how much should she be sleeping?

[wcladymacbeth]

How much should an 8 month old puppy be sleeping? It seems like Maggie sleeps a LOT! When I take her outside, I do run around with her some, but it doesn't seem like enough that she should be completely worn out and tired when she's inside. She sleeps as much as a cat almost.

She seems to sleep through the night while we're in bed. She used to howl during the night but she doesn't do that anymore so I assume she sleeps. We get up in the morning anywhere between 6 and 8 am, take her outside and depending on the weather let her romp a bit, then she comes inside and is full of energy for about 45 minutes. Then she sleeps - she would sleep until noon if I didn't keep poking her, if I wake her up during this time, she goes back to sleep as soon as I stop bugging her. Then she'll wake up with a little burst of energy in the afternoon that lasts about 40 minutes, and then sleeps a few more hours, and then is somewhat active for another hour or two in the evening depending on what we're doing or who's with her.

I am taking her to the vet soon, maybe even this afternoon (it's the walk-in clinic where I take my cat - I really like the vet there.) I'm thinking maybe she has hypothyroidism, maybe that could explain the sleepiness and excessive fearfulness? I'm more knowledgeable about people medicine than dog medicine. What do you guys think?

 

[nuvetmarie]

Well, it could be a few things....

Yes, many times it can be a medical reason such as you mentioned or even diabetes. Does she drink a bunch when she is awake? Also, what food is she on? Brand and amounts you feed.

Another thing you can also consider is the fact that dogs can get into routines, just as people can. Sometimes I wonder if a dog has just developed a habit. She many just enjoy the program she has developed for herself.

Let me know the answers to the questions above. Ok??

Don't worry, it may be just a bad habit..

 

[wcladymacbeth]

I don't think she drinks an excessive amount of water. I fill her water dish up once a day and there's still some left at the end of the day.

She's on beneful right now - I know it's horrible, I'm switching when I can. I give her a cup in the morning plain, and then 1/2 cup in the evening with 1/2 can of Mighty Dog canned food.

 

[houndlove]

Some dogs are just low-energy. If you're ruled out the major health concerns, just consider yourself lucky.

 

[wcladymacbeth]

Could be. When we go outside, she has loads of energy. Maybe she's just too bored to be active inside.

 

[Laurelin]

I have two laaaaaaaazy shelties.

I always hear they're a higher energy breed, but mine are bums. Especially now that they're old.

 

[Toller_08]

In my experience, sleeping a lot around the house is pretty normal. all of our dogs are all really "lazy" and relaxed in the house (well, except for Morgan.. but she doesn't really count. She's a really strange dog all around). Very rarely do they run around and play inside... they mostly just sleep or chew a bone or something. Sometimes they'll play with eachother, but that never lasts overly long and then they're back to sleep. They're all very active outside though.