Do you own a Dachshund? If yes, the first thought that would pop up on your mind is that he is probably sleeping if you were asked to guess what he is doing at any point in time. Sure, all dog breeds spend enormous amounts of their days and nights in Snoozeland.

But, the situation may be even worse for doxies when it comes to their sleep routine and this can leave some owners concerned that there could be something wrong with their canines. No wonder many dachshund lovers continue to enquire as to why their pets sleep so much.

Dachshunds sleep a lot because they’re natural hunting dogs that conserve energy when idle as a survival instinct to gain an advantage over prey. The weather, old age, and the nature of their environment can also play a huge role in their extensive hours of sleep.

Reasons Why Dachshunds Sleep So Much 

Well, it is only natural that doxies spend a lot of their time napping. Let us dive into the main reason why this happens so you can fully understand your dachshunds better.

1. Genetics 

The earliest generation of Dachshunds were rigorous hunters that survived by preying on smaller animals. Since their prey wouldn’t give up without a fight, doxies slept a lot to conserve their energy levels when they were not hunting.

This gave the earliest ancestors superior speed and strength whenever they were on the prowl. These natural tendencies have been passed down from generation to generation. While Dachshunds have been domesticated for over 100 years, their natural hunting skills have prevailed.

The average dachshund sleeps 14 hours a day but the duration could even be higher depending on some of the additional factors stated below.

2. Age

As stated above, doxies sleep 12-14 hours on average during each 24-hour cycle. However, puppies may need to snooze anywhere from 18-20 hours a day. This is because pups expend a lot of energy in the process of coming to grips with the environment for growth and survival.

Older Dachshunds may also need to rest more due to their low energy levels as well as weaker bones and bodies. With the majority suffering from health conditions such as arthritis, kidney failure, and cancer, their energy levels are conserved for only essential tasks.

Like other breeds, Dachshunds can have flexible sleeping patterns, waking up immediately there’s a knock on the door, and getting back to the realms of deep sleep 10 minutes later.

3. Boredom

A dog’s default response to inactivity is to nod off and dachshunds are no different. In as much as they’d rather enjoy being in the comfort of the home napping all day, they can equally rise to the occasion for a long hike or walk when the opportunity presents itself.

Thus, doxies living in boring environments tend to sleep even more than the average 14 hours or so most dogs enjoy. Sure, they’ll take toilet breaks, eat, and chase a few rodents such as mice and rats here and there.

However, a bored dog may struggle to keep its eyes open in most cases, even if it is in a fairly light sleeping mode. No wonder they snooze more when they’re alone compared to being in the company of an owner or other members of the family.

4. Weather 

Many dog breeds including dachshunds sleep more in winter. Residents of regions with long winters typically notice increments in the number of hours their pooches snooze during those months.

This is thanks to the low light conditions as well as low temperatures that can make dogs feel more sluggish. Additionally, dogs naturally experience a surge in melatonin levels during the coldest periods of the year meaning more shuteye hours.

Dachshunds may also suffer sleep troubles in some of the hottest regions on the planet. Thanks to the combination of night sweats and other signs of discomfort, these dogs may struggle to get into a good sleeping rhythm. This can take a heavy toll on their energy levels during the day.

5. Activity Level

An inactive doxie is more likely to sleep compared to one that spends a ton of time running around, even if mostly in restricted areas such as the owner’s car. Dachshunds may love to sleep for extensive hours but they only do so when there’s nothing else to do.

Apart from physical activity, these canines also struggle to nap in noisy environments. Like humans, they prefer the comfort of a quiet home or surroundings. For those who live active lifestyles that involve being on the move daily, taking your doxie along for daily activities can limit the amount of sleep it gets.

Where Should Your Dachshund Sleep?

Determining the right sleeping place for a new pup or older rescue dog can be a problem especially for first-time dog owners. Here are a few places you can set up a sleeping spot for a dachshund that has just arrived in your home.

1. In Your Bed

Sharing a bed with a beloved dachshund can strengthen your bond and build mutual trust within a short period. On a cold night when room temperatures can plummet to extreme levels, snuggling up to your beloved pooch can provide warmth for everyone.

Essentially, sleeping on the same bed can be one of the quickest ways to build an inseparable bond.

2. Designated Spot In The Bedroom

Are you averse to sharing a bed with a pet or perhaps have no space for an additional occupant? No problem. You can set up a comfy crate in the bedroom to accommodate him. This will enable you to keep an eye on the dog throughout the night.

However, be mindful that this may take some training because Dachshunds can be clingy pets that may desire to sleep in your bed.

3. Crate In Another Room

Many people set up different rooms for their pets and it works well with absolutely no problems. Just make sure the room always stays clean to safeguard invasions from potentially harmful pests.

Additionally, keep an eye on the room temperature to ensure that it is comfortable for your favorite doxie.

How To Provide Superior Sleep For a Dachshund 

Dachshunds sleep a lot by nature. However, some techniques can ensure the utmost comfort for a restful shuteye whether day or night. A few of these techniques may include:

1. Regular Baths 

If you share a bed with a Doxie, a regular bath can transform the quality of his sleep. Not only can this cool down the canine’s body temperature for better rest but it may also improve his body odor. Besides, a clean dachshund means a bed that can be devoid of dirt, mud, and many potentially harmful parasites.

Remember, all dog breeds feel much better after a bath so incorporating it into their sleep routine can provide wonderful results. Can you imagine how much sleep a doxie can get after a cool bath in the middle of a hot and sunny day?

2. Check for Fleas 

Fleas can make the life of a dog a living hell. The presence of these pests can force canines to scratch their bodies even during the middle of a shuteye. The result may be skin irritations and visible patches of hair loss which can negatively impact the health of your doxie.

These parasites can disturb the dog’s chances of getting restful sleep and this why checking for fleas regularly can be so important. While these parasites may be difficult to spot alive, their feces can be easily identifiable.

Once the presence of fleas is confirmed, the next step is to speak to a veterinarian as soon as possible. He or she will provide the right treatment for the infected pooch and recommend measures to eliminate these pesky pests from the home.

The Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Treatment from Amazon is a waterproof, fast-acting, and long-lasting treatment that kills adult fleas and ticks as well as their eggs and larvae. My dogs are now very much healthier and happier to be free from those pesky pests.

3. Blankets to Burrow Under

Giving your doxies blankets to burrow under in bed can provide a magical experience for them. These dogs love burrowing, thanks to their natural hunting characteristics. Sure, they may no longer be in the wild but blankets can offer the perfect avenue to dig into.

Remember to choose the right size of covers and make sure your beloved dachshund can easily get out of it whenever the need arises. For pooches that sleep in your bed, regular covers can work just fine. However, dog blankets may come in handy for canines that sleep in crates or their beds.

My beloved dogs love burrowing under the Luciphia Super Soft Fluffy Pet Blankets from Amazon. It keeps my bedsheets and sofas free from dog hair while improving the comfort of my pooches all night long. It is highly recommended for all pet lovers.

4. Specific Sleeping Spot

Dachshunds sleep better when they have a designated spot. Whether it is a place on your bed, in the bedroom, or a crate in another room, training them to get comfortable at that spot can be rewarding for everyone.

Not only will your doxie get enough sleep without interruptions but you can also look forward to peaceful nights without abrupt distractions from the beloved pooch. Like any dog, retraining a doxie to lie down in a different spot after getting accustomed to one spot can be tricky so keep that in mind immediately a new pup arrives in the home.

5. Right Room Temperature

The prevailing room temperature can play a huge role in how much sleep a canine may get. Like humans, Dachshunds struggle to nod off in extreme temperatures whether hot or cold. This is usually not a problem for owners that share beds or bedrooms with their pooches as they do feel comfortable within the same temperature ranges as humans.

However, avoid leaving dogs outdoors during extreme heat to prevent the risk of excessive sweating and even heat stroke. Additionally, leaving a dog outdoors during winter can expose him to the risk of hypothermia as well as colds, frostbites, and even death.

Have you read the article we wrote on the 19 cool ways to cool the bedroom without an AC? Click the link for some insane tips and tricks that can be lifesaving for you and your pets during the hot summer nights.

Conclusion 

Dachshunds sleep for 14-16 hours a day on the average thanks to their natural survival instincts as hunters which enables them to conserve energy when idle. The nature of their environment, as well as their weight levels and age, can also play a huge part in the number of hours of shuteye they get.

As long as your beloved doxie is exhibiting no signs of illness or an infection, the extensive hours of sleep should be no cause for concern.