Sleep Awareness Month – What About The Dog?

As sleep awareness week squints into action in March and World Sleep Day peeps on March 17th, Pet Insurance Australia urges Australians not to hit the snooze button on the importance of our dogs getting a decent dose.

“Quality sleep is paramount for our canine companions from the time they are pups right through to adulthood,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. “Good sleep has a huge effect on puppies as it assists towards growth and development, health and immune system function, physical health, mental development, behaviour and temperament and overall quality of life.”

But a good rest – is just the beginning. Ensuring your dog is sleeping on a quality bed is also important.

“Providing your pet with adequate bedding is fundamental. This can also help protect joints, and similar to us, the more support, the better,” Crighton says. “The type of bedding you choose can also be important, as some beds and blankets can contain toxic materials—and it’s not uncommon to hear of dogs ingesting their beloved bedding.”

PIA Pet Insurance’s policy administrator and underwriter, PetSure, has had numerous claims for pet “bedding” ingestions over the last two years (2022-23), including blankets, electric blankets, sheets, mattresses, and pillows.

“On average, when pets chomping into bedding goes wrong, it costs a pet parent in the order of $500-$1,000 for a trip to the vet for treatment,” she says. “However, vet bills for bedding ingestions in excess of $1,000 are not uncommon, and one as recently as 2022, for ingesting part of a pillow, was in excess of $8,000.”

What Do The Doggy Sleep Experts Think? – Michelle Cummins, from Stan Pet Beds

Why is it important to consider what your pet’s bed is made from?

“Pets are very sensitive to the chemicals used in today’s world. No matter how evolved our pets are, they will never out-evolve the impact these toxic chemicals have on their bodies.

“Most pet beds on today’s market are made with foam and memory foam. To create foams an array of industrial chemicals is used to bind the fibres together and to keep the shape of the foam. Memory foam contains an additional chemical that reacts with body heat and allows the foam to mould to the body shape. All these chemicals release what is known as VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds).

“These gases escape from the foam and become airborne. Our pets inhale these gases. The compounds bioaccumulate and store in the pet’s brain and body fat, creating an environment for disease. For some animals, the effects of these gasses can be immediate (vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, aggression, seizure); for others, the impact may not be experienced for many years and present as hyperthyroidism or cancer.

“Dogs who destroy their beds become exposed to another serious chemical – flame retardant. This is a known carcinogenetic and, when chewed, can cause neurological problems in the dog.

“These chemicals reduce the animal’s quality of sleep as their body is now processing the chemicals instead of healing and recovering from the day’s activities. The body is in a state of detox instead of relaxation.

“If foam beds are unavoidable, ensure they are aired before use. Depending on the amount of chemicals in the bed (usually detected by the chemical odour when the bed is unwrapped), airing can be required for up to two weeks. The volume of VOC’s will reduce over time but will never actually leave the bed.

STAN Pet Beds use a thermally bonded (heat process) to bind fibres. No glues, binders, resins, VOC’s, flame retardant or formaldehyde are used in the inner mattress fibres or outer covers.

Why is it important for your pet to get good sleep?

“Just like humans, animals require a period of sleep each day to heal and renew. During deep rest, the brain releases proteins into the bloodstream that target cellular renewal and healing of tendons, muscles, and joints. The brain itself uses the REM period to process information, create memory, heal nerve endings, and reduce stress.

“For canines, this quality of rest supports cognitive function when they are active during the day. It helps them process commands, problem-solve, and judge situations and threats without overreacting. Physically, their bodies are operating at greater capacity as a result of deep sleep, which can reduce the risk of injury and exposure to infection or viruses.

‘A tired dog is a good dog,’ is the adage we have heard over the years. It is not true. A well-rested dog is a good dog in terms of emotional well-being, physical performance, and stress response.

“If we hope to have a well-behaved dog or cat, we must ensure they have the opportunity to sleep safely and deeply.”

Let A Sleeping Dog Lie – Why Do Dogs Need Good Sleep?

Physical Health—Adequate sleep is essential for dogs’ overall physical health. It helps repair and regenerate tissues, supports a healthy immune system, and aids in maintaining optimal metabolic function. Dogs may have age-related health issues such as arthritis or other joint problems, and quality sleep can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing.

Cognitive Function – Sleep is crucial for cognitive function and mental acuity in dogs of all ages. Just as in humans, sleep plays a role in memory consolidation and learning in dogs. Sufficient rest can help dogs maintain their cognitive abilities and prevent cognitive decline that can be associated with aging.

Emotional Well-being – Older dogs can experience changes in behaviour or mood due to factors such as pain, illness, or cognitive decline. Adequate sleep contributes to emotional well-being by reducing stress and anxiety levels. It helps older dogs feel more relaxed and content, enhancing their overall quality of life.

Energy Levels— All dogs require adequate sleep to recharge and maintain optimal energy levels. Sufficient rest helps dogs conserve energy for activities they enjoy, such as training sessions, long walks, off-leash runs, and playtime.

Comfort and Joint Health – Older dogs may experience age-related conditions such as arthritis, which can affect their comfort and mobility. Providing a comfortable and supportive sleeping environment, such as a soft bed with orthopedic support, can help alleviate discomfort and promote better sleep quality for older dogs.

“As we blink towards Sleep Awareness Week, it’s a good time to remind pet owners that their beloved canine companions also deserve a good place to rest their heads,” Crighton says. “Specialised pet bedding will not only promote a healthy nap, it can also help your dog’s joints and overall wellbeing.”