They don’t say “let a sleeping dog lie” for nothing, but how much should dogs sleep? Just like humans, dogs need an ample amount of rest to properly get through the day and maintain good mental and physical health. Our furry friends aren’t able to clearly express their fatigue, so it’s up to their caretakers to recognize the signs of poor rest and promote good sleeping habits.
Dogs require different amounts of sleep depending on their age, breed and activity levels.
I spoke with veterinary assistant Tyler Smith of Banfield Pet Hospital in Sacramento, California about the recommended amount of sleep for dogs, according to their age and breed. I also researched common symptoms your canine might showcase if they aren’t getting quality sleep. Keep reading for these important pet sleep facts and more, whether your pooch cuddles up with you in bed or prefers their own nest.
How Much Should Dogs Sleep?
The amount that dogs can sleep may seem unnatural or even alarming to their concerned dog moms and dads. But humans’ sleeping patterns are slightly different from those of our four-legged friends.
While humans usually sleep through the night and stay awake during the day, 75% of dogs’ sleep time happens during the night, with the other 25% in the daytime. Dogs have shorter sleep cycles that last 45 minutes at a time and only spend 10% of their sleep in REM, or the deep-sleep stage. Compare that to our 90-minute cycles with 25% of it spent in REM. As such, dogs need that extra time in the day to catch up on restful sleep.
With that in mind, the amount of sleep a dog needs also depends on a few factors, including age, breed and activity level.
Age
According to Smith, age is a key factor for determining the amount of sleep a dog needs.
- Puppies (under 2 years old): Smith says puppies can sleep anywhere from 16 to 19 hours a day.
- Adult dogs (2 to 6 years old): According to Smith, most adult dogs need anywhere from 9 to 14 hours of sleep per day, but only get around 11 hours a day on average.
- Senior dogs (7+ years old): As dogs increase in age, they should sleep more than adult dogs, so around 12 to 15 hours a day.
Sleep plays a role in brain function and development, which is why it’s important for babies and young children to get more sleep than adults to maintain proper growth. Puppies also exert more energy than the average adult dog, thus requiring more rest. Senior dogs also need more sleep, but for its restorative benefits to help repair their bodies after a long day.
Aside from age, a dog’s sleep needs also depend greatly on their breed and activity level, according to Smith.
Breed
Generally, big breeds, such as Great Danes or German shepherds, require more sleep than small dogs because their larger bodies exert more energy. However, small dogs tend to sleep more than medium-size pups. Experts have broken down how much sleep dogs need according to their size.
- Small: 14 to 16 hours
- Medium: 10 to 14 hours
- Large: 18 hours
Activity Levels
Smith says your dog’s sleep habits are dependent on its natural instincts and activity levels. “More active or working breeds tend to sleep less,” he says. “This is unlike breeds that were bred to be more of a companion dog, who have a tendency to sleep more.”
The American Kennel Club also echoes this, explaining that working dogs don’t prioritize sleep, and instead remain alert to complete the tasks they were trained to do, like herding, pulling sleds or protecting. Companion dogs, on the other hand, are more focused on cuddling and sleeping.
So if your Cavalier King Charles spaniel who spends most of their time on your lap sleeps more than your outdoor-loving Siberian husky, it’s nothing to worry about. With that said, here are the signs and symptoms that might let you know that your dog isn’t getting enough sleep.
Signs Your Dog Isn’t Sleeping Well
How much should dogs sleep? You may be able to tell if your pup is fatigued if he or she exhibits any of these warning signs or changes in their sleeping patterns or behavior. Reach out to a vet for expert advice if you suspect your pet isn’t getting enough sleep and the problem persists.
- Lethargy: If your pooch is normally energetic but has been showing signs of tiredness and a lack of energy, it may be a sign they aren’t getting enough rest.
- Intense, consistent movements during sleep: Slight twitching and jerking are signs your dog is getting good REM sleep, but long-lasting twitching, jerking, barking or howling during sleep can be a sign of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and should be addressed with a veterinary doctor.
- Aggressive change in behavior: Your dog may experience a change in personality and increased irritability if they aren’t getting enough sleep.
- Dizziness, disorientation or confusion: Sleep helps promote learning abilities and a healthy memory, so a lack of it can lead to disorientation or confusion in your animal.
- Extreme thirst: An animal who isn’t getting enough sleep may experience a boost in cortisol levels and trigger hyperadrenocorticism, which leads to increased thirst and urination.
How To Improve Sleep For Your Dog
- Talk to a veterinarian: The first step is to talk to a veterinary doctor about your dog’s symptoms, as they may be able to rule out medical conditions or diagnose an issue and offer treatment options.
- Get to know your breed’s needs: Some dogs, such as working breeds, require more mental and physical stimulation than others to feel properly worn out for rest. Take your pet out for regular walks for exercise and introduce mental challenges such as puzzle games or maze feeders to avoid restlessness.
- Give them a relaxing environment: Stress or overstimulation from a hectic environment can affect your pet’s sleep quality. Create a comfy space for them with a dog bed that supports their bodies in all sleeping positions. Also consider crate covers to keep them away from bright lights that may disrupt rest, and even a white noise machine to help drown out disruptions.
- Have a regular routine: We all benefit from a regular bedtime routine, including our pets. Incorporate a nighttime bathroom break, cuddles, a bedtime treat and other relaxing activities to help prepare your pooches for a full night of sleep ahead of them.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted writers, editors and contributors have written hundreds of articles on sleep, and have dedicated countless hours of research to the topic. Writer McKenzie Dillon is a Forbes Vetted sleep and mattress editor, as well as a certified sleep science coach. For expert insights on the sleeping habits of our canine friends, she sought the expertise of Tyler Smith, a veterinary assistant in Sacramento, California. She also researched how much sleep a dog needs by reading studies, informational articles and expert interviews.
How Much Should Dogs Sleep In A 24-Hour Period?
The average adult dog needs up to 14 hours of sleep a day, but the amount varies by age. Puppies require more rest, around 16 to 19 hours a day, because they exert more energy. Senior dogs also need more rest than the average adult dog, around 12 to 15 hours, in order to properly recover after a day of working their muscles and joints.
Is It Normal For A Dog To Sleep All Day?
Dogs have shorter sleep cycles than humans do, that last around 45 minutes rather than 90 minutes. As a result, they spend short bursts in REM sleep, also known as slow-wave or deep sleep, and take time during the day to catch up on their rest. If your furry friend is regularly eating, drinking and relieving themselves when they’re awake, it’s normal for them to sleep for several hours during the day.
Should My Dog Sleep In My Bed With Me?
It ultimately depends on you and your dog’s sleeping habits, as well as the amount of space you have. Studies show being around our animals can help ease stress, anxiety and make both parties feel more comfortable. With that said, if you are prone to allergies or sleep on a small mattress with an oversized dog, co-sleeping with your animal may lead to sleep disturbances that prevent you both from getting the proper rest you need.
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