Yorkie Sleeping All Day: What Does It Mean?

If your Yorkshire Terrier is sleeping all day, there could be a number of reasons. Firstly, it's important to note that Yorkies sleep a lot, with adult dogs sleeping for around 13-18 hours per day, including short naps. Puppies sleep even more, usually between 16 and 22 hours per day. If your dog is sleeping within these ranges, it is likely that their sleep patterns are normal. However, if your dog is sleeping more than usual, it could be due to a number of factors, including health conditions, age, stress, anxiety, boredom, or a change in environment.

It's normal for Yorkies to sleep a lot

Yorkshire Terriers are known to sleep a lot, and it's perfectly normal for them to do so. The amount of sleep a Yorkie needs depends on various factors, including age, health, exercise, and environment.

Puppies

Yorkie puppies can sleep anywhere from 16 to 22 hours per day. This includes both nighttime sleep and naps throughout the day. As they grow older, they gradually sleep less, adjusting to their new environment and the family's schedule.

Adults

Adult Yorkies will be very active when awake and will sleep deeply when they allow their bodies to rest. A healthy adult Yorkie will typically sleep for around 13 to 18 hours each day, including naps. Most adult dogs sleep for one long stretch at night and then take several shorter naps during the day.

Older Yorkies

Yorkies that are 10 years or older will usually sleep more than younger dogs and may also develop some health conditions that affect their sleep. It is common for older dogs to experience a decrease in energy levels and an increase in sleep duration.

Factors affecting sleep

Several factors can influence a Yorkie's sleep habits. Health issues, such as digestive problems, arthritis, or other age-related issues, may cause discomfort and disrupt their sleep. Changes in routine or environment can also impact their sleep patterns, as can separation anxiety and stress.

Sleeping positions

Yorkies have various sleeping positions that can provide insight into their personality and comfort level. They may sleep on their back with legs in the air ("crazy legs" position), on their belly ("superman" position), or curled up in a tight ball ("curly sue" position), among others.

In summary, it is normal for Yorkies to sleep a lot, and the amount of sleep they need will vary depending on their age, health, and other factors.

Health conditions

There are several health conditions that could be causing your Yorkie to sleep all day. These include:

• Hormonal imbalances or thyroid problems. If your Yorkie is sleeping more than usual, check for symptoms such as unexplained hair loss, increased drinking and urination.
• Diabetes, iron deficiency (anaemia), or an infection (viral or bacterial).
• Sleep apnea, which is more common in overweight dogs. Symptoms include loud snoring and excessive daytime sleeping.
• Arthritis or other joint issues, which are more common in older dogs and can make getting comfortable and falling asleep difficult.
• Digestive issues. Yorkshire Terriers have sensitive stomachs, and eating something that disagrees with them can cause gas, bloating, vomiting or diarrhoea, which will disrupt their sleep.
• Illness. If your dog's body is fighting off an illness, it may sleep more.
• Medication. Your Yorkie may be taking medication for an illness that makes them more prone to sleep.
• Old age. Older dogs may develop health conditions that interfere with their sleep. They may also experience muscle pain that keeps them up at night.

Hormonal imbalances

Other symptoms of a hormonal imbalance in your Yorkie may include:

• Unexplained hair loss
• Drinking lots of water
• Urinating more often

If your Yorkie is diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance, the good news is that once the imbalance is fixed, your pup should be back to its usual, excitable self.

Age-related issues

As your Yorkie ages, you may find that it starts to sleep more than it used to. This is perfectly normal, as older dogs tend to need more sleep. In addition, older dogs may experience health issues that can interfere with their sleep, or make it more difficult for them to get comfortable.

More Sleep for Older Dogs

Yorkies tend to sleep more as they get older. While a healthy adult Yorkie sleeps for around 13 to 18 hours a day, older dogs may sleep for longer. This is simply because energy levels drop as dogs age. However, it could also be a sign of an underlying chronic illness that makes them less willing to be active.

Joint Problems

Older Yorkies may experience joint problems such as arthritis, which can make it difficult for them to get comfortable and fall asleep. Prescribed medications and supplements for joint health can help a great deal. It's also important to provide an orthopedic bed that offers proper support for their tired bodies.

Other Health Issues

Older Yorkies are more prone to health issues that can interfere with their sleep. For example, they may develop illnesses that cause them pain or discomfort, which can keep them awake at night. Older dogs may also have trouble regulating their body temperature, and may need extra help to stay warm at night.

Diet and Exercise

Providing your aging Yorkie with the right diet, regular vet checkups, and lots of love and attention may help them recover some of their energy. It's also important to make sure they are getting enough exercise. A nice trick is to have playtime in the afternoon or early evening, so they are tuckered out and ready for bed when night comes.

Lack of attention

Yorkies are known to be very affectionate and emotionally needy. They crave attention and love to be the centre of it. If your Yorkie is sleeping all day, it could be because it is bored and sulking due to a lack of attention.

Yorkies are intelligent, active animals that require mental stimulation and physical exercise. If they don't get enough time to play, exercise, or interact with humans or other dogs, they get bored very quickly. A bored Yorkie may see sleep as a simple way to pass time.

If you've been busy and unable to play or cuddle with your Yorkie as much as you usually do, they may be trying to get your attention and sympathy by sleeping a lot. Dogs rely on their owners for entertainment, so if you're not playing with them, they may choose to sleep until you are free to give them attention again.

Yorkies are also prone to separation anxiety, which can be triggered by any form of separation from their owner. This could be leaving them alone while you go to work or even just going into another room. If your Yorkie is experiencing separation anxiety, they may become restless and bark more than usual. They may also exhibit sleep disturbances, where anxiety prevents them from falling asleep or staying asleep.

To help your Yorkie feel more loved and stimulated, you can try giving them fun toys and games to play with, using stimulating feeding puzzles, and taking them for ample physical exercise. It's also important to provide them with a healthy, balanced diet and avoid overfeeding, as this can make them sleepy.

If you suspect that your Yorkie's sleeping habits are negatively affecting their health, it's best to consult a veterinarian for advice and treatment options.

Frequently asked questions