How Much Sleep Does a Bernedoodle Need? – Understanding the Sleeping Patterns for Optimal Health
How much sleep does a Bernedoodle need? Similar to humans, dogs require sufficient sleep to maintain a healthy lifestyle. While humans typically need around 7 to 8 hours of sleep, Bernedoodles, a popular mixed breed, have specific sleep requirements. This article explores the factors that influence a Bernedoodle’s sleep needs and provides insights into ensuring they get the necessary rest for their overall well-being.
Factors to Consider for a Bernedoodle’s Sleep Needs
Understanding the factors that influence a Bernedoodle’s sleep requirements is essential for providing them with optimal rest. Here are some key factors to consider:
Age:
Just like humans, young Bernedoodle puppies under 6 months of age need more sleep compared to older dogs. On the other hand, senior Bernedoodles may also require additional sleep to rejuvenate.
Young Bernedoodle Puppies (under 6 months):
During the puppy stage, Bernedoodles experience rapid growth and development. Sleep plays a vital role in supporting their physical and cognitive development. Puppies require more sleep compared to adult dogs as it aids in their growth, helps their bodies recover from daily activities, and allows their brains to process and retain information.
Typically, Bernedoodle puppies under 6 months of age need a significant amount of sleep to support their rapid growth. They may sleep up to 18 to 20 hours per day, often in shorter bursts throughout the day. It is essential to provide them with a quiet and comfortable sleeping area where they can rest undisturbed.
Adolescent Bernedoodles:
During the adolescent stage, Bernedoodles undergo many changes as they physically mature from puppies to adult dogs. During this stage, you can expect them to have increased energy levels, exploration, and hormonal changes. These changes can affect their sleep patterns and requirements.
Adolescent Bernedoodles typically need slightly less sleep compared to younger puppies but still require a good amount of rest for their continued growth and development. On average, you can expect them to sleep around 14 to 16 hours per day. That said, it’s important to note that each Bernedoodle is unique. Therefore, some adolescents may require more or less sleep.
As they become more active and curious about their surroundings, adolescent Bernedoodles may experience occasional difficulties settling down for sleep. This can be attributed to their heightened alertness and eagerness to explore. In turn, that can make it difficult for them to relax and sleep. Providing regular exercise and mental stimulation during the day can help tire them out, resulting in better sleep quality.
Senior Bernedoodles:
As Bernedoodles age, their sleep patterns may change. Senior dogs often require more sleep than younger adult dogs due to a number of factors. These can include age-related changes in their bodies and decreased energy levels. Older dogs may experience joint stiffness, arthritis, or other health issues, which can cause discomfort and tiredness. Ensuring they get enough sleep helps them recover, rejuvenate, and maintain their overall health.
While the exact sleep duration for senior Bernedoodles can vary, they may sleep anywhere from 14 to 16 hours or more per day. Similar to when they were puppies, it’s important that you give them a cozy and supportive sleeping area which can include a soft bed or cushion, to prevent any discomfort they may experience. Though it may seem obvious, it’s important to do your researchto knowwhich type of bed is best for your Bernedoodle.
Understanding the specific sleep needs of your Bernedoodle, regardless of age, helps you as an owner to establish routines and provide an environment that promote healthy sleep habits.
Daily Routine:
Consider your Bernedoodle’s daily activities. If they join you on errands or other outings, they may not get enough rest during the day. We recommend you keep an eye on their routine to ensure they have enough downtime which is critical for them getting enough sleep on a daily basis.
Activity Levels and Stimulation:
Bernedoodles are known for their energy and playfulness. Engaging in physical activities, such as walks, playtime, and mental stimulation, is really important for their overall well-being. That said, it’s important to find a balance between exercise and rest to so that your furry companion doesn’t become overstimulation or exhausted.
If your Bernedoodle does join you on your errands or outings, you can expect them to experience increased excitement, heightened sensory stimulation, and of course they’ll interact with the environment. This is certainly beneficial for them, but you need to be mindful of their energy levels and ensure they have enough down time after those activities so they can rest. Too much stimulation without enough rest can lead to restlessness, difficulty settling down, or even sleep interruptions.
Downtime and Rest:
Providing your Bernedoodle with dedicated downtime is very important for their sleep quality and overall health. Just like humans, dogs need periods of relaxation and calmness to unwind and recharge. Creating a calm and comfortable environment where they can go to rest undisturbed is crucial.
Make sure to monitor your Bernedoodle’s routine by taking note of their behavior and energy levels throughout the day. If they seem to be super tired, lethargic, or struggle to stay awake during the day, it may mean that they aren’t getting enough sleep. Adjustments to their routine, such as scheduling regular naps or quiet time, can help ensure they get a better sleep and improves their overall well-being.
By considering your Bernedoodle’s daily activities and making sure they have enough downtime, you can improve their sleep patterns and support their overall health. We recommend maintaining a routine that’s balanced with the appropriate exercise, mental stimulation, and restful periods. This will lead to a well-rounded and happy Bernedoodle.
If your Bernedoodle is experiencing excessive tiredness/slugishness/lethargy, etc, please make sure to call your verterinarian promptly so you can bring your Bernedoodle in for an evaluation.
Sleep Patterns and Recommendations: How Much Sleep Does a Bernedoodle Need?
So we’ve already answered the question of “How much sleep does a Bernedoodle need?” But to verify our findings, we consulted withSleepAdvisor.This site indicates that dogs generally need approximately 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day, which accounts for about half of their day. When awake, they tend to spend around 30% of the time lounging and relaxing, while the remaining 20% is dedicated to being active and playful.
Cooper’s Case
In our boy Cooper’s case, he starts the day with snuggles although sometimes he’s also playful in the morning wanting to rough house a bit. After that he goes out to potty and then has a bite to eat.
Then he loves sleeping while we’re working. He’ll get under the desk, curl up and doze off for hours. About the time we’re done with work is when he starts getting more active and playful. We’ll take him outside for a bit and then go for a walk. By about 8:30-9:00, he’s already back on the floor dozing off waiting patiently for us to go to bed. Once we get upstairs and the lights are out, he’s out for the count for the rest of the night until the morning.
We would say he likes to sleep about half the day, and he definitely likes his lounging time. But when he’s active, look out! He gets amped up and is ready to play. So he definitely follows the norm in terms of Bernedoodle sleep patterns even though he’s a Bernese Mountain Doodle.
Final Thoughts
While each Bernedoodle is unique, it is crucial to monitor their daily sleep patterns. Generally, Bernedoodles should sleep between 12 to 14 hours per day. Insufficient sleep can have negative long-term effects on their health, while excessive sleepiness may indicate underlying issues that should be addressed by a veterinarian.
Sleep is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for both you and your Bernedoodle. By ensuring they receive adequate rest, you contribute to their overall well-being. Remember, a well-rested Bernedoodle is a happy companion.
