How Much Do Dogs Sleep?
Understanding Your Canine's Zzzs
If you’ve ever wondered if your dog is part-dog, part-sloth, you’re not alone. Our furry friends certainly seem to prioritize rest and relaxation. But how much sleep is normal, and when does it become too much?
The short answer is that dogs average around 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day.
However, the real answer is a bit more nuanced. A dog's sleep schedule is a complex mix of age, size, breed, and lifestyle. Understanding these factors can help you determine if your pet's sleeping habits are healthy.
The Golden Rule: 12 to 14 Hours, Unlike humans, who typically get all their sleep in one long overnight stretch, dogs are what's known as polyphasic sleepers. This means they sleep in multiple segments throughout a 24-hour period, combining a solid night's sleep with several daytime naps.
As long as your dog is energetic, playful, and alert when awake, their sleeping habits are likely perfectly normal.
Age Matters: The Sleep Requirements of Different Life Stages
A dog's age is the biggest indicator of how much shut-eye they need.
• Puppies (Up to 1 year): Think of puppies as little, furry batteries that constantly need recharging. They are growing rapidly and exploring a brand new world, which is exhausting! It’s entirely normal for puppies to sleep 18 to 20 hours a day. They literally sleep to grow.
• Adult Dogs (1 to 5 years): This is when sleep habits stabilize. Most healthy adult dogs will fall into the typical 12 to 14 hour range. Their activity levels and daily routines will dictate where they fall within this average.
• Senior Dogs (5+ years, depending on breed): As dogs age, their energy naturally wanes. It’s common for older dogs to nap more frequently, pushing their total sleep time to 14 to 18 hours a day. As with people, they just need more time to recover.
Size and Breed: Built for Napping
Did you know that your dog's size can affect their need for sleep?
Giant breeds, like Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Saint Bernards, are often "professional sleepers." Their large bodies require more downtime to rest and repair, and they may sleep for 16 hours or more a day.
Smaller, high-energy breeds, like Jack Russell Terriers or Border Collies, may sleep slightly less and nap less frequently because they are always looking for their next adventure!
The Difference Between Tired and Bored
Sometimes, what looks like excessive sleep is actually just boredom.
Dogs thrive on mental and physical stimulation. If a dog is left alone for long periods without toys, walks, or interaction, they will often sleep simply because there is nothing else to do.
Ensure your dog is getting adequate exercise andenrichment for their breed to ensure they aren't using sleep as a coping mechanism for a dull day.
When to Talk to Your Vet
While a lot of sleep is normal for dogs, a sudden and significant change in sleeping patterns warrants a call to your veterinarian.
If your normally energetic adult dog suddenly starts sleeping 18 hours a day and seems lethargic when awake, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as:
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Arthritis (pain can make them less willing to move)
• Depression
The Takeaway
Most dogs are just naturally good at chilling out. As long as your canine companion is happy, healthy, and alert during their waking hours, you can rest easy knowing their abundant napping is simply part of being a dog.
