How much sleep do dogs need? It’s a question you might ask when you see your pup curled up on the couch all day. Or, maybe it’s something you wonder every morning when you’re woken up at the crack of dawn by a cold nose in your face. Whatever the case, you’re about to learn all about the factors at play in how much—or how little—your doggo sleeps. Snuggle up!
How much sleep do dogs need on average?
In general, dogs sleep somewhere between 12 and 14 hours per day. Another big portion of their days are spent lounging around, or doing leisurely activities like grooming or trying to convince you to give them some ear scratches.
So, if your dog seems like a bit of a lazy lapdog, that doesn’t necessarily mean that anything is wrong. In fact, doggos need rest. It’s part of their natural cycle. And according to some studies, sleeping is crucial for dogs to be able to consolidate memories. Without enough sleep, they may remember that new trick you taught them or how to open the treat drawer. Important stuff!
But, your pup isn’t just a generic statistic. If you’re wondering why your dog doesn’t fall into that 12 to 14 hour average, it might be possible that the following factors are affecting your pup’s sleeping needs.
Puppies and senior pups: how much sleep do dogs need in different life stages?
You might have guessed it: puppies and senior dogs need different amounts of sleep than the average doggo.
Take puppies for example. It takes a lot of energy to grow so quickly while also being so adorable! That’s why it’s common for puppies to sleep somewhere between 18 and 20 hours per day.
In general, you’ll see puppies exert a lot of energy when they’re awake. All they want to do is explore and jump on each other and test out their barking skills. But they haven’t yet learned how to pace themselves. So, after that burst of energy, they simply can’t keep their cute little eyes open.
Senior dogs aren’t likely to sleep 20 hours per day, but you will notice them snoozing more than they did when they were under 7 years old. A senior dog is quite content to lounge the day away, not fully sleeping, but simply enjoying the peace and quiet with their eyes closed.
Another thing to know about the sleeping habits of older dogs is that they can sometimes experience cycle reversals or disruptions. If your senior pup is suddenly waking you up in the middle of the night when they used to be sound sleepers, it could be the result of a medical condition or cognitive dysfunction. Best to chat with your vet to find out the reason for the change.
The answer to “how much sleep do dogs need?” can come down to lifestyle
Dogs who spend most of their time working, engaged in high-energy activities, or otherwise living life to the fullest will need more restorative sleep.
But it’s not just exercise that can tire a pup out. Mental stimulation can also be a big factor in how much sleep a dog needs. Take the Maremma Sheepdog, for instance. These puppers are often mistaken for a lazy breed because you can catch them snoozing through the daytime. But in reality, these herd protectors have been bred to stay alert throughout the night, when the herd is most vulnerable to predators. They take their jobs seriously, which means they need some serious z’s when they’re not on duty.
Should you be worried about how much your dog sleeps?
If your pupper is sleeping somewhere between 12 and 15 hours per day, you can be pretty sure that they’re happy and healthy. But if your dog is suddenly sleeping more than usual, or appears to be lethargic, that could be a sign that something is off.
Stress, changes in diet, and health conditions—some of them quite serious—can all be reasons for a sudden change in your dog’s sleeping cycle. To make sure your dog can get back to their normal 12 to 14 hour range, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet.
How to make sure that your dog gets quality sleep
Now that you know some of the answers to the question “how much sleep do dogs need?,” you might have some follow-ups. For instance, how can you make sure that your pup is getting quality sleep? And how can you align their sleep schedule with yours so that you don’t have to be woken before sunrise?
Here are a few tips for giving your dog a good night’s sleep:
- Make sure they get enough exercise. Your dog will be happy to curl up on the couch with you after a nice long jog or fast-paced walk. If you’re struggling to give your pup enough exercise for them to sleep through the night, you might consider calling in a friendly Dog Walker to help out.
- Schedule time for play. Mental stimulation like games or training sessions are excellent ways to tire your dog out. They’ll love the quality time with you, and you’ll love how cute they look snuggled up in bed.
- High quality diets are a plus. You might notice that the healthier your lifestyle, the better your sleep. And the same is true of your dog! When they’re getting good exercise and nutritious dog meals, their sleep will be deep and rejuvenating.
- Stick to a routine. Contrary to popular belief, dogs aren’t as diurnal (meaning that they are awake at dusk and dawn) as their wolf ancestors. Instead, they’re likely to adapt to their beloved humans’ routine. Keep things predictable and your pup will be more likely to sleep through the night.
For more info on giving your dog quality sleep, take a look at our article, Help Your Dog to Sleep!
How much sleep do dogs need? It depends on the dog!
Do you have an all-day dozer? Are you and your pup on the same sleep schedule? Now that you know the answers to “How much sleep do dogs need?”, we’d love to hear more about your dog’s unique sleeping habits!
