You've recently noticed that your Chihuahua spends more time sleeping than usual? What could that be? Is she okay? Is there a problem you still can't see or is it just a phase?
Tis' the spot to find out why Chihuahuas sleep so much.
Is it just because they are bored?
Is it possible they get tired so easily?
Or is there a health issue undercover?
Keep reading to find out.
Why Chihuahuas Sleep So Much?
Being the tiny little creatures they are, Chihuahuas spend a lot of energy daily. Their energy levels are high, but constant and intensive physical activity wears them out. Chis are crazy about physical activities, walks, attention, and affection. But they are also prone to health problems that losing energy and an unusual amount of sleep may be signs of.
Usually, Chis spend 12 to 15 hours a day sleeping. Sounds like much? But it's not.
So when should you be alarmed?
If your Chihuahua sleeps longer than 18 hours a day we may have something going on there.
But what could it be?
Here are the 8 reasons why Chihuahuas sleep so much.
They just love to hit the sack
One of the possible reasons why Chihuahuas sleep so much during the day is – they just like it.
If their sleeping time ranges between 12 to 18 hours a day – they're fine.
If your pooch is one of those marathon sleepers, help them by creating a cozy little corner where they can take a breather whenever they feel like it.
It's all fun and games
...until they wear them out.
Chihuahuas are super playful. It's in their nature to be energetic and want to spend every second playing. But it all comes to an end.
If you have noticed your Chi be sleeping longer than usual, try remembering if she has played more than usual for the past couple of days. If the answer is yes – there you go.
No need to worry, she just needs some rest.
They're bored of being bored
Believe it or not, this could be one of the causes why Chihuahuas sleep so much. They're bored.
When you're at work, your Chi spends long hours alone without any physical activity whatsoever. This drags them out and makes them even more tired so they opt for long-hour sleep.
Chihuahuas are full of energy, they need to burn it. But how, if you're not home?
One of the great solutions is to equip your Chihuahua with toys. But tactically. Just like children, Chihuahuas can get bored of toys. But that doesn't mean you have to constantly buy new ones.
The idea is to hide one toy for a month while your Chihuahua plays with another. Then switch.
Also, if you can afford it, try finding daycare for your pup or leaving them with someone you trust while you're working.
Not to mention, it would be best to take some time after work and dedicate it only to your little one.
She wasn't born yesterday
Just like us, doggos get old, and with the age come the struggles.
When in their prime, Chihuahuas are super active and energetic. The energy levels and willingness to play decrease with the years. Your Chi becomes lazier than usual, leading it to them sleeping long hours.
If you are a proud owner of an older Chihuahua, make sure they get a constant amount of exercise.
Yes, they will still sleep more than usual because of age, but you don't need to worry about that as long as your Chi is healthy.
Most of the time the reasons behind long-hour sleep are benign, but what if slumber party becomes lethargy? Could it be a sign of sickness?
Could it be a sign of a health issue?
You know your Chihuahua's sleeping habits, and you have noticed a drastic change recently, so you can't help but wonder why your Chihuahua sleeps so much?
If you have noticed something wrong with your Chi's amount of sleep, it's best to take them to the vet as it could be a sign of a health issue.
Other than just having a cold, long sleep can be a sign of something way serious such as cancer, epilepsy, thyroid problem, Legg-Perthes disease, or a heart condition.
Your Chi is anxious
Yes, it's important to take care of your Chihuahua's mental health.
Chihuahuas are prone to anxiousness. If you stay too long away from them, if they sense a storm approaching, or they lack attention, they can get anxious.
When your Chi is anxious she probably chooses sleep as the best medicine available.
How can you tell your Chihuahua is anxious?
- Shivering
- Lack of appetite
- Lips licking
- Losing eye contact
- Frequent urinating
- Paw lift when sleeping
- There's more white in their eye than usual
Diet went wrong
We know how difficult it is to resist those puppy eyes just when you have started eating your lunch.
Even though human foods are not entirely harmful to your Chihuahua, certain foods are and may cause health problems that may be the cause your Chi sleeps longer than usual.
We have dedicated an entire article to the human foods Chihuahuas should avoid and health issues they can cause so don't miss it out.
Parasites
Another one of the possible answers to why Chihuahuas sleep so much is – parasites. Parasites attack most of the dogs, and Chihuahua is no exception.
The problem with the parasites is that they attach themselves to your Chi, and suck their blood causing reduced blood condition due to which Chihuahuas can get easily tired.
If by any chance you doubt this could be the case, make sure you visit your vet.
At the end of the day...
These were some of the answers to why Chihuahuas sleep so much. While in most of the cases your Chi is just bored, lacks attention, or is tired, you should not neglect the possibility of health issues that may go undetected.
Regular vet check-ups will surely provide you with in-depth insight into the health status of your Chi.
In case you're interested in receiving more daily Chihuahua content and have a chance to communicate and exchange experiences with other Chihuahua owners and lovers, you're welcome to join our Chihuahua We Love private Facebook group.
If you have liked this article, you may also want to read Why Chihuahuas Bark So Much (And How To Teach Them To Stop)
6 comments
My chi is 15 years old and she is the best thing I ever had and I’m scared of losing her she looks like she’s just depressed she’s so picky she will only eat chicken jerky or beef and she loves those snap biscuits for dogs very seldom can I get her to eat dogs food but lately she’s been having trouble walking her back legs seem like they’re getting parylized wat do I do if I can’t afford the vet do to a lot of money theft that has happened to me from my husband sister and a car salesman
Why are Chihuahuas so little?
My Chi Autumn is 8mo old and she sleeps so much that I can pick her up and move her from one place to another and she stays asleep. I have taken her to the vet and they say she’s very healthy. She eats well. She moves around well. She just choose to sleep so much something like a newborn baby
My Chi Autumn is 8mo old and she sleeps so much that I can pick her up and move her from one place to another and she stays asleep. I have taken her to the vet and they say she’s very healthy. She eats well. She moves around well. She just choose to sleep so much something like a newborn baby
My dog is sleeping a lot