How much sleep does a dog need?

A good night's sleep is important for functioning well during the day. The same is true for dogs. However, our dogs' sleep patterns differ considerably from ours; it is normal for dogs to sleep more than people do. Although we may sometimes 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 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 that they need a lot of sleep and therefore also sleep during the day. While asleep, they process all the stimuli they receive throughout the day. You have probably seen your dog dreaming energetically during sleep, barking, whining, or starting to run with its paws. This is caused by REM sleep, a phase of the sleep cycle that also occurs 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, this can affect the animal's physical health, but the dog can also become overstimulated, which may lead to excessive barking or even depression. A dog that gets enough sleep will generally experience stress less quickly.

How much does a dog sleep per day?

You may wonder whether other dog owners in your area also see their dogs sleep so much each day. Unfortunately, you cannot compare your dog's habits one-to-one with those of another dog. Just like us, dogs may need more or less sleep. How much sleep a dog needs depends on many factors: age, breed, health, activity level, and environmental factors.

You do not need to worry if your dog sleeps half the day. In general, adult dogs sleep between 12 and 14 hours per day. Senior dogs need a little more sleep and therefore sleep an average of 16 to 18 hours. Puppies need the most sleep to be well rested. They sleep around 18 to 20 hours per day.

Is your dog suddenly sleeping more than usual? First, consider whether any recent changes have occurred in the dog's life. Even small changes can cause major changes in your dog's sleep pattern. Examples include a new housemate or more playtime, such as through doggy daycare or longer walks, but dogs may also sleep more than usual in warm weather. Excessive sleeping can be a sign of depression, boredom, or a physical problem. Are you unsure about how much your dog is sleeping? Contact your veterinarian.