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Sleep

Optimizing Sleep for Your Shih Tzu: A Comprehensive Guide to Healthy Rest Patterns

Overview

Shih Tzu puppies and dogs are fascinating subjects when it comes to their sleeping patterns. As pet parents of these adorable companions, understanding the nuances of their sleep needs is paramount for their health and happiness. This article covers the realm of Shih Tzu slumber, explores what constitutes a normal sleep cycle, sheds light on common sleep-related issues and offers tip for helping a Shih Tzu puppy, adult or senior have a good night's sleep.

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How Many Hours a Shih Tzu Needs for Sleep:

When looking at this question, we must take into consideration the age of the dog.

Other elements will factor in, however for now we will discuss the sleeping habits of a healthy Shih Tzu that is given the proper environment (comfortable canine bed, low noise level, etc.)

Let's look at each stage:

When looking at how many hours of sleep is normal for a Shih Tzu, age must be taken into consideration. Other elements will factor in; however, for now we will discuss the sleeping habits of a healthy Shih Tzu that is given the proper environment (comfortable canine bed, low noise level, etc.)

Newborn pups: 19-22 hours. For brand-new pups, it's normal to sleep most of the time, up to 22 hours, only waking to nurse from the dam every 2 hours or so and then quickly falling back asleep. Those about to be weaned, are weaning, or are on solid foods (3 to 7-week-old pups) may sleep anywhere from 19 to 21 hours.

Bailey, 4 months old, photo courtesy of Stephanie

Shih Tzu Puppies (under 1 year old): 16 to 20 hours. Puppies often alternate between bursts of energy and sudden exhaustion, sleeping wherever they land. While owners hope for their Shih Tzu to sleep through the night, disrupted patterns are common, with some puppies sleeping more during the day. Typically, a Shih Tzu puppy sleeps 16 to 20 hours within a 24-hour period, but this decreases over the first year as they transition to nighttime sleeping. For those with puppies that become lively at night, we'll cover strategies to encourage better sleep habits.

Adult Shih Tzu Dogs: 12 to 16 hours. By promoting nighttime sleep and creating a conducive environment for rest, a Shih Tzu over one year old will typically sleep 12 to 16 hours a day, mostly at night. An adult's sleep duration also hinges on their daily activity level. Active dogs tend to sleep less during the day, leading to better nighttime rest, whereas less stimulated dogs may nap more, impacting their night sleep.

Senior Shih Tzu Dogs: 14 to 19 hours. Senior dogs, particularly those over 10 years old, often need more rest to rejuvenate. Despite their increased need for sleep, it's crucial to maintain daily exercise, like regular walks, and social interaction to keep them engaged. Sleep patterns in senior dogs may become irregular, with nighttime awakenings for bathroom trips or to adjust their position for comfort.

To summarize: Shih Tzu newborns sleep 19 to 22 hours, puppies sleep 16 to 20 hours, adults sleep 12 to 16 hours and seniors sleep 14 to 19 hours.

Winnie, taking a nap on her human's bed; photo courtesy of Sherry

How Sleep Impacts a Shih Tzu's Health and Well-being:

Adequate and quality sleep affects a canine in many ways:

Cognitive Function: Adequate sleep is crucial for a dog's learning and memory. Well-rested dogs are better at learning commands and remembering training.
Emotional Health: Just like humans, dogs can become irritable or anxious with insufficient sleep, affecting their mood and overall temperament.
Physical Health: Sleep aids in the repair of muscle, bone, and tissue, supports a healthy immune system, and is essential for growth, especially in puppies.
Energy Levels: Proper sleep ensures dogs have enough energy for daily activities, maintaining their enthusiasm for play and exercise.
Immune System: Sufficient rest strengthens the immune system, helping a dog fend off illnesses and recover more quickly from injuries.
Longevity: Quality sleep can contribute to a longer, healthier life by preventing chronic health issues and supporting overall well-being.

Ensuring your Shih Tzu gets enough quality sleep is as vital as providing a balanced diet and regular exercise for their health and happiness. And this topic is covered next.

Helping a Shih Tzu Puppy Sleep Through the Night

Helping your new puppy sleep through the night is essential for both your rest and the pup's development. Here's a streamlined guide to ensure your Shih Tzu puppy settles into a healthy sleep routine:

1. Create a Safe Sleeping Area: Ideally set up ahead of time, but something you can implement any time:

Avoid the bed: Initially, avoid sleeping with your Shih Tzu to prevent accidents and falls.
Opt for a playpen: A sturdy playpen like the North State Indoor Playpen is ideal. For young puppies, you can start with the four-panel size and then extend it out later via extra two-panel sets that clip on. Equip it with a small comfortable bed, such as the JoyElf Memory Foam Bed, and include pee pads, food and water.

2. Encourage Playpen Naps: Gently guide your puppy to nap in the playpen during the day to get used to the space.

3. Establish a Routine. Having a regular schedule of play, exercise and rest can help a pup sleep better at night.

Regular exercise: Include twice-daily walks (once rounds of puppy vaccinations are complete) and play sessions to expend energy.
Maintain a consistent schedule: Keep to a routine for meals, daily grooming, playtime, bathroom breaks and a regular bedtime.

4. Adjust Evening Routines: If early morning wake-ups occur, try adjusting dinner times and ensure a bathroom break right before bed.

5. Calm the Environment Before Bedtime: Dim lights and reduce noise an hour before sleep to help your puppy wind down.

6. Nighttime Awakenings: Awaking up at night or too early in the morning is common for puppies, but there are things you can do to help with this.

For bathroom needs: Keep interactions low-key, with minimal light and no play.
For attention-seeking: Teach self-soothing by not responding immediately to barking or whining.
Self-soothing toys: Introduce interactive toys for engagement, small silent-squeaker toys for quiet play, and if a puppy really seems to be struggling, you may want to consider offering a companion toy like the Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy, which works very well for separation anxiety as well.

Summary: Start with a well-prepared sleeping area within a playpen, and resist responding to every nighttime awakening to encourage self-soothing. Use toys for comfort and distraction, and maintain a consistent routine for activities and bathroom breaks. This balanced approach will help your puppy learn to sleep through the night, ensuring restful nights for both of you.

Tips for Shih Tzu Dogs of All Ages to Get Great Sleep

Many owners ask about a Shih Tzu sleeping in bed with them and whether or not this is a good idea.

While the thought of cuddling up at night is appealing, this is something that can be worked in once the dog is housebroken and once a good night time sleeping pattern is established.

In addition, it can be quite dangerous for a puppy to sleep in his owner's bed, as being rolled on or falling off the bed are real concerns.

Shih Tzu puppies will often fall asleep just about anywhere.

Calli, photo courtesy of Janet & Steve B

Ensuring your Shih Tzu gets a good night's sleep is crucial for their health and happiness. This breed, known for its adorable appearance and friendly nature, has specific needs when it comes to sleeping well, mainly connected to their status as a brachycephalic breed. Here are comprehensive sleep tips for Shih Tzu dogs of all ages, focusing on the importance of a good bed, addressing common sleep disturbances, and more.

#1 Choose a Good Bed: A good bed is important for good sleep.

Breathing Support: Shih Tzu dogs can have breathing issues due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) nature. A bed with bolstered sides can support their head in a slightly elevated position, which helps elongate the breathing passages for easier breathing during sleep.
Joint Health: Look for orthopedic beds that provide ample support for joints. Memory foam beds can contour to your dog's body, reducing pressure on joints and ensuring a restful sleep.

#2 Establish a Sleep Routine: Dogs love routine.

Consistency is Key: Most canines, the Shih Tzu included, thrive on routine. Set a regular bedtime and wake-up time for your Shih Tzu to help regulate their sleep cycle.
Evening Exercise: A light walk or play session in the evening can help expend any excess energy, making it easier for your Shih Tzu to settle down for the night.

#3 Addressing Common Sleep Disturbances: There are some common reasons for nighttime waking.

For a Shih Tzu That Wakes Up Frequently: Ensure they have a quiet, comfortable sleeping area away from high-traffic areas of the home, but not isolated from you. Consider a white noise machine or soft music to drown out any noises that may disturb their sleep.
For Early Risers: If your Shih Tzu tends to wake up too early, examine their sleeping environment. Ensure it's not too bright in the morning; blackout curtains can help. Also, adjust feeding times; a later dinner can sometimes help them sleep longer into the morning.

Additional Tips for Senior Shih Tzu Dogs

Seniors often sleep more than their younger adult counterparts, but sleep may be more disrupted.

Common Sleep Challenges:

Cognitive Dysfunction: Similar to dementia in humans, older dogs can experience cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), leading to confusion and anxiety, which may disrupt their sleep patterns. Signs include disorientation, changes in sleep-wake cycles, and increased nighttime activity.
Arthritis and Physical Discomfort: As dogs age, they are prone to develop arthritis and other joint issues, causing pain and discomfort that can make it hard to find a comfortable sleeping position.
Increased Daytime Napping: Senior dogs may nap more during the day, which can lead to less sleep at night. While it's normal for older dogs to require more rest, an excessive amount of daytime sleeping can disrupt their natural sleep-wake cycle.
Other Health Issues: Conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, or urinary incontinence can also interfere with sleep due to discomfort, pain, or the need for frequent urination.

Tips for Improving Sleep with Seniors:

Create a Comfortable Sleeping Environment: Invest in an orthopedic dog bed that provides extra cushioning and support for arthritic joints. Beds with bolstered sides can also offer head and neck support, which is beneficial for breathing and comfort. A bed that we recommend is the Bedsure Orthopedic Bed which has two-inch thick egg-crate memory foam for proper support and relief of body aches and joint pain and great bolster support for the head.
Maintain a Regular Schedule: Keeping a consistent routine for feeding, bathroom breaks, and bedtime can help regulate their internal clock and improve sleep quality.
Manage Pain and Discomfort: Consult with your veterinarian about medications for conditions like arthritis. All Shih Tzu adults age 8+ should be taking joint supplements. Adequate pain management can significantly improve sleep quality.
Encourage Light Exercise: Gentle exercise can help maintain joint mobility and reduce discomfort. However, avoid strenuous activities, especially before bedtime, as this can exacerbate arthritis pain.
Address Cognitive Dysfunction: For senior Shih Tzu dogs showing signs of cognitive dysfunction, speak to your vet about dietary changes, supplements, or medications that might help manage symptoms. Providing mental stimulation through interactive toys or simple training tasks can also support cognitive health.
Consider Environmental Adjustments: For seniors with vision loss or disorientation, keep the sleeping area easily accessible and free from obstacles. Nightlights can help dogs navigate their environment better during the night.

By understanding the specific needs of your senior Shih Tzu and making thoughtful adjustments to their care routine, you can help them achieve better sleep, enhancing their comfort and quality of life in their golden years.

Kiki, photo courtesy of 'Guitar Girl'

Common Sleep Issues and When to Seek Veterinary Care

Changes in sleeping patterns or behaviors can be early indicators of underlying health issues. Recognizing these "red flags" is crucial for addressing potential problems proactively. Here's a guide to identifying sleep issues in Shih Tzu Puppies and Dogs, and understanding when a visit to the vet is necessary.

Common Sleep Issues and Their Significance:

Excessive Sleepiness or Lethargy: While it's normal for puppies and senior dogs to sleep a lot, a sudden increase in sleep duration or lethargy can signal health concerns such as hypoglycemia (for pups), hypothyroidism, heart disease, or other systemic issues.
Difficulty Sleeping or Restlessness: If your Shih Tzu is having trouble settling down, waking up frequently during the night, or seems restless, it could be due to discomfort from arthritis, digestive issues, or even anxiety.
Snoring and Breathing Difficulties: While some snoring is common in brachycephalic breeds like the Shih Tzu, very excessive snoring or apparent difficulty breathing during sleep may indicate issues with the respiratory system or obstructive sleep apnea.
Frequent Waking and Pacing at Night: Nighttime waking and pacing can be signs of cognitive dysfunction in senior dogs, similar to Alzheimer's in humans. It can also suggest anxiety or discomfort.
Changes in Sleeping Positions: A sudden preference for unusual sleeping positions may suggest your dog is trying to alleviate discomfort from physical ailments like abdominal pain or joint issues.

When to Visit the Vet:

Sudden Changes: Any sudden change in sleep patterns warrants a veterinary visit. Whether it's sleeping more or less, difficulty breathing, or restlessness, these changes can be symptomatic of larger health issues.
Discomfort Signs: Signs of discomfort, such as whimpering, shifting positions frequently, or difficulty finding a comfortable position, should prompt a vet visit to rule out pain-related conditions.
Behavioral Changes: Sudden changes in behavior, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like loss of appetite, should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Age-Related Concerns: For seniors, any significant alteration in sleep, be it more nighttime activity or increased lethargy, should be discussed with a vet to manage age-related health issues effectively.

Quick Sleep Q&A:

Q: Is it normal for a Shih Tzu to sleep on his back?

A: Yes, a Shih Tzu may find any number of positions that they personally feel to be comfortable for a snooze. Whether they are upside down, on their back, or curled in a cozy corner, as long as they're resting peacefully there is nothing wrong with this.

Q: Is it Okay to Let My Shih Tzu Sleep in My Bed?

A: Once your Shih Tzu is housebroken, you might consider letting them sleep in your bed for bonding and comfort. However, remember that it can quickly become a permanent habit. If you're committed, ensure safety by positioning your Shih Tzu's side of the bed against a wall to prevent falls, and avoid excessive blankets that could cause overheating. Also, consider your sleep quality; if you're a light sleeper and your Shih Tzu snores, makes noises, or moves a lot at night, this arrangement might not be ideal.

Q: I have several Shih Tzu. Is it okay for them to all sleep together?

A - Yes, absolutely. In multiple dog households with more than 1 Shih Tzu, it is quite common for the pack of dogs to all pile up on each other (known as a dog pile), and aside from being unquestionably adorable, it serves to make the dogs feel secure. This is fine as long as it's not forced in a confined space and the dogs have a proper sleeping surface (memory foam). However, be aware that preferences may change, especially as dogs age; an older dog might prefer their own space.

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