Your dog’s sleeping habits might be a mystery to you. For example, why does your dog sleep in funny positions? Why do they insist on sharing the bed with you? How can they go from zero to nap in seconds anywhere, any time? How much do dogs sleep anyway… and why do dogs sleep so much? We’re here to answer all your questions – and take a look at how age, breed, exercise, health and other factors can play a role in how much sleep your dog gets. Plus, find out what you need to watch out for when it comes to changes in sleeping patterns – and how to keep track of your dog’s sleep with Tractive GPS.
Table of contents:
- Why do dogs sleep so much?
- How much do dogs sleep by age?
- How much sleep do puppies need?
- How much sleep do adult dogs need?
- Why do older dogs sleep so much?
- Dog sleep requirements by breed
- Other factors that affect dog sleep
- Exercise
- Health issues
- Changes in routine and surroundings
- Temperature
- REM
- Boredom and depression
- Dog diet
- Sleep disorders in dogs
- Conclusion on dog sleep
Why do dogs sleep so much?
Like us humans, dogs need a good night’s sleep to function, re-energize and stay healthy. Without enough sleep, your dog is more likely to get sick. Or get into a “bad mood”, become disoriented or even aggressive. Imagine how you are after 4 hours of sleep and no coffee and you get the picture.
Making sure your dog gets enough sleep is key to their health and well-being. In addition to helping them recover from the day’s activity, sleep:
- helps puppies grow into strong, healthy adult dogs
- makes it easier for dogs to learn and remember
- keeps our buddies’ immune systems strong
In a nutshell, the reason why dogs sleep so much is because it’s good for them. And the good news is, you can find out how your dog rests with Tractive GPS. You’ll be able to spot patterns, see how much quality sleep they get, and detect potential issues early.
How much do dogs sleep by age?
Most adult humans need, on average, about 8 hours of sleep each night1. For babies, children and teens, the number is even higher. But how much sleep do dogs need? It’s important to know how much sleep your dog needs to make sure they’re getting the right amount to stay healthy and happy.
On average, dogs sleep about 12 -14 hours in a 24 hour period2. But puppies and senior dogs sleep even more – they can reach 18 hours a day of zzz time.
If that sounds like a lot to you, keep in mind that cats sleep even more than dogs – up to 20 hours a day!
Also important to keep in mind? 75% of dog sleep happens at night, with the remaining 25% broken up into day naps.
So next time you see your buddy snoozing and think they’re being a bit lazy, remember: Your dog just needs more sleep than you do. The best thing you can do is invest in a cozy sleeping spot of their own where they can enjoy peace and quiet.
Since age is one of the most important factors, let’s next look at how our buddies’ sleep needs change as they get older.
How much sleep do puppies need?
About 18 to 20 hours each day. Puppy sleep – that is, sleep for dogs under 1 year-old – is crucial for development, and sleep deprivation has been shown to negatively impact a puppy’s health3. So make sure your growing pup gets enough rest!
