A good night’s sleep is vital for humans. You probably know the feeling of waking up groggy, dreading the day to come, as you’ve only dozed off for a couple of hours the night before. Like humans, dogs have particular sleeping habits that allow them to function during the day.
However, you may have noticed that your Cavalier King Charles sleeps a lot, and now you wonder if there is a reason to worry.
Sleeping up to 14 hours for an adult Cavalier King Charles is completely normal behavior. Yet, sleeping for more than 14 hours per day may be due to lack of exercise, boredom, aging, or illness.
If you’d like to learn more about your dog’s habits, find out the potential problems that cause a bad night’s rest, and learn the solutions you can apply.
Why Does My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Sleep So Much?
If you’ve noticed that your pooch is napping more than ever before, you’re not alone. Let’s see what the most common causes of oversleeping in this beautiful breed are and what you can do about it.
However, remember that all dogs are different – what’s normal for my dog won’t be normal for yours.
Lack of Exercise
Arguably, the most common reason your Cavalier King Charles sleeps a lot is a lack of exercise. These beautiful pups are lap dogs, requiring minimal daily training and preferring to stay comfy indoors.
However, they still need some form of exertion to release excess energy – and a short walk every day does the trick.
If your dog isn’t really used to regular walks, it may become lazy. Cavaliers are quite adaptable – meaning they will get used to new routines quickly, even if it’s bad for them.
As a result, not walking your dog enough could quickly turn it into a couch potato that sleeps all day!
Read Also: Overweight Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Solution
The solution to this problem is simple – take your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel on daily walks. Ideally, you should walk your furry friend for around 40 minutes each day, provided he/she is a healthy adult.
Young pups and senior dogs require less exercise, so make sure you adapt the walking schedule to your Cavalier’s needs.
Boredom
On a similar note, if your pet seems to spend most of its day napping on the couch, it could simply be out of boredom. Despite our differences, humans and dogs do have some similarities.
If you’ve ever found yourself understimulated with nothing to do and just decided to take a nap – your dog could be experiencing the same thing!
Solution
Try to stimulate your puppy a bit more. You can do this in numerous ways.
For example, taking your pup for walks more often, playing with them, hiding treats in the home for your Cavalier to find, and even purchasing stimulating dog toys.
Your Dog is Getting Old
A sad fact of life is that our furry companions age much faster than we do. As dogs age, they become less energetic and more passive, choosing to spend their days lounging around the home.
If you’ve noticed that your elderly Cavalier is sleeping more than usual, this could be completely normal.
Solution
Sadly, there is no solution to this cause since there is no issue; it is simply how your dog develops as it ages. However, if you are concerned about whether your elderly King’s sleep is normal – don’t hesitate to contact your vet.
On top of that, you can take some measures to ensure your cavalier is as comfortable as possible. This means providing a warm, comforting sleeping environment with a soft bed for your best friend. For my furry buddy I use Pet Deluxe Orthopedic Dog Bed, you may check it out on this link.
Injury or Illness
Unfortunately, there could be a real chance that your Cavvy is sleeping more than usual due to a medical problem.
You know how sleepy you feel when you’re sick, as your body uses all of its energy to combat the illness? The same could happen with your dog, resulting in a disturbed sleeping pattern.
Solution
Never try to diagnose or try to treat an ill dog by yourself. If you suspect your pup has a medical condition, contact a vet immediately and follow their advice.
Related Reading: Why Do Cavaliers Sleep On Your Head?
How Much Sleep Does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Need?
Generally speaking, an adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniel needs between 12 and 14 hours of sleep daily. Puppies and senior Cavalier King Spaniels sleep more than that, up to 18-20 hours.
Most of these hours will likely be at night, depending on your sleeping patterns. In other words, your Cavalier should be active during the day, only catching a few snoozes.
However, all dogs have their own particular needs, no matter the breed. How much sleep your doggy needs depends on many different factors, including age, exercise levels, diet, etc.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Sleeping Habits
Unlike working dogs, which usually sleep fewer hours every day than the average dog, our Cavaliers are toy breeds and tend to sleep more.
You may have noticed that your pet seems to fall asleep and wake up at a moment’s notice – that’s completely normal. In fact, it is a survival tactic that allows them to quickly become on guard – allowing them to react to potential danger in the environment and recharge as soon as it’s safe.
You also may see your Cavy twitching, twirling, growling, or even whimpering in its sleep! If you didn’t know, dogs also experience REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which means they also dream like us.
These dreams can be quite vivid, and your pooch may be acting out in reality. Even if it looks scary if your companion is twitching in its sleep – most of the time, there’s nothing to worry about.
Final Thoughts
In most cases, especially if your King Charles Cavalier is healthy, your pet’s sleeping patterns are not a major cause for concern. Just make sure he’s/she’s getting enough exercise, has some toys to play with and has a healthy diet.
Thank you for reading. You might also be interested in reading another popular article: How long can a cavalier be left alone?