How much sleep does a dog need?

A good night's sleep is important to function well during the day. This is just as true for dogs. However, the sleep pattern of our dogs differs quite a bit from ours; it is normal for dogs to sleep more than humans do. Although we might sometimes secretly be a little jealous of our four-legged friends' many beauty naps, it is important to understand why dogs need so much sleep and to recognize what excessive sleeping looks like in dogs. In this blog, we will take a closer look at how much sleep a dog actually needs.

The importance of sleep for a dog

Dogs are long sleepers. This means they need a lot of sleep and also sleep during the day. During their sleep, they process all the stimuli they receive throughout the day. You have probably experienced your dog dreaming actively during sleep, barking, whining, or even running with their paws. This is due to REM sleep; a phase in the sleep cycle that also exists in humans, during which stimuli are processed and the dog literally dreams about things it experienced during the day.

The amount of sleep affects a dog's behavior. When a dog does not get enough sleep, it can affect the animal's physical health, but the dog can also become overstimulated, which can lead to excessive barking or even depression. A dog that gets enough sleep will generally experience less stress.

How much does a dog sleep per day?

You might wonder if the dogs of other dog owners near you also sleep that much during the day. Unfortunately, you cannot compare your dog's habits one-to-one with those of another dog. Just like us humans, dogs can need more or less sleep. How much sleep a dog needs depends on many factors: age, breed, health, activity level, and environmental factors.

You don’t need to worry if your dog sleeps half the day. Generally, adult dogs sleep between 12 and 14 hours per day. Senior dogs need a bit more sleep and average 16 to 18 hours. Puppies need the most sleep to be well rested. They sleep about 18 to 20 hours per day.

Is your dog suddenly sleeping more than usual? First, check if there have been recent changes in your dog's life. Small changes can already cause big changes in your dog's sleep pattern. Examples might be a new housemate or increased playtime (for example, due to dog daycare or longer walks), but also in warm weather, dogs may sleep more than usual. Excessive sleeping can be signs of depression, boredom, or a physical problem. If you have doubts about your dog's amount of sleep, contact your veterinarian.