A dog’s life seems filled with slumber. They wake up, poop, pee, eat, and then right back to sleep. They seem to spend so much of the day asleep that you may wonder how much sleep they actually need. It turns out that your dog has to sleep for at least 12 hours per day if they’re going to be healthy and strong. Of course, some of this depends on their age – older dogs will sleep more than puppies, and sometimes their sleep cycle will be altered by temporary circumstances. But they need about 12 hours of sleep in any 24-hour cycle!
Just like you, if your dog doesn’t get their fair amount of rest, the sleeplessness will take its toll over time.
Why Isn’t Your Dog Sleeping?
Your dog may not be sleeping for many of the same reasons that keep you awake at night:
- Restlessness due to Age
- Pain or Discomfort due to Illness or Disease
- Need for Frequent Urination
- Pent-up Energy
Results of a Lack of Sleep
What happens when they don’t get their required sleep? Like us, they can become irritated in their waking hours, which can lead to –
- Nipping and Biting in Puppies
- Biting in older dogs
- ‘Grumpy’ moods
Lack of proper sleep can lead to a compromised immune system in your dog, as well as cognitive issues. Sleep is needed for your dog’s learning and retaining information.
