SLEEPING MORE THAN NORMAL (SENIOR MEDICAL CAUSES)
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Senior pets sleep more due to decreased energy, pain, inflammation, organ dysfunction, or early cognitive decline. New or progressive sleep increases require evaluation.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Seasonal change
• Boredom
• Mild arthritis
MEDICAL
• Pain
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Anemia
• Hypothyroidism (dogs)
• Cognitive decline
• Depression
EMERGENCY
• Sleeping excessively + vomiting
• Sleeping excessively + collapse
• Sleeping excessively + pale gums
RED FLAGS
• Hard to wake
• Sleeping + breathing changes
If you’re unsure, treat it as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE YOU CAN START NOW
• Improve bedding and warmth
• Increase gentle exercise
• Track sleep patterns
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• CBC and chemistry
• Thyroid
• Blood pressure
• Pain exam
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES (BASED ON 40 YEARS OF CASES)
• Pain
• Organ dysfunction
• Endocrine disease
• Cognitive decline