of food you give your dog will impact their sleep quality. You should avoid giving your pug treats and low-quality food. You may think that you’re encouraging the development of a healthy, happy dog, but such foods make them sluggish and tired.
Ultimately, this causes them to be unmotivated, and they’ll sleep too much.
When Should You Be Concerned About Your Dog’s Sleeping Habits
Your pug sleeps a lot during the day, which is why it’s important to check for the warning signs that the normal sleep habits are turning out excessive. Here are a few indicators that could be helpful.
Changes On How They Wake Up
You need to regularly monitor how your dog wakes up in the morning. Usually, most dogs will wake up quickly then stretch before starting their day. So, when your dog finds it difficult to wake up or looks lethargic or unmotivated, seek the help of a veterinarian.
Your Dog Exhibits Exercise Intolerance
Most people confuse exercise intolerance with laziness, but these are two different things. When your dog is sick, it will appear tired. You may not easily tell that it’s unwell when resting, and it may be difficult to tell that your dog has any distress when they’re resting.
However, if you notice your pug pants heavily or rests in unusual places, it should be a cause for concern.
Changes in the Sleep Routine
It’s important to be watchful of your dog’s sleeping patterns as part of your general care. When you notice sudden changes, you should be concerned about the health of your pug.
For instance, if a dog sleeps for two hours in the morning but begins taking up to six hours’ nap regularly, don’t hesitate to seek medical help.
Final Thoughts – Why Do Pugs Sleep So Much?
As a dog owner, you should pay attention to how your dog sleeps, as this will tell you whether or not they’re okay. You should not be concerned if your dog sleeps for 14 hours because it’s normal for this dog breed.
If their hours of sleep are more than usual, they likely have health issues. Remember that pugs mimic their owners, so when you’re resting on your sofa, keep them engaged with doggie toys that release treats when they pounce on them.
Pugs are among the best pets to keep. However, it’s best if you’re well informed about the dos and don’ts of this dog breed to have a happy life with your furry friend.
About the author
Rachael is the co-founder and editor at Pug Facts. Owner of one elderly Pug, she’s dedicated to helping other Pug owners create healthy, happy, lives with their furry best friends.
