Sleep in general
Unlike most people who have jobs and a schedule, dogs sleep when they need to. Sleep has many of the same impacts on dogs as in humans, helping in brain development, learning, and memory. Sleep deprived dogs will have bad moods like tired children and they’re health may suffer.
How long should my Puppy sleep?
Puppies may sleep 18-20 hours a day. They’re fast growth and high activity levels will need more time at sleep to help them grow and stay healthy. As puppies grow into adulthood they’re sleep needs diminish.
Crate training a your puppy with a crate and a comfy bed will give him a safe and quiet and place to sleep. Make sure when waking your puppy you get him outside fast for house training.
How long should my adult dog sleep?
Adult dogs will sleep 12-14 hours a day on average. While it may seem they sleep more, they also spend a lot of their time just lounging around.
At this point your dog should be house trained and have a comfortable dog bed in a place of his own. This also hhelps with training as you can teach him to go to this safe place when desired.
How long should my senior dog sleep?
Senior dogs, like puppies (and people) tend to sleep more, and they revert back to sleeping 18-20 hours a day. There is no cause for alarm, older dogs have lower energy levels and need the extra sleep to stay healthy.
Do different dog breeds sleep longer than others?
Working breeds like police dogs, guide dogs, and herding breeds may focus on their job over sleep. Once retired or not on the job, they will revert to regular sleep patterns for their age and condition. Large breeds also tend to sleep longer than small breeds.
Breeds that sleep the most
Bulldogs
As any bulldog owner will know, bulldogs sleep and snooze throughout their day it’s hard work being so cute.
Great Danes
Low activity and exercise may make these ideal apartment dogs. Like most giant breeds they tend to sleep much more.
Mastiffs
Like bulldogs, they sleep and snooze a lot, there’s a lot of dog there and they seem to tire easily
Saint Bernard
There is a pattern emerging here of large heavy dogs tending to sleep the most. Strong and powerful like the mastiff, it likes to spend most of its day sleeping and napping
Greyhounds
The greyhound does not fit this pattern.
This sprinter known for his speed actually sleeps a lot during the day to restore the energy he needs. Many people enjoy retired racing greyhounds as the family pet.
Exercise
Dogs that don’t get enough exercise may have excess energy at night. Make sure your dog goes out for a walk or play in the yard at least a couple of times a day.
Sleep essentials
Want to make sure your dog gets a great rest, follow these tips.
A quiet environment, dogs tend to be light sleepers, don’t leave the TV or lights on, keep distractions to a minimum. Tuck them in, once settled in them pet them to help them relax. For anxious dogs, you may try CBD, essential oils or even a weighted anxiety wrap to help them relax and calm their nerves.
A comfy dog bed, some dogs prefer to curl up in a ball, some prefer to stretch out, get a bed based on your dogs needs. your Great Dane requires a much larger bed with more support than a Yorkie. A cooling bed in the hot summer months may help them sleep better too.
Knowing how many hours your dog should sleep let’st you know if your dog is getting too much or too little sleep. To make sure he gets enough sleep make sure he gets the nutrition and exercise he needs. Make sure he has a great environment for a good sleep. If you suspect your dogs sleep needs are not being met or he may have a disorder consult your vet.
If your dog’s sleep patterns have changed, consult your vet if you’re concerned. The best treatment is to figure out the underlying cause and treat that, but a vet may resort to pharmaceuticals. You may also find supplements to help induce sleep effective, but please consult your vet.
If your dog’s sleep patterns have changed, consult your vet if you’re concerned. The best treatment is to figure out the underlying cause and treat that, but a vet may resort to pharmaceuticals. You may also find supplements to help induce sleep effective, but please consult your vet.
Can dogs have sleep disorders?
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy can be present in dogs, it is a neurological disorder with no cure, however it is not life threatening and severe conditions may be treated by a vet.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea occurs in humans,and dogs. It is a condition where the airway is temporarily blocked. Breeds that are prone to sleep apnea are short muzzled like the bully breeds, bulldogs, pugs, frenchies and alike. Vet treatment may involve medications or surgery to help remove obstructions.
REM sleep disorder
Dogs that have REM sleep disorder may have episodes of violent limb movements, howling, barking, growling, chewing, or biting during sleep, that can occur during night or daytime sleep. The majority of cases start under one year of age, but may occur up to 7.5 years of age and may be treated to lessen severity by a vet.
FAQ
Do dogs really sleep all night?
Most adult dogs sleep throught the night, going to bed before it’s humans and usually wking up with them
Do dogs like to sleep all day
Dogs get most of their sleep through the night, 8-9 hours and will sleep and laze around through the day
Do dogs know it’s night time?
Your dog can’t read a clock, but like us they do have a circadian rhythm which follows a 24 hour cycle. They also get used to a schedule and know when it’s time to go for a walk or have dinner.
Why do dogs sleep so much?
Dogs are light sleepers and disturb easily, because of this they need to have frequent naps to get enough REM sleep. REM sleep is necessary for recuperation, health and learning.
Are they’re sleep aids for dogs?
If your dog’s sleep patterns have changed, consult your vet if you’re concerned. The best treatment is to figure out the underlying cause and treat that, but a vet may resort to pharmaceuticals. You may also find supplements to help induce sleep effective, but please consult your vet.
Our research reading list
Sleep Duration and Behaviours: A Descriptive Analysis of a Cohort of Dogs up to 12 Months of Age
Sleep Disorders in dogs: A Pathophysiological and Clinical Review
Effect of age and feeding schedule on diurnal rest/activity rhythms in dogs
Sleep Duration and Behaviours: A Descriptive Analysis of a Cohort of Dogs up to 12 Months of Age
Sleep macrostructure is modulated by positive and negative social experience in adult pet dogs
Influence of changes in luminous emittance before bedtime on sleep in companion dogs
Sleep in the dog: comparative, behavioral and translational relevance
Sleep, work, and the effects of shift work in drug detector dogs Canis familiaris
Clinical signs and management of anxiety, sleeplessness, and cognitive dysfunction in the senior pet
