Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?
Our furry best friends seem to have two speeds: rarin’ to go and conked out. Sure, our dogs play hard, but many also seem equally committed to the fine art of napping, especially as they age. But why do dogs sleep so much, and how much sleep is too much?
While it’s easy to understand why busy working dogs need to clock out for much-deserved rest at the end of a long day, some breeds prefer snoozing over other activities. (We’re looking at you, Greyhounds!)
So, let’s get into the specifics of all things sleepy and answer your burning questions, including “How many hours do dogs sleep?” and “Why do dogs need so much sleep?”
How Long Do Dogs Sleep Each Day?
How much a dog sleeps each day hinges on several factors, including the dog’s age, breed, and home life.
Most adult dogs get six to eight hours overnight while we sleep, and then they nap throughout the day anywhere from 10 to 18 hours (!).
Of course this number varies, particularly for puppies and senior dogs:
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Puppies: While puppies don’t seem to have an “off” switch and want to play at all times, that drive is balanced by an equal need for napping. A great deal of brain and body development happens while pups are at rest, which means young puppies can sleep up to 20 hours per day during critical growth cycles.
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Seniors: On the flip side, our senior friends also need a surprising amount of shuteye. The changes that occur with aging—from the aches and pains to decreased vision and hearing—can result in older dogs preferring to spend their days resting in a cozy dog bed.
Offering a dog bed that provides a supportive sleeping surface can help them get a more restful sleep.
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Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?
From their breed to health reasons, there are a number of reasons dogs need so much sleep. The following considerations can help pet parents figure out where their champion canine napper lands on the sleep scale.
Life Stage
Dogs young and old require a great deal of rest for different reasons.
Puppies going through growth stages need restorative rest as they develop. Plus, young pups tend to get cranky and act out when they’re overtired, so napping gives pet parents a break as well.
Senior dogs, on the other hand, are faced with the challenges of aging, which means they’re probably most content when resting in a comfortable spot.
Breed
Dogs who were bred to work, like Retrievers, Hounds, and Spaniels, typically live up to the label, which means they’re less likely to need as much rest.
Bigger breeds, like Mastiffs and Great Danes, along with companion lapdog breeds like Pekingese and Shih Tzus, are usually content to get plenty of lazy time.
Home Life
If you lead an outdoorsy, social life, there’s a good chance your furry best friend is going to be right by your side for your adventures—and may need more sleep to rest up for the next one.
Similarly, some active breeds can learn to downshift in households that move at a slower pace. However, pet parents shouldn’t assume that all high-drive dogs will happily settle in a nap-centric lifestyle.
Boredom
Dogs who don’t get enough stimulation may resort to finding their own fun (like eating your throw pillows), while other bored dogs might resort to sleeping the day away, chasing rabbits in dreamland instead of the real world.
Illness or Depression
Much like people, dogs fighting off illness or recovering from medical procedures require more sleep than usual.
Similarly, dogs dealing with major lifestyle changes, like back-to-school season, a move, a new family member, or the loss of a loved one, can be at risk for depression and might opt to sleep more as a coping strategy.
When To Worry About a Dog Sleeping Too Much
Changes to your dog’s sleep patterns are worth investigating.
A dog who sleeps too much might be facing undiagnosed health issues, like parasites, thyroid problems, heart disease, or pain.
Schedule a visit to your veterinarian if you notice any of the following in your dog:
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A sudden shift in sleeping patterns (Is your dog sleeping more than normal?)
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Lack of appetite (Is your normally hungry dog skipping meals?)
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Self-isolation (Rather than hang out with you, does your dog choose to nap in a remote space?)
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Depression (Is your dog uninterested in your usual fun and games?)
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Restlessness (Does it seem like your dog wants to sleep but can’t get comfortable?)
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Lethargy (Do they have low energy?)
Dog and Sleep FAQs
Why do older dogs sleep so much?
Senior dogs and senior people are similar in that the quantity and quality of sleep changes during the aging process. Older dogs dealing with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome, for example, are often restless at night, which might lead to more napping during the day.
Is it normal for dogs to sleep all day?
Like many questions about our best friends, it depends.
The factors to consider when assessing a dog’s sleep patterns include the dog’s age, breed, daily activity levels, lifestyle, and overall health.
A puppy who plays hard and crashes just as hard? Probably normal. However, an adult dog who suddenly opts out of fun and games to sleep might be dealing with an underlying health issue.
What should you do if your dog sleeps all day?
Have a pup who prefers dozing to doing? In some scenarios, you might be able to chalk it up to your dog’s personality or life stage. But there’s a chance your best friend might need some novel stimulation, so try introducing new types of training games, like tricks, new toys, or heading out on the trail for a “sniffari.” That way you can guarantee that snooze time at the end of the day was earned!
