Our furry best friends seem to have two speeds. Certainly, our dogs play hard, but many also seem to be equally committed to nap artworks, especially as they get older. But why do dogs sleep so much, and how much sleep do they sleep too much?
It’s easy to understand why busy working dogs need to take their clocks out for a very persistent rest at the end of a long day, but some breeds prefer to fall asleep over other activities. (We’re looking at you, Greyhound!)
So let’s go into details of everything that’s sleepy, like “How many hours does a dog sleep?” and answer some fiery questions. And “Why do dogs sleep so much?”
How long does a dog sleep every day?
Several factors depend on how many dogs sleep each day, including their age, breed, and family life.
Most adult dogs take 6-8 hours a night while we sleep, then nap all day between 10 and 18 hours (!).
Of course, this number will vary, especially for puppies and senior dogs.
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puppy: The puppy doesn’t seem to have a “off” switch and wants to play it all the time, but that drive is balanced with the equal need for naps. Many brain and body development occurs while the puppy is resting. Puppies can sleep up to 20 hours per day during a critical growth cycle.
Providing a dog bed that provides supportive sleeping surfaces can help you get a more restful sleep.
Why do dogs sleep so much?
From breeds to health reasons, there are several reasons why dogs need so much sleep. The following considerations will help pet parents understand where the champion dog napper lands on the sleep scale.
Life Stage
Old and young people need a lot of rest for a variety of reasons.
Puppies going through the stages of development need a more resilient rest as they develop. Additionally, naps also give pet parents a break as young puppies tend to get mad and act when they’re tired.
Meanwhile, senior dogs face aging challenges. This means that when you rest in a comfortable place, you are probably most satisfied.
Breeding
The dogs that were bred worked Retrievers, hounds and spaniels are usually able to withstand labels. This means that you are less likely to need rest.
Larger varieties like Mastiffs and Great Danes, and fellow lap dog varieties like Pekins and Seas Tuss, are usually happy to get a lot of lazy time.
Family life
If you live a social life outdoors, your furry best friend may be by your side for your adventures and you may need to sleep more for the next person.
Similarly, some active varieties can learn to downshift in households that move at a slow pace. However, pet parents should not assume that all highly driven dogs will be willing to settle for a nap-centric lifestyle.
boredom
Dogs that are not fully stimulated may resort to finding their own fun (such as eating a throw pillow).
Illness and depression
Just like humans, dogs need more sleep than normal when they fight illnesses or recover from medical procedures.
Similarly, dogs who deal with major lifestyle changes, such as the return-to-school season, movement, the loss of new family members, or loved ones, may be at risk for depression and may choose to sleep more as a coping strategy.
When you are worried that your dog is sleeping too much
Changing sleep patterns in dogs is worth investigating.
Dogs who are sleeping too much may face undiagnosed health issues. Parasites, thyroid problems, heart disease, or pain.
If you notice any of the following in your dog, schedule a veterinarian visit:
Dog and Sleep FAQ
Why do older dogs sleep so much?
Elderly dogs and older people are similar in that the amount and quality of sleep changes during the aging process. Older dog dealing with Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in dogs, for example, is often restless at night, and can lead to more naps during the day.
Is it normal for dogs to sleep all day?
Like many questions about our best friend, it depends.
Factors to consider when assessing a dog’s sleep pattern include the dog’s age, breed, level of daily activity, lifestyle, and overall health.
A puppy who plays hard and crashes just as hard as they are? Probably normal. However, adult dogs who suddenly put fun and games to sleep may be dealing with underlying health issues.
What if your dog sleeps all day?
Do you have a puppy who likes to sleep? In some scenarios, you may be able to choke your dog’s personality and life stage. However, it is possible that your best friend may need some new stimuli, so try introducing a new type of training game Trickheading down the trail for a new toy or “sniffari”. That way you can guarantee that you’ve earned snooze time at the end of the day!
