Pomeranians: Sleeping Beauty Or Something More Sinister?

Pomeranian owners often wonder if their furry friends are sleeping too much or too little. Pomeranian puppies need a lot of sleep, up to 18-20 hours per day, while adults should sleep through the night, mimicking their owner's sleep schedule of 7-8 hours. During the day, adult Pomeranians will take several naps, adding up to a total of 12-14 hours of sleep per day. Senior Pomeranians may sleep slightly longer, around 13-14 hours per day, and may start to wind down earlier in the evening.

How much sleep do Pomeranians need?

Pomeranians require a lot of sleep, but this depends on their age. For instance, newborn Pomeranians need 20 to 22 hours of sleep per day, while puppies need 18 to 20 hours. This is because they are still getting used to walking, playing, and exploring the world around them. During this time, they will take a lot of naps throughout the day, which is completely normal.

Once a Pomeranian reaches adulthood, which is around one year old, they will start sleeping through the night, usually sleeping for 7 to 8 hours. Throughout the day, they will take several naps, bringing their total sleep to 12 to 14 hours. Senior Pomeranians, aged eight years and older, will sleep slightly longer, for 13 to 14 hours. They may also take an extra nap during the day or fall asleep earlier in the evening.

If your Pomeranian is sleeping more than usual, it could be due to excess activity, boredom, or hypoglycaemia. If they are sleeping less than usual, consider investing in a more comfortable bed or check for any noises that might be disrupting their sleep.

Why do Pomeranians sleep so much?

Pomeranians are known to sleep a lot, and this is perfectly normal. Like all dogs, they need more sleep than humans, and they sleep for the same reasons we do: to recover and recharge. Dogs also need Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep so that they can dream.

The amount of sleep a Pomeranian needs will depend on its age. Newborn Pomeranians need 20-22 hours of sleep per day, while puppies (aged up to one year) need 18-20 hours. Adult Pomeranians (aged one to eight years) sleep for 12-14 hours per day, mostly at night, with a few naps during the day. Senior Pomeranians (aged eight years and above) sleep for a similar amount of time, but they may take an extra nap during the day or sleep slightly longer at night.

There are several reasons why your Pomeranian may be sleeping more than usual. One reason could be that they are getting more exercise than normal. They may also be sleeping more because they are bored. In this case, you could get them some new toys to play with or take them to a dog park to socialise with other dogs.

However, sleeping more than usual could also be a sign of a health issue. Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) is common in toy dog breeds like Pomeranians, and one of the symptoms is excessive sleepiness. If you think your dog might have hypoglycaemia, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible. Other health issues that could cause excessive sleepiness include sickness or allergies. If you are concerned about your Pomeranian's sleeping habits, you should consult your vet.

Reasons for a Pomeranian sleeping more than usual

Pomeranians are known to sleep a lot, but there are times when they may sleep more than their usual sleeping patterns. While some reasons for this are benign, others may be a cause for concern.

Excess Activity

If your Pomeranian has been more active than usual, they may simply be tired from all the extra exercise. This could be from more walks, playdates with other dogs, or extra playtime with their owners.

Boredom

If your Pomeranian is bored, they may fill their time with extra sleep. To avoid this, ensure your dog has plenty of toys to play with and gets enough attention and interaction from you. You could also consider getting them a companion.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a common ailment in Pomeranians and other toy dog breeds. It can be caused by too much time between meals or stress. Symptoms include excessive sleepiness, confusion, and a wobbly gait. If you suspect your dog has hypoglycemia, rub some honey on their gums and seek veterinary treatment.

Sickness

If your Pomeranian is sleeping more than usual, it could be a sign that they are sick or in pain. Any changes in their sleeping, eating, or activity habits could indicate an underlying health issue. If you suspect your dog is unwell, take them to the vet for a check-up.

Age

Senior Pomeranians (over eight years old) tend to sleep more than their younger counterparts. They may take extra naps during the day or fall asleep earlier in the evening. This is a normal part of the aging process and is not usually a cause for concern.

Environment

If your Pomeranian is sleeping too much or too little, it could be due to their environment. Ensure their sleeping area is comfortable, draft-free, and not too hot or cold. Reduce noise and light levels before bedtime to signal that it's time to sleep.

Poor Sleep Pattern

Pomeranians can sometimes develop poor sleep patterns, where they are awake at night and sleep through the day. This may be due to their body clock being reversed or because they feel isolated or uncomfortable in their sleeping area.

What to do if your Pomeranian is sleeping too much

Pomeranians are known to sleep a lot—adult Poms need 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day, and senior Poms need 13 to 14 hours. However, if you think your Pomeranian is sleeping too much, there are a few things you can do to help regulate their sleep patterns.

First, consider whether your Pomeranian is getting more exercise than usual. If so, they may simply be tired from exerting more energy than normal. In this case, you don't need to be concerned—they are likely just regenerating their bodies and brains.

If your Pomeranian seems to be sleeping out of boredom, try getting them some fun toys to play with or take them to a dog park to play with other dogs. You could also install a doggie door if you have a backyard, so they can go outside and entertain themselves.

Another reason your Pomeranian might be sleeping more than usual is that they are feeling unwell. Pomeranians can be susceptible to food allergies, so it's important to feed them high-quality dog food and learn what they are allergic to. If you think they might be unwell, take them to your local veterinarian for a check-up.

If your Pomeranian is sleeping too much, you could also try improving their sleep environment. Make sure they have a comfortable bed that is big enough for them to stretch out and made from a decently firm material that will provide good support for their body. You should also ensure their sleeping area is quiet, with minimal light, and away from doors or other areas of high foot traffic.

Finally, make sure you take your Pomeranian for a potty break 20 to 30 minutes before bedtime. This will help them sleep through the night without needing to go outside again.

What to do if your Pomeranian is sleeping too little

If your Pomeranian is sleeping too little, there are a few things you can try to help them get more rest.

Firstly, consider the quality of their bed. A good bed should be comfortable and offer proper support for your dog's body. It should be sized specifically for toy breeds, with deep sides and a base of an appropriate size. A moderately firm mattress is generally best for Pomeranians, as they don't often like sinking into very soft beds. Senior Pomeranians may benefit from an orthopedic bed, which can provide extra support for their joints.

Another thing to consider is the amount of noise in your Pomeranian's sleeping environment. Dogs have a very keen sense of hearing, and noises from outside or inside the home could be disrupting their sleep. Try to create a quiet space for them to rest, away from doors and areas of high foot traffic.

Additionally, you can try taking your Pomeranian for a walk or playing with them at home to help them use up their energy and promote better sleep. Ensuring they get enough exercise can help regulate their sleep patterns.

If your Pomeranian continues to sleep too little, it may be a good idea to consult a veterinarian to rule out any potential health issues that could be causing their sleep disturbance.

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