We’re digging up our favorite funky dog facts and fascinating pup studies, marking them with our signature weirdness, and dropping them at your doorstep. This week’s topic: Why do dogs sleep so much?
Some dogs just need more sleep
On average, according to the American Kennel Club, dogs spend up to 12-14 hours sleeping. For older dogs it can be even more, since everything seems to go a little slower and get a little more exhausting when you reach those golden years.
Puppies can sleep for 18 or even 20 hours a day, because they spend all their waking hours burning a ton of energy– running around, playing, exploring. Picture a baby who spends about four hours a day driving a 100 mph motorcycle, exploring as much of the countryside as possible. That’s basically your puppy! And also kind of an insane image. You’re welcome.
Your dog’s breed has something to do with how much they sleep, too.
Working dogs, or dogs that were bred specifically to perform a task, are more active and alert; while other breeds are likely to spend more time on their cozy pillows or getting fitted for their jammies.
And one more key difference: size matters. Larger dogs tend to be sleepier, which makes sense considering all that weight they gotta haul around. Smaller breeds can get by with about ten hours. Generally speaking, the larger the dog, the more sleep they need.
But WHY do dogs sleep so much? It’s all about R.E.M.
Humans spend 25% of their sleeping time in REM, the deep sleep where you really recharge. Dogs only spend 10% of their sleeping time in REM- so they need more hours to get the same quality of sleep. If your ears and nose were as strong as a dog’s, you’d probably have a harder time tuning out the distractions and falling asleep, too!
Bottom line, dogs are more distractible than humans- they’re flexible sleepers who fall asleep out of boredom, wake up easily and become alert immediately. You gotta admire a dog’s ability to get a full day of tail chasing, jumping around, and staring at you, all without even needing a pot of coffee!
So that’s what’s going on with your sleepy dog. And that’s why, as they say, it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie… because it’s tricky enough as it is for them to really get that nice rest!
Keep Fluffy and Fido Safe in the Garden This Summer!
Whatever you’re doing is automatically the most interesting thing in the world to many beloved cats and dogs… and that includes gardening. Help keep them safe while your garden blooms!
Lake Norman Humane is an independent, no-kill animal rescue in Mooresville, NC (north of Charlotte, exit 36 off I-77) See all our adoptable animals at lakenormanhumane.org
Elsa and her new toy. Guess who’s the real dog. Elsa is a rescue dog, found with almost no fur, she still has scars on the her face, but she’s still the cutest dog.
From @veggiedayz: “I read the @mariekondo book, but I couldn’t find the chapter on organizing kittens. So I improvised.” #catsofinstagram [source: https://ift.tt/2FN2ttH]
Spring has sprung, and with the change of season, our thoughts turn to Easter celebrations, spring cleaning and much-needed home improvement projects. Before you embark on seasonal chores or outdoor revelry, take inventory of potential springtime hazards for your furry friends.
*If you suspect your pet may have come in contact with or ingested a potentially poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately at (888) 426-4435.
Easter Treats and Decorations
Keep lilies and candy in check—chocolate goodies are toxic to cats and dogs, and all true lilies can be fatal if ingested by cats. And be mindful, kitties love to nibble on colorful plastic grass, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting and dehydration. Moreover, while live bunnies, chicks and other festive animals are adorable, resist the urge to buy them—these cute babies grow up fast and often require specialized care!
Screen Yourself
Many pet parents welcome the breezy days of spring by opening their windows. Unfortunately, they also unknowingly put their pets at risk—especially cats, who are apt to jump or fall through unscreened windows. Be sure to install snug and sturdy screens in all of your windows.
Buckle Up!
While most dogs love to feel the wind on their furry faces, allowing them to ride in the beds of pick-up trucks or stick their heads out of moving-car windows is dangerous. Flying debris and insects can cause inner ear or eye injuries and lung infections, and abrupt stops or turns can cause major injury, or worse! Pets riding in cars should always be secured in a crate or wearing a seatbelt harness designed especially for them.
Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition in many households, but be sure to keep all cleaners and chemicals out of your pets’ way! Almost all cleaning products, even all natural ones, contain chemicals that may be harmful to pets. The key to using them safely is to read and follow label directions for proper use and storage. Please visit our Poisonous Household Products page for more information.
Home Improvement 101
Products such as paints, mineral spirits and solvents can be toxic to your pets and cause severe irritation or chemical burns. Carefully read all labels to see if the product is safe to use around your furry friends. Also, be cautious of physical hazards, including nails, staples, insulation, blades and power tools. It may be wise to confine your dog or cat to a designated pet-friendly room during home improvement projects.
Let Your Garden Grow—With Care
Pet parents, take care—fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides keep our plants and lawns healthy and green, but their ingredients may be dangerous if your pet ingests them. Alwaysstore these products in out-of-the-way places and follow label instructions carefully. Many popular springtime plants—including rhododendron and azaleas—are also highly toxic to pets and can prove fatal if eaten. Check out our full list—of toxic and non-toxic plants for your home and garden.
Ah-Ah-Achoo!
Like us, pets can be allergic to foods, dust, plants and pollens.Allergic reactions in dogs and cats can cause itching, minor sniffling and sneezing, or life-threatening anaphylactic shock to insect bites and stings. If you suspect your pet has a springtime allergy, please visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Pesky Little Critters
April showers bring May flowers—and an onslaught of bugs! Make sure your pet is on year-round heartworm preventive medication, as well as a flea and tick control program. Ask your doctor to recommend a plan designed specifically for your pet. Please visit our Fleas and Ticks page for more information.
Out and About
Warmer weather means more trips to the park, longer walks and more chances for your pet to wander off! Make sure your dog or cat has a microchip for identification and wears a tag imprinted with your home address, cell phone and any other relevant contact information.
Animal shelters and rabbit rescues have rabbits of all ages, shapes, and sizes just waiting to be adopted. Adopt A Rabbit Month is a great time to adopt a friend for your single bunny.
Why adopt instead of buy? Rabbits are the third most surrendered animal at shelters — there are so many waiting for a home. Adoption saves two lives: the rabbit you bring home and the rabbit who can take his place at the shelter. There are also many hidden costs to purchasing a rabbit from a pet store or breeder. Adoption from a reputable shelter or rabbit rescue will help you avoid those costs.
The benefits of adoption often include: • Already spayed/neutered and microchipped • Socialized by shelter volunteers or in a foster home • Personality profile developed by people who know the rabbit well • Already litter box trained • First Veterinary exam done • Post-adoption support provided by the shelter or rescue • Dating and bonding assistance to help you find a great friend for your bunny
Adoption always includes the wonderful knowledge that you are not supporting irresponsible breeders or cruel animal mills. Adoption helps mitigate the companion animal overpopulation problem by lessening the demand for creating new animals.
Remember, rabbits are not low-maintenance or “starter” pets. But they are sweet, fun, wonderful companions for people who are willing to learn about and practice proper rabbit care.
Lake Norman Humane is a no kill animal rescue in Mooresville, NC (north of Charlotte, exit 36 off I-77) See all our adoptable animals at lakenormanhumane.org
If you’re looking to expand your family or have a dog or cat-shaped space in your heart for a new best friend, consider a rescue animal.
To see all our adorable, adoptable animals, please visit our website LakeNormanHumane.org. Lake Norman Humane is an independent, no-kill animal rescue in Mooresville, NC (north of Charlotte, exit 36 off I-77).
Check out all the options in your community for affordable spay/neuter options, including clinics that offer monthly specials on surgeries and yearly vaccines. This is one of the times of year when grants to clinics and non-profits can make it easier to find help spaying/neutering your family animal. Call your local Humane Society, ASPCA or area rescue. Sometimes your county Animal Services Dept will have information as well . You never know until you ask!
Tips For Helping Your Cat Stay Mentally Stimulated
Every cat parent knows that encouraging mental and physical activity is imperative for cats to live their happiest, healthiest (nine) lives.
Below are 5 tips to help bust boredom and keep your cat mentally stimulated.
1. Try Training We get it: many cats aren’t as eager to learn tricks as dogs can be. But that doesn’t mean they can’t! If the reward is high enough – say, a special treat, or those chin scratches that they beg for – you may be surprised at what you can teach your kitty to do!
2. Incorporate Puzzle Feeders These clever gadgets allow your felines to “hunt” for their food, something they’re naturally driven to do. Puzzle feeders are great for three reasons: they help tap into your kitty’s primal instincts, they can entertain themselves when you’re not around, and you can even make one yourself!
3.Consider adding a catio to your home!
Or make windows as easily accessible as possible and add perches so your kitty can easily observe the outside world.
4. Play “Chasing” Games As mentioned earlier, our favorite household hunters love to chase, pounce, and capture! That’s why you should always have some sort of fun-moving gadget in your feline’s toy box. Try one with feathers, which is reminiscent of your cat’s natural prey: birds!
5. Give ‘Em Catnip One surefire way to keep the feline fun going is by offering Kitty a toy filled with fresh catnip! While not all cats are affected by the stuff, the ones that are always seem to have a ball when they’re playing with this herb.
My best friend and I have been looking for dogs for several months. We found this guy at the shelter and I was worried he wouldn’t bond because he was so shy. This is what I woke up to this morning (Source: http://ift.tt/2sqoYQO)
Lake Norman Humane is an independent, no-kill animal rescue in Mooresville, NC (north of Charlotte, exit 36 off I-77) See all our adoptable animals at lakenormanhumane.org
