Adequate quality sleep is essential for canine welfare, with sleep disorders including REM behaviour disorder and cognitive dysfunction affecting sleep quality in dogs.
Sleep is a fundamental welfare need in dogs. Dogs deprived of adequate sleep show elevated stress hormones, impaired learning, and reduced immune function. REM behaviour disorder in middle-aged and older dogs causes distressing episodes of vocalising, running, and apparent fear during sleep that may indicate underlying neurological changes. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome causes night-time waking and vocalising in senior dogs, disrupting both dog and owner sleep. Welfare-focused sleep management provides comfortable dedicated sleeping areas away from disturbance, addresses underlying conditions affecting sleep quality, and treats sleep disorders with appropriate medication.