A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Medicine took a closer look at the sleeping habits of older dogs to determine whether poor sleep can indicate the presence of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome, or CCDS. CCDS is a dog disorder that is similar to Alzheimer's disease in people. The researchers found that, just like people, dogs with greater dementia spent less time in deep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
The study was made possible by the participation of 28 older dogs, or canines who’d reached 75 percent of their breed’s life expectancy. According to a report published on CNN, the dogs visited the research facility every 6 months to undergo cognitive tests and have their brain waves measured while they took a nap.
Among others, the study was conducted with the aim of identifying the early signs of chronic neurodegenerative processes and determining the connection between sleeping brain waves and cognitive function. The researchers hope that the study can help scientists understand disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and CCDS better and offer early intervention to humans and canines alike.
Creating an Environment That Will Allow Your Pet to Sleep Soundly
Sleep disorders are not the only issues that can have an impact on your dog’s sleep quality. It’s possible that external factors can prevent canine companions from resting well during their downtime. For instance, some dogs find it difficult to sleep due to the presence of external parasites, having too much pent-up energy, or loud noises. Addressing these issues can help your pet sleep better.
It also helps to prepare a dedicated sleeping space with comfortable custom dog beds and personalized dog blankets where your dog can rest undisturbed. Make comfort and healthy, sound sleep a priority for your dog especially as they get older and become more vulnerable to aches, pains, and slowdowns in their cognitive abilities.
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