A dog’s life is a dream come true. They spend their days snoozing in the sun and on the couch after sleeping all night. When they finally do awaken, they’re usually up for a game of fetch right away. Many dog owners wonder if their dog is sleeping too much or not enough because animals like dogs sleep differently from humans.
When it comes to how many hours of sleep a dog requires each day, there is no single answer. Dogs, like humans, have varying sleep needs based on their age, health, location, and lifestyle. In order to better understand your dog’s slumber habits, it’s helpful to learn more about how dogs slept.
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What Defines a Schedule?
As much as half of a dog’s waking hours are spent sleeping, while the rest of their time is spent laying around and relaxing. As a general rule, larger breeds of dog spend more time sleeping since they tire out more rapidly and, as a rule, older dogs require more sleep.
For a dog’s sleep routine, the most important aspect is when and how often they need to relieve themselves. Most of the time, LaRocco-Skeehan says when people discuss letting dogs sleep late, they’re referring to difficulties with the canine potty. “The dog is getting up in the middle of the night, going elsewhere and peeing, and coming back to bed.”
For a dog’s sleep routine, when and how often they need to relieve themselves is the most important aspect. As LaRocco-Skeehan explains: “When we talk about whether or not to let dogs sleep late, 95 percent of the time we’re dealing about potty concerns.” After peeing somewhere else and returning to the bed, “the dog is getting up in the middle of the night.”
Dogs’ Sleep Patterns Are Different
The sleeping habits of dogs resemble those of humans in many ways, yet they differ significantly in one important respect. About ten minutes pass between the slow wave and rapid eye movement sleep, when the body begins to slow respiration, blood pressure, and heart rate (REM). During the REM phase, their eyes roll under their closed lids, and their body may respond to their imagination.
Because of their erratic sleep schedules, dogs only spend about 10% of their snooze time in REM. Because they frequently fall asleep at the drop of a hat, they are able to rise from their slumbers swiftly and regain their attentiveness. In order to make up for the lack of REM sleep, dogs must get more sleep overall.
Humans, on the other hand, spend up to 25% of their sleep time in rapid eye movement (REM), reflecting their more usual sleep pattern of being awake during the day and asleep at night.
How much sleep a dog needs, on the other hand, is highly individual. According to LaRocco-Skeehan, “You can’t throw all dogs into one bucket because of their age, health, and just who they are.” “Some breeds have a tendency to be more or less lively, and it all depends on the dog.”
How Many Hours a Day Do Dogs Sleep?
Even more than humans, dogs need a lot of sleep. Because sleep is more risky for prey animals like dogs, carnivores tend to sleep more than herbivores. Dogs, on the other hand, require a wide range of elements to determine how much sleep they need overall. The most significant factor affecting a dog’s sleep cycle is his or her age.
- Puppies sleep at least 11 hours every day, according to one study. Sleeping less at night, pups sleep more during the day and for a longer period of time than adult dogs. Crates and kennels are also common places for puppies to sleep.
- Adult dogs appear to require between eight and 13.5 hours of sleep per day, with an average of little under 11 hours of sleep per night. Most adults require seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Between 60 and 80 percent of the hours between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., depending on their surroundings and their owner’s schedules, adult dogs sleep longer than pups. Adult dogs, on the other hand, may sleep for as much as 37% of the day, making them prime candidates for afternoon naps. Nearly all canines begin using a dog bed about the time they turn a year old.
- In middle-aged and older dogs, waking up less frequently during the night and sleeping later in the morning is common. Additionally, they take more naps during the day, which allows them to sleep for longer periods of time.
Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?
It’s common knowledge that dogs sleep more than humans. Their bodies tell them when they should go to sleep—as opposed to others who have a hectic schedule and don’t always pay attention to their bodies’ signals.
Dogs need a lot of sleep, and it’s crucial for their health.
A professor at Tufts University, Dr. Nicholas Dodman, explains that “all day long, electrical activity takes place in our brains, and random, unstructured data is stored in numerous areas,” he says. And so does our canine companion. It’s incredibly soothing for dogs, and denying them that will cause them to “loose it” somewhat.
To improve your dog’s brain development as well as their memory and learning capacity and their immune system, Dr. Joan C Hendricks, PhD, Dip ACVIM adds that sleep is essential. People and animals who are sleep deprived are more susceptible to illnesses, she says.
Getting too little sleep is another common cause of a dog’s bad mood, according to many experts.
Because large-breed dogs, pups, and senior dogs all require more sleep, this is only natural. When it comes to moving around, larger dogs just have to work harder, and they take longer to recover from that exertion.
A puppy’s boundless energy is evident in the way he runs around, examining everything in sight. Afterwards, they take a long, hard nap until their bodies are ready for another round of play.
In order to assist their bodies recover from their everyday activity, older dogs also require extra sleep.
What If My Dog Sleeps All Day?
When dog owners detect a shift in their dog’s sleeping habits, they should bring it to the attention of their vets. As soon as you observe that your dog normally sleeps for 2-3 hours in the morning before getting up and going about their business for the rest of the day, it’s time to call the vet.
Your dog’s sleep patterns may be disrupted due to conditions including diabetes and kidney illness. Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), heart disease, and arthritis are all common causes of excessive sleepiness in older dogs.
A dog’s reaction to being awakened is something else we tend to notice. Most dogs can be roused from their slumber quite quickly, especially if they are offered some sort of incentive (such as a dangling leash or a tasty treat).
It’s a concern for veterinarians when dogs are difficult to wake up or unwilling to do the things they generally like. In the event you observe that your dog sleeps more than usual, keep a sleep record and arrange an appointment with your veterinarian to get an accurate diagnosis.
There may be underlying issues causing your dog’s excessive sleeping or reluctance to get out of bed that your vet can investigate using the sleep log and other diagnostic procedures.
How Much Sleep Does A Dog Need by Age?
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The amount of sleep a dog need depends on their age. The following chart depicts how a dog’s sleeping requirements change with age.
- Who: Puppies
Under 12 months of age
Every day, between 18 and 20 hours of sleep is required.
Puppies sleep more than adult dogs, and they take short naps throughout the day as well. The average puppy sleeps between 18 and 20 hours a day, on average. As individuals get older, their sleep patterns and durations tend to deteriorate. The little fluff balls take more naps as they mature. Their total development depends on it, thus sleep is crucial. As a result, owners should not be concerned about their dog sleeping excessively. At this age, the only things they’ll do are play, eat, and sleep.
- Who: Adult dogs
Ages 1 to 5
Every day, 8 to 14 hours of sleep are required for optimal health and well-being.
Compared to puppies, adult dogs tend to sleep less than their younger counterparts. 8 – 13.5 hours of sleep every day, or roughly 10 hours a day. It’s common for dogs of all ages to get out of bed at an early hour and charge ahead of their owners. By the time we are finished with our work for the day at noon, they are probably resting, and we start to wonder, “how long do dogs sleep?”. However, power naps have already restored their batteries.
- For Whom: Dogs in their Golden Years
Age 5 and up
Time Spent Sleeping: 16 to 20 hours a day
When a dog reaches the age of five, it is considered to be elderly. In dog years, everything goes by faster than in human years. With age, your dog may sleep more. Senior dogs, on average, sleep between 16 and 20 hours a day. As we age, our bodies naturally shift to a state of slumber, which is more resting than sleeping. A dog’s energy level decreases as they get older, and they just want to curl up in a warm location and doze off.
What are Breed Wise Sleeping Patterns?
- Tiny or Miniature Dogs
Shih-Tzus, cavaliers, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pugs, etc. are all examples of breeds.
14 to 16 hours of sleep every day
- Dogs of the Medium-Sized Breed
For example, there are many varieties of Golden Retriever and Labrador dogs.
Sleeping time: between 10 and 14 hours per day
- Species: Large Dogs
Pitbull, Alaskan Malamute, St Bernard and other dog breeds
14 to 18 hours of sleep a day
Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, French Bulldogs, Pekinkes, Chow Chows, Greyhounds, and Lhasa Apsos all tend to sleep more than other dog breeds, but this is not universal. It is true, however, that lively dog breeds such as the Airedale Terrier or Pomeranian or Lagotto Romagnolo or Australian Terrier or Retriever might be spotted running around the home all day long.
Keep in mind that each dog has a unique personality, and the breed is merely a proxy for that. Instead of focusing on the breed’s typical behavior, focus on what is normal for your dog.
What Can Affect Your Dog’s Sleep?
Stress, worry, and disruptions in a dog’s daily routine can all alter its sleeping habits. To get a good night’s sleep, some dogs require regular exercise. They may get restless if they have health problems including kidney disease, flea itching, or have recently been injured.
Do keep in mind that dogs are social sleepers, which means that they adapt to their parents’ sleep schedules. When you’re sleeping or resting, your pet is likely to come over and snuggle up to you. However, dogs are crepuscular, which means they are most active during twilight and dusk.
What If My Dog Is Restless at Night and Won’t Sleep?
Do keep in mind that dogs are social sleepers, which means that they adapt to their parents’ sleep schedules. When you’re sleeping or resting, your pet is likely to come over and snuggle up to you. However, dogs are crepuscular, which means they are most active during twilight and dusk.
Remember that dogs are social sleepers, which means that they adjust to their parent’s sleep cycle circumstances. Pets tend to follow their owners when they are sleeping or resting, and will often join them. Dogs, on the other hand, are crepuscular, meaning they are most active around dark and dawn.
In many circumstances, medicine can be used to alleviate the symptoms. A low-volume TV or radio can help certain animals get a good night’s sleep, as well as night lighting put near their preferred sleeping areas.
Another difficulty that often arises is the need for senior dogs to go outside more regularly to relieve themselves. Although this may be due to a medical condition, it could also simply be a sign that your dog is adapting to a new routine.
If your dog suddenly needs to go outside at night, see your veterinarian. Prepare for many nighttime trips for your dog, whether it’s by placing a pee pad, allowing them out during the night, or installing a dog door.
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The majority of the time, a dog’s nighttime restlessness can be traced back to specific causes. The best long-term approach is to contact your veterinarian for assistance in identifying and, if possible, eliminating the trigger.
Signs Your Dog Isn’t Sleeping Enough
Dogs can adapt to most situations. A study of shelter dogs who slept less during the day due to the hustle and bustle of a shelter environment found that they slept more deeply at night and woke up less often. By sleeping for longer at night, these shelter dogs slept for an average of 11 hours per day — the same amount as most other adult dogs.
Dogs are extremely adaptable creatures. During the day, dogs in a shelter environment tended to sleep less, but at night they slept more soundly, according to a new study of shelter dogs. These shelter dogs were able to sleep for an average of 11 hours a day because they slept longer at night.
A lack of research has been done into the effects of sleep deprivation on canines. Anecdotal data, on the other hand, suggests that they may mirror human symptoms of sleep deprivation, including xRecognized Expert Information on biotechnology from the National Library of Medicine Science and health are aided by the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s efforts to provide access to biomedical and genomic data
- Increased sensitivity to unpleasant situations
- Disruptions in mood and irritability
- Memory loss
Additionally, it indicates that sleep has a major impact on the ability of dogs to learn. Researchers found that canines who slept soundly the night after learning a new command fared better in tests the following week.
Can Dogs Have Sleep Disorders?
Dogs, like like humans, can suffer from sleep apnea. Narcolepsy is the most frequent sleep condition, followed closely by restless leg syndrome (RLS) and restless leg syndrome (OSA).
Narcolepsy in Dogs
Symptoms of canine narcolepsy include excessive daytime sleepiness, as well as cataplexy. In cataplexy, abrupt muscle weakness and lack of muscle control are the hallmarks of fainting. When a dog is eating or playing, he or she is more likely to have a cataplexic episode.
There are some breeds that are more susceptible to narcolepsy than others, like Doberman pinschers and Labrador retrievers, but narcolepsy can arise in dogs without a familial history of the illness. Canine narcolepsy is not life-threatening and does not get worse with age, despite the fact that there is no cure. Anti-cataplectic medication can be used to treat dogs with severe symptoms of narcolepsy, but it is not necessary for all of them.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Dogs
Several mammals, including humans and dogs, have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Apneas are short breathless pauses that occur when the airway is blocked by relaxed tissue and muscles. Snoring or choking noises in the slumber are among the most common symptoms in both humans and canines.
Sleep apnea is more common in dogs with short muzzles, such as bulldogs. Surgery or medicine are the most common treatment options, but your veterinarian may also recommend adjustments to your daily routine, such as losing weight.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder in Dogs
An abnormality in the REM period of sleep is known as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder. It’s common for dogs to howl or yelp, shake their limbs violently, and bite or chew as they sleep. The vast majority of dogs show signs before the age of one, and medication appears to be beneficial in more than three-quarters of cases.
How to Help Your Dog Sleep Better?
To live a peaceful and happy life, most dogs get the amount of sleep they require. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to help your dog get some shut-eye.
- Establish a Routine: If your dog is having trouble unwinding, it may benefit from a regular schedule. Make sure your dog’s sleep schedule is consistent each day to see if this helps him or her relax.
- It’s best to leave your dog at home when you go to bed. Having your dog sleep with you can cause sleep disturbances in both of you. You may not realize if sharing a bed with your dog makes it more difficult for him to sleep if you don’t pay attention to the disruptions.
- Keep Them Safe: Many people put their puppies in crate-like kennels or crates in order to keep them safe and encourage them to sleep. Dogs need both comfort and support, whether they’re in a crate or a bed, so it’s crucial to make sure they’re getting both. Older or arthritic dogs may necessitate a more sturdy bed.
- As with humans, animals’ circadian cycles are affected by light, so keeping your dog’s sleeping area dark and quiet will make it easier for him to drift off to sleep at night. It’s also easier for children to sleep if they aren’t interrupted by loud or unnecessary noises throughout the nighttime.
- Regular exercise appears to help people sleep better, despite the fact that there is little research on the subject in dogs. Many dog owners report the same thing about their extremely active working breeds.
- A dog’s sleep patterns might be disrupted by unusual sights, sounds, and people when they are exposed to unfamiliar environments or situations during the day. Make sure they get adequate sleep, have downtime, and are able to return to a place where they feel safe and at ease.
When to Visit the Vet
Despite the fact that some canine sleep issues can be remedied with simple actions, others may lead to a more significant problem. If your dog is sleeping more or less than the prescribed amount of time, it may be in your best interest to see a veterinarian.
An additional reason to seek professional advice is if your dog’s sleeping patterns stray or change abruptly in a short period of time.
Disclaimer: This is not medical advise; it is merely for informational purposes.
FAQs
Even after learning how long dogs sleep, you may still have unanswered questions about their snooze routines. The following are the most often asked questions and concerns concerning dog sleeping:.
How Much Do Dogs Sleep in 24 Hours?
Dogs sleep between 12 and 14 hours a day on average. When it comes to daily sleep, puppies and older dogs prefer to average 18 to 20 hours. Adult dogs, on the other hand, only require eight to 12 hours of sleep every day.
Why Do Dogs Sleep All the Time?
Because of their peculiar routines, dogs may appear to be asleep at all times. Dogs, unlike humans, sleep throughout the day in addition to the night. Only 12 to 14 hours of sleep a day are accounted for by their naptimes, even though they appear to be continuous.
How Much Do Dogs Sleep in a Night?
Around 75 percent of a dog’s sleep occurs at night, while the rest happens during the day. A typical night’s sleep for a dog is nine hours, with only three hours of waking time in between. Because of this, humans and their dogs can share the bed at night.
When Do Puppies Stop Sleeping So Much?
When a puppy reaches the age of six to 12 months, he or she stops sleeping as much as before. Adult dogs sleep between eight and 14 hours a day, and puppies sleep between 18 and 20 hours a day.
Do Dogs Dream?
Dogs have dreams, too. Rats, according to MIT research, have dreams during the REM stage of sleep, which suggests that other animals do, too They could be dreaming if you see their eyes flickering under their eyelids during a deep slumber.
Dogs have different sleeping requirements than humans. You can tell if your dog is getting enough shut-eye by looking at how many hours she sleeps. It’s possible to assist your dog get some drool-worthy slumber with the help of professionals.
When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, a warm dog bed can assist. Make sure to acquire a mattress protector if you wind up sharing the bed with your dog, in case of any mishaps.
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