How much does a dog sleep and how to improve its rest
Hours per age, where it should sleep and how to tell real tiredness from boredom in a dog that sleeps too much.
Dogs sleep between twelve and fourteen hours a day, and puppies up to twenty. Sleeping a lot is normal; the clue is not the number of hours but whether the dog rests well and is awake and active the rest of the day.
Quick facts: how much a dog sleeps
Why they sleep so much
Dogs are polyphasic: they sleep in many short stretches, most of them light, which is what let their ancestors stay alert to the environment. A dog that sleeps fourteen hours a day but gets up to greet you, plays and walks normally is a healthy dog.
How to make its rest better
- A bed of its own in a quiet corner, away from doors and from the noise of the kitchen.
- Fixed bedtime: dogs follow routines and rest better when the day has a rhythm.
- Exercise during the day: a dog that has walked and sniffed arrives at the evening calm.
- Do not wake it on a whim: the deep phases are short and cut them off, especially in older dogs.
When sleeping too much is a symptom
Watch for a change, not the amount: a dog that used to be alert and now sleeps all day, that does not want to get up for its walk, that is slow or distant. The usual causes are pain (dental, joint, abdominal), infection, hormonal problems, or simply having aged.
Restless nights
A dog that wanders at night, whines or asks to go out can be anxious, need to urinate because of a urinary problem, or have pain that gets worse when lying down. In older dogs, cognitive decline also exists: it gets lost in corners of the house, sleeps during the day and is awake at night. Your vet can assess both.
Keep reading these guides
Rest and daily routine go together:
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for a dog to sleep 16 hours?
In puppies and older dogs, yes. In a healthy adult it can be normal if the rest of the day is active and it eats, walks and plays as usual. If it is a change that appeared suddenly, consult a vet.
Does it sleep badly at night because it sleeps during the day?
Possibly: a dog left alone and quiet all day accumulates little activity and pays it back at night. A walk and a play session in the afternoon usually fix it.
Should the dog sleep in my bed?
It is a personal decision, but it should be a decision taken once: a dog that sleeps in the bed and is later pushed out of it understands it as a punishment. Its own bed next to yours is a good middle ground.