Dogs are famous for being huge fans of sleep. Our sleepy pups spend about half their day sleeping and resting peacefully. Whether they’re staying on the porch or laying down on their favorite piece of furniture, dogs love to sleep.

How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?

While you might see your dog sleeping all the time, it makes you wonder how much sleep they actually need. Generally, dogs require different hours of sleep depending on their age. Here’s a quick guide:

Puppies: 18 to 20 Hours Per Day

Puppies are little bundles of energy when they’re awake, but they need a lot of sleep to grow and develop properly. Between bursts of play, they can spend up to 18 to 20 hours a day snoozing. 

Sleep helps their bodies and brains process all the new experiences they’re encountering, like learning commands or exploring their environment. So when it comes to these developing pups, they’re going to get all the sleep they can get.

Adult Dogs: 12 to 14 Hours Per Day

Once your dog reaches adulthood, they typically need between 12 and 14 hours of sleep each day. Most of this sleep occurs at night, but you’ll likely notice them napping throughout the day as well, especially after exercise or meals. Because these dogs have developed into adults, they’re going to need fewer hours of sleep compared to when they were babies. 

Senior Dogs: 18 to 20 Hours Per Day

As dogs age, their energy levels decrease, and they often need more rest to recharge. Seniors can sleep up to 18 to 20 hours a day, depending on their health and mobility. It’s not rare for older dogs to take more frequent, longer naps during the day.

What Affects a Dog’s Sleep Duration?

Each dog is unique, and their breed, lifestyle, health, and environment all play significant roles in their sleep patterns. Here are the common factors that affect a dog’s sleep duration:

Age

As previously discussed, age is a big factor in determining how much dogs sleep. Dogs will need different hours of sleep depending on their age and stage in life. 

Breed and Size

Some dog breeds naturally sleep longer than others. Large breeds, such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Newfoundlands, tend to sleep for extended periods, sometimes up to 18 to 20 hours a day. Larger dogs need more energy to move, that’s why they also require more sleep. In contrast, smaller breeds like Jack Russell Terriers or Chihuahuas are known for their boundless energy. 

These dogs often sleep less than larger breeds because they are naturally more active and spend more time exploring their surroundings. That said, they still need regular naps to recharge from their bursts of activity. Even within breeds, individual dogs may differ in their sleep needs based on temperament. A laid-back Labrador may snooze more than an excitable one from the same breed.

Physical Activity

The amount of physical activity your dog does daily significantly impacts their sleep patterns. Common working dogs, like Border Collies and German Shepherds, tend to have high energy and activity levels and may spend more time awake and alert during the day. However, the physical and mental exertion they experience during activities like training or herding often results in deep, restorative naps.

Dogs that lead more relaxed lives might sleep or nap at different times because of boredom. In some cases, they might also have a hard time sleeping because of all the energy they have. Making sure these dogs get enough exercise and mental enrichment can help balance their sleep and improve overall health.

Health Status

A dog’s health is closely tied to their sleeping habits. Dogs recovering from illnesses, injuries, or surgeries may need more rest to heal and regain their strength. Additionally, chronic health conditions such as arthritis, hypothyroidism, and diabetes can affect a dog’s sleep levels.

Stress and anxiety can also disrupt a dog’s sleep. Dogs experiencing separation anxiety or living in stressful environments can have trouble sleeping. Dogs are light sleepers, and they can easily get awakened by slight disturbances.

Environment

Your dog’s surroundings significantly affect the quality and quantity of their sleep. Dogs are highly affected by their surroundings. Factors such as light, noise, and temperature can affect their ability to rest.

Dogs thrive in calm and quiet spaces where they feel secure. If a dog is in a noisy home or near constant disruptions, such as loud neighbors or other pets, their sleep may be interrupted. Similarly, a cluttered or uncomfortable sleeping area can prevent them from relaxing fully. 

Temperature is another factor to consider. Just like us, dogs may struggle to sleep well if they’re too hot or too cold. For breeds with thick coats, a cool environment helps them rest better. In the meantime, short-haired breeds can benefit from a cozy blanket. 

Diet and Nutrition

A dog’s diet can affect their energy levels and sleep. If dogs don’t meet their nutritional needs, they might feel lethargic and tired. A balance of high-quality food provides a good amount of nutrition that helps dogs sleep normal hours.

Feeding schedules are also important. Dogs tend to sleep better on a consistent routine, with meals given at consistent times. Avoid giving your dog large meals right before bedtime to avoid any digestive issues before they sleep.

How to Know if Your Dog is Sleeping Well?

Like in humans, there will be signs that show whether your dog is sleeping well or not. Here are the common signs you can see:

Signs of Healthy Sleep in Dogs

• Regular Sleep Schedule

Dogs love a routine, especially when it comes to sleep. Healthy dogs tend to sleep consistently each day, which can align with their owners’ sleeping schedules and daily activities.

• Activity Levels

Dogs with enough rest are more alert and playful throughout the day. While dogs may enjoy occasional naps, they won’t be sluggish and lethargic when they do wake up.

• Relaxed Body Language

A sleeping dog that’s stretched out curled up, or lying on their side is usually relaxed and comfortable. Occasional twitching or dreaming is normal and a sign of a healthy REM sleep cycle.

Signs of Unhealthy Sleep in Dogs

• Excessive Sleepiness or Lethargy

If your dog is sleeping far more than usual and seems uninterested in play, walks, or food, it may indicate an underlying issue such as illness, pain, or depression.

• Restlessness or Insomnia

Dogs that struggle to settle down, frequently wake up, or pace at night may be experiencing discomfort, anxiety, or environmental disturbances.

• Behavioral Changes

Poor sleep can affect a dog’s mood. Dogs who lack sleep can be observed to be more irritable and restless. They can also be unusually aggressive in some cases.

How to Help Your Dog Sleep?

While dogs are naturally great at napping, creating the right environment and routine can help them rest even better. Here are some tips you can do to help your dog sleep:

1. Create a Schedule

Helping dogs sleep starts with creating a schedule for them. By having a schedule, your dog will feel more comfortable, leading to improvements in its sleep. This schedule should also involve your dog’s feeding times and exercise.

Set aside regular times for walks, play, and relaxation to help them settle down at night. A predictable routine helps your dog know when it’s time to be active and when it’s time to rest, supporting a more natural sleep cycle.

2. Make Your Dog Comfortable

A cozy, safe space is essential for good sleep. Provide a comfortable bed that matches your dog’s size and sleeping style. Place your dog’s bed in a calm area away from household noise and foot traffic. Make sure your dog’s sleeping area isn’t too hot or cold. Use blankets for short-haired breeds or cooling mats for dogs prone to overheating.

3. Play with Your Dog

A tired dog is a happy, well-rested dog. Regular physical activity helps your dog burn off energy, making it easier for them to sleep soundly. This can be done with short walks at a consistent time of day.

Additionally, games such as fetch can be a good idea at times as they provide physical and mental stimulation. However, don’t let your dog exercise too much before bed, as it can make them too energized.

4. Monitor Your Dog’s Diet

What your dog eats can influence its energy and sleep. Feed your dog high-quality food that meets its nutritional needs. However, don’t feed large amounts before bed to avoid any digestive discomfort. 

5. Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Your dog can have trouble sleeping if it gets stressed. Make sure to provide a comfortable and relaxing space for your best friend to rest. Spending time with your dog can also help them feel relaxed and happy.

Conclusion

Sleep is an important part of your dog’s health and well-being. Knowing how much dogs sleep is part of how we take care of our dogs. Remember to always keep an eye on your dog’s sleeping patterns and take steps to help your best friend sleep well.