Why do Chihuahuas sleep so much?
Given a choice, my 8-year old Chihuahua Bella would gladly spend all day under the covers. The above question was posed by my neighbor who also has a Chihuahua and we got discussing about how much these small dogs sleep!
It is normal for Chihuahuas to spend 9-10 hours sleeping each day. Young Chihuahua pups and senior dogs tend to sleep even more.
Find out all about Chihuahua’s sleep schedule and how much sleep is too much for your pet.
Why do Chihuahuas Sleep So Much? (The Short Answer)
To a new Chihuahua owner, it can come as a surprise to find out that their dog sleeps almost all day.
It is a good idea to ask the question how much sleep do Chihuahuas need because you might miss out on health issues if you do not know the answer.
In general, all Chihuahuas that are well-exercised and well-fed will sleep a lot – nearly 10-12 hours a day. An aging Chihuahua might sleep even more – 12 to 14 or even 16 hours.
Puppies need nearly 18-20 hours of sleep just like human babies.
Thus, size, age, activity levels, diet, and overall health can all play a role in how much sleep a Chi needs.
In the next section, I will discuss exactly why do Chihuahuas sleep so much.
Why do Chihuahuas Sleep so Much? (The Long Answer)
Chihuahuas nap for nearly 10-12 hours a day. Young puppies (below the age of 12 months) sleep even more and so do mature or senior Chihuahuas.
Here are reasons why your pet might sleep so much:
1. Small dogs, less stamina
One of the main reasons why Chihuahuas sleep so much is because they are just made that way.
Genetically, these small dogs have less stamina. They are also built small and often expend their energy through barking, following their owners around the house, or chasing squirrels in the yard.
If you exercise your pet 2-3 times a day, then it is likely to nap in between those sessions and after every meal.
Despite being small in size, Chihuahuas have a lot of energy and that makes them move about a lot. That is why they also catch naps in between those energetic sessions.
2. They are bred to be companion dogs and lapdogs
Chihuahuas are bred to be lapdogs. They are often recommended for seniors or less active people who love being couch potatoes.
Many Chihuahuas will gladly snuggle with their owners and, given the chance, might even refuse to leave the house altogether.
This does not mean that you let them sleep all day. Even Chihuahuas need 2-3 sessions of exercise each day for mental and physical wellbeing.
3. Puppies need a lot of sleep for growth
A young Chihuahua puppy is absorbing tons of information – you might also be training it – basic commands and potty training. This means that it will expend energy in that way too besides exploring curiously.
That is why puppies need to sleep between meals and training sessions so they can grow and develop.
4. Older dogs sleep more too
Chihuahuas also sleep more than usual as they age. A senior Chihuahua might sleep nearly 14 hours a day which is normal as long as you still make it exercise for about 20-30 minutes each day.
5. Boredom
Bored dogs will naturally sleep more because they have nothing better to do. Don’t be alarmed to find a bored dog also destroying stuff when you return home in the evening.
That is why your pet needs proper exercise with mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
6. Loneliness
Is your Chihuahua alone all day? Perhaps it is lonely. Loneliness is more common in dogs that are not exercised properly and that is why a lonely Chihuahua might sleep more.
It is also one of the reasons why people get Chihuahuas in pairs since two dogs can give each other company.
7. Anxiety
Chihuahuas often suffer from what is known as the Small Dog Syndrome. This makes them rather anxious and insecure about their small sizes. Due to this anxiety, stress builds up in their body.
Stress can be further exacerbated by separation anxiety about being left home alone when humans go to work or school.
That is why Chihuahuas tend to sleep a lot to forget their anxiety and numb their pain and fear of being alone.
8. Illness
Dogs with underlying health issues could also sleep a lot more than the normal 10 hours. If your pet is in pain, sleeping could help alleviate it.
9. REM sleep patterns
Unlike humans that sleep throughout the night, Chihuahuas – like most dogs – do not. They might wake up frequently to check on their surroundings, watch out for dangers, etc.
That is also a reason why Chihuahuas sleep during the day to catch up on the lost sleep at night.
How Many Hours Do Chihuahuas Sleep?
A normal, healthy adult Chihuahua will sleep for 10-12 hours each day.
Puppies need even more sleep for growth and development – up to 18-20 hours.
Similarly, a mature or aging Chihuahua could sleep for 14 to 16 hours each day.
Sleep is important for Chihuahuas. Without healthy sleep, your Chi could have a weak immune system and could suffer from infections.
Puppies also need plenty of sleep to process all that they learn during training and also to grow strong and healthy.
A mature or aging Chihuahua could have pains, aches, or illness, and sleeping could help them deal with it.
How Long do Chihuahuas Sleep?
Adult Chihuahuas catch several naps all day. However, they might not sleep at a stretch since the slightest noise wakes them up.
Even at night, most Chihuahuas are light sleepers and usually alert to noises.
Also, Chis are prone to feeling cold and might awaken frequently to burrow deeper into the covers or to cuddle with their humans.
Chihuahua puppies also do not sleep long at a time since their small bladders need frequent emptying and they also wake up to eat and drink. Most Chihuahua puppies take short naps of 1-2 hours before waking up for potty or meals.
Senior Chihuahuas sleep longer and longer although they might wake up to change their position or readjust themselves if their joints are aching.
In short: most Chihuahuas do not sleep too long at a stretch. Many wake up to check on their premises. They might also be alert to noises. Being small dogs, they also need to empty their bladders more frequently.
Is it Okay for a Chihuahua to Sleep all Day?
No, a dog should ideally not sleep all day and if it does, it could be ill or very tired. You need to wake it up at least a couple of times so it can relieve its bladder.
Normal, healthy dogs will not sleep all day. Their REM sleep patterns would definitely wake them up several times. They might check on the premises or simply wake up to interact with their humans, or go potty and to have their meals.
If your Chihuahua sleeps all day, it could indicate an underlying health issue.
Naturally, dogs tend to sleep all day after a long day of travel. In such a case, your pet might try to make up for the lost sleep. Even in this case, you still need to wake up your pet and encourage it to go potty.
In general, a Chihuahua sleeps for about 10-12 hours a day and that should accompany periods of waking where your dog shows signs of activity, eating, barking, chasing squirrels, walking with you, etc.
When Should You be Concerned about Your Chihuahua’s Sleeping?
You should not be too concerned if your Chihuahua is sleeping more than 10 to 12 hours during the day.
In fact, you should be concerned if your pet isn’t sleeping well at night and wakes up often crying or whimpering. In older dogs, this could mean an underlying health issue.
Of course young puppies wake up frequently too, but once you successfully crate train them, exercise and feed them a healthy diet, then chances are they will sleep through the night.
Lack of sleep isn’t good for your pet and it can lead to behavioral issues too. Of course, you should be concerned if your adult Chihuahua starts showing other signs and symptoms of a problem such as pain or injury.
Often, dogs are very good at hiding their pain and owners might not notice it until it is very late. In senior dogs, arthritis pain can start slowly as the wear and tear of joints is slow.
You might notice your pet limping and it may not want to walk too much or might also appear lethargic and less energetic.
Please see your vet and discuss medication, diet, and treatment for the underlying health issue.
How to improve your Chihuahua’s Sleep and Get it to Sleep through the Night?
Here are some steps to help your pet sleep well through the night and also take healthy naps through the day:
A. Exercise it
All dogs – old and young need exercise. An older dog might be too tired and have aches and pains, but without exercise it might get bored and could even suffer from behavioral issues.
Exercise should also include mental activities, puzzles, agility, and obstacle courses, etc.
B. Establish a routine
Chihuahuas – like all dogs – are creatures of habit. They like to follow a set routine without which they tend to get anxious and irritable.
Set time for meals, training (for puppy), and exercise and play. This will help your pet know it is bed time.
C. Don’t share your bed with your pet
See the next section why you should (ideally) not let your Chihuahua sleep in your bed. Train it to sleep in a crate since crates provide a cozy and safe space for dogs.
D. Keep the environment conducive to good sleep
Minimize the noise in your Chi’s sleeping area by closing windows. Use blinds or curtains to cut out the light entering the room.
If it is winter, make sure your Chihuahua is warm. You can use a space heater or dress up your Chi in warm clothes to prevent it from getting too cold.
E. Rule out medical issues
If, despite these measures, your Chihuahua does not sleep well at night, please see your vet to rule out medical issues.
Is it OK to Let your Chihuahua Sleep in Your Bed?
Vets recommend not to let Chihuahuas sleep with their humans in their beds because of the following reasons:
1. Allergies
Chihuahuas are not hypoallergenic dogs. This means that they shed and produce dander which could trigger allergies in some humans.
If you have pet hair allergy, then it is best not to let your Chihuahua sleep next to you. And even if you aren’t allergic to your pet, your pet might have picked allergens, pollen, dirt, mold etc. on its walks and you could be allergic to these.
2. They wake up frequently at night
Sleeping with a pet is not conducive to a good night’s rest. Most dogs, Chihuahuas included, wake up several times at night. Their REM sleep patterns ensure that they wake up to check up on their premises or simply to turn and adjust themselves for better warmth.
This can be disturbing to humans especially light sleepers who cannot fall back asleep right away. This is one more reason not to let your Chi in your bed.
3. You could hurt your small dog
Chihuahuas are tiny dogs and they like to burrow and sleep between their humans’ legs.
You might turn over and accidentally kick your small dog in your sleep or even end up crushing it. The chances of this happening are rare but it is still quite dangerous for your little pet.
Conclusion
Why do Chihuahuas sleep so much?
Most normal, healthy Chihuahuas sleep nearly 10-12 hours a day. Puppies need even more sleep – about 18-20 hours and this is needed for their growth and development. Older or aging Chis could also sleep for 14 to 16 hours per day.
We hope this guide helps you decipher if your Chi is getting adequate sleep.
