Why Do Chihuahuas Sleep So Much: 9 Causes & Benefits

Every dog loves to sleep, especially if their environment is calm, so why do Chihuahuas sleep so much? Let’s find out together!

All through this post, we will be outlining and discussing all the common reasons why Chihuahuas may sleep more than the required 5 to 9 hours during the day or night.

Finally, we will highlight the common benefits of getting enough sleep for Chihuahuas, and we talk about some sleeping disorders, so read through to find out more!

Why Do Chihuahuas Sleep So Much

Chihuahuas require adequate sleep in order for their bodies and minds to operate optimally, allowing them to master, absorb and store memories as well as learn new skills and commands given to them by their owners.

Chihuahuas also benefit from sleep in order to be stress-free. Senior Chihuahuas require more sleep hours for their physical and emotional health.

A healthy Chihuahua should sleep for 5 to 9 hours a day on average, and if the Chihuahua sleeps for longer than this, you should seek medical advice.

Benefits of sleep to Chihuahuas

The following are some of the most prevalent reasons why Chihuahuas benefit from sleeping:

1. Sleeping promotes healthy and continuous growth in Chihuahuas.
2. Regular sleeping decreases brain degeneration in Chihuahuas.
3. The immune systems of Chihuahua are improved by sleeping.
4. Sleep is beneficial to Chihuahuas because it allows them to build new brain connections.
5. The minds of Chihuahua are maintained sharp by proper sleeping with interruptions.
6. The capacity of Chihuahuas to learn improves while they sleep.
7. During sleep, the Chihuahua body conserves and recovers energy.
8. Sleeping helps Chihuahuas maintain a healthy heart.
9. Sleeping reduces stress in Chihuahuas.
10. Sleeping aids in the treatment of depression in Chihuahuas.

Causes of excessive sleeping in Chihuahuas

The following are some of the most prevalent causes of your Chihuahua sleeping more than usual:

1. The age factor

The age of a Chihuahua has a significant impact on how the dog sleeps; this has to do with how active the dog is.

Chihuahuas’ activity level decreases as they age, which means they’ll need to sleep more to have a happy existence.

As a result, as your Chihuahua matures, she’ll likely slow down and take more naps in a light area of the house.

A newborn puppy, on the other hand, sleeps more because it needs sleep to grow properly.

So, if your Chihuahua is sleeping too much, consider his or her age as a factor that might affect how long he or she sleeps.

2. Sign of too much physical activities

When a Chihuahua engages in too much physical activity, it becomes exhausted, which can lead to stress.

When Chihuahuas have too much exercise, they sleep for longer periods of time than usual.

If you notice that your Chihuahua is napping excessively, you should investigate the Chihuahua’s active activity.

Heat fatigue is common in Chihuahuas, and too much physical exertion can lead to heatstroke.

To minimize unwanted health risks, you should always keep track of your Chihuahua’s physical activity.

3. Sign of poor mental stimulation

In Chihuahuas, a lack of mental stimulation not only fosters Chihuahua behavior issues like aggression but also encourages excessive sleeping.

As a result, if your Chihuahua isn’t cognitively busy, it’s either destroying something or napping someplace.

Giving the required amount of mental stimulation activities help to keep your Chihuahua occupied.

4. Sign of loneliness

A lonely Chihuahua may sleep more or less than normal because of separation anxiety which Chihuahuas are prone to.

On the other hand, because of the stress, some lonely Chihuahuas may not get enough sleep, which can contribute to undesired behavior in Chihuahuas.

Boredom is one of the most common causes of Chihuahua behavior problems, and your Chihuahua may relieve himself by digging holes in your yard or on his bed.

When your Chihuahua naps a lot, it’s probably because he’s bored and doesn’t know what else to do.

5. Overfeeding your Chihuahua

Overfeeding your Chihuahua, as amusing as it may sound, can cause them to sleep longer than planned since they will become too sluggish to accomplish anything.

So, if your Chihuahua is napping for longer periods of time than normal, be sure you’re not overfeeding him.

Consult your veterinarian for a feeding plan and follow it religiously, as overfeeding can lead to a variety of health problems.

6. Sign of obesity

The Chihuahua has a number of health issues that are typical in small dogs, as well as a few that are unique to this breed.

A few health issues in Chihuahuas might impact their sleeping rate or cycle.

Obesity in Chihuahuas can impair their health and cause them to sleep more than they should.

Obesity is a serious condition that can lead to or exacerbate musculoskeletal and metabolic problems, all of which can interfere with Chihuahua’s sleep.

7. Sign of separation anxiety

Separation anxiety in Chihuahuas can impact how long your Chihuahua sleeps, letting him sleep longer or not at all.

If you’re a Chihuahua owner or lover, you’ll agree that separation anxiety is one of the most common problems Chihuahuas faces.

This is why, if you work 9 to 5, you shouldn’t buy a Chihuahua since Chihuahuas were intended to be by their owners’ sides all day.

8. Sign of excessive stress

Changes in daily routine might cause stress in Chihuahuas and cause them to sleep more than they should.

Simply develop and stick to an effective daily routine, as frequent pattern alterations lead to bad habits.

Plan a regular program of activities for you and your Chihuahua to reduce unnecessary stress.

9. Sign of depression

Depression may manifest itself in two ways: as a cause for your Chihuahua sleeping excessively, or as a reason for your Chihuahua sleeping insufficiently.

Whatever perspective you choose, one thing is certain: depression has an impact on how a Chihuahua sleeps.

Is it normal for a Chihuahua to sleep all the time

Is it is not normal for a chihuahua to sleep all the time, however, in most cases, a Chihuahua may sleep for 5 to 9 hours per day without raising concerns.

Therefore, Chihuahua owners should be aware that sleeping for more than 9 hours per day could suggest potential problems, and it’s best to see your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Why does my Chihuahua sleep so close to me

Chihuahuas sleeping close to you are a symbol of affection, closeness, and connection, and it means your Chihuahua feels comfortable in your company.

It’s also suggested that sleeping near to you continues the bonding process that began when you and your Chihuahua first met.

Your Chihuahua is reassured by your presence and wants to know that you are there for him on a frequent basis.

Chihuahuas, on the other hand, may sleep close to their owners for the following reasons: separation anxiety, fear, or stress.

Why do Chihuahuas sleep under covers

Because of the chihuahuas’ size, thin coats, they detect cold rapidly and sleep under blankets to maintain a comfortable body temperature.

This is indeed typical chihuahua behavior. It might also be prompted by their childhood features or health problems.

Common sleeping disorders in chihuahuas

The following are some of the most typical canine sleeping problems that Chihuahuas may have:

Insomnia

Anxiety, physical health difficulties like arthritis or an accident, stress, itching disorders, renal illness, or diabetes are all common causes of insomnia in Chihuahuas.

Cognitive impairment caused by brain degeneration can alter sleep patterns and cause insomnia in senior Chihuahuas.

Apnea

Snoring that is loud and continuous is a typical symptom of sleep apnea. 

Obese Chihuahuas can be helped with a variety of methods, including weight reduction, surgery, and steam air purifiers.

A dog’s airway can collapse or constrict due to excess internal fat or poor respiratory architecture, resulting in sleep apnea and waking him up for 5 to 10 seconds at a time.

Seek medical help right away if your Chihuahua is snoring loudly and waking up frequently during the night.

REM

In hyperactive dogs like Chihuahuas, body movement or activity during sleep is a symptom of REM Behavior Disorder.

This proclivity can become excessive or aggressive in certain Chihuahuas, resulting in their crashing into walls or assaulting manmade things.

REM Behavior Disorder differs from seizures in that Chihuahuas with REM Behavior Disorder wake up normally, with no confusion or disorientation.

If you observe any changes in your Chihuahua’s sleeping patterns, take him to the vet as soon as possible.

With this information, why do Chihuahuas sleep so much has been addressed!