4 Reasons Why Dogs Sleep More When It Rains
There isn’t just one reason why dogs sleep more when it rains. There are actually 4 different effects that rain has on your dog, with each factor potentially causing them to sleep a bit more on rainy days.
The number one reason why dogs sleep more when it rains is instinct.
Think about it: If your dog was living in the wild, what would the pack do on a rainy day? If the rain was heavy, and assuming they were safe and had eaten enough already, they’d find shelter and rest.
This behavior can also be seen in wolves, which are of course close relatives of domestic dogs. Wolves might not bother sheltering in light rain, or brief downpours, but if there’s sustained rainfall, they’ll find somewhere to relax until the rain stops.
Dogs feel safest (and sleepiest!) when they are in a cosy, warm environment. That’s why dogs will often lie down in front of the fire or snuggle into a warm blanket.
When it’s raining, it’s also usually cold and windy. This can make your dog extra inclined to find a warm cosy place to have a nice deep sleep.
One sign that your dog is enjoy a really great sleep is that they might stick their tongue out while sleeping. This can also be a sign that your dog is feeling warm.
Do you enjoy being inside on a rainy day? Perhaps you like hearing the sound of rain on the window, safe in the knowledge that you don’t have to go outside!
Well, the sound of rain can cause a similar relaxing effect in dogs too.
This might not be true for all dogs. In fact, some dogs actively dislike the sound of rain. But it’s certainly possible for a dog to associate the sound of rain with feeling cosy and safe indoors, just like humans often do.
This is a really important reason why dogs sleep more when it rains, and a reason that is often overlooked.
Dogs are pack animals and you are part of their pack. Dogs respond to the pack, often copying the behavior of other dogs and humans in their household.
So, think about what you do when it rains? Are you really active? Do you go outside in the rain? Or are you more likely to stay inside where it’s warm and dry?
In most cases, you probably stay inside, at least more than you might if it was nice and sunny outside.
Dogs pick up on this behavior and copy it. If they learn that you go out less when it rains, they’ll see and hear the rain, assume they’re not going anywhere that day, and settle down to rest instead. They might even relax into a deep sleep and enjoy a tail-wagging dream!
Do dogs really sleep more when it rains?
Dogs really sleep more when it rains. That’s because they can sense the air pressure. Thus, when the air changes, it affects your dog’s mood. Plus, canines sleep more when it rains due to instinct. That means dogs would rather sleep to save energy. Lastly, other canines simply don’t like rainy days.
Dogs will run for places that are grounded like the bathtub to stop the shock feeling. There are also vests and jackets on the market to prevent your dog from feeling like he has static electricity in his fur.
Most people are not excited about having to walk their dogs in the rain. This negative feeling is detected by our dogs and makes them associate rain with a negative feeling. Not to mention, they will not get their regular long walk if it is pouring rain outside. Fido will become bored, so it is important to play a game inside, or entertain him with a chew toy.
The moisture in the air causes smells to be amplified. The water vapor holds onto the scent molecules longer causing the smells to be stronger and last longer. Once you get your dog outside, you may notice he is smelling a lot more. If your dog likes to smell for wild animals, they will love it when it rains because the scents will be stronger and easier to follow.
Dog can hear four times stronger than we can, meaning the sound of thunder and pouring rain is much louder to them. This increase in noise can cause some dogs to become nervous and overwhelmed. Penn State did a study and found up to 30% of dogs are afraid of thunderstorms. If your dog pants, paces, barks, or hides they are afraid and need comfort. There are special vests and jackets made for dogs to help comfort them, or you can use an essential oil like lavender or chamomile in a diffuser.
If your dog runs around the house looking for a place to hide as soon as it starts to storm, they may be experiencing static electricity in their coats. Dr. Nicholas Dodman, director of the Animal Behavior department at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, tells Rover, “that dogs may experience numerous shocks from static electricity during thunderstorms.”
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Why does my dog stay out in the rain? Seeing your pooch sitting outside in a downpour or even happily splashing in a puddle can be puzzling. While most dogs shy away from the rain, some animals genuinely enjoy stormy weather.