Why Do Older Dogs Sleep So Soundly. During Shih Tzu golden years senior dogs will sleep about 14 to 19 hours sometimes waking up during the night to ask to go out or to try get more comfortable if they have aching joints. Anxious vocalizing is usually a plaintive howl or excessive whining. As your dog enters her golden years its entirely normal for her to sleep more than she used to. A puppy can sleep as much as 20 hours a day.
If your dog does it only when youre gone it could indicate separation anxiety. It takes longer for them to heal and they are often in pain because of arthritis. During Shih Tzu golden years senior dogs will sleep about 14 to 19 hours sometimes waking up during the night to ask to go out or to try get more comfortable if they have aching joints. This is a natural part of the aging process. As your dog enters her golden years its entirely normal for her to sleep more than she used to. As you Shih Tzu grows older she will likely slow down and enjoy more naps in a sunny spot in the house.
One of the important things to consider as your elderly dog sleeps more of the time is whether they are sleeping just because they need more rest or theyre genuinely sick.
Your senior dogs vocalizing can become a problem if he does it too often or at inappropriate times like when youre sleeping. In many cases a simple diet alteration can be the answer. It can be caused by physical health issues that are painful like arthritis or an injury itchy like fleas or cause frequent urination like kidney disease or diabetes. It takes longer for them to heal and they are often in pain because of arthritis. On the higher end of the scale a senior dog can sleep up to 18-20 hours a day says Dr. During Shih Tzu golden years senior dogs will sleep about 14 to 19 hours sometimes waking up during the night to ask to go out or to try get more comfortable if they have aching joints.