{"id":2740,"date":"2019-07-31T16:19:28","date_gmt":"2019-07-31T14:19:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/?p=2740"},"modified":"2020-06-05T02:29:30","modified_gmt":"2020-06-05T00:29:30","slug":"how-much-do-dogs-sleep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/how-much-do-dogs-sleep\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Do Dogs Sleep: Know Your Pet&#8217;s Sleep Habits"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you a new pet owner? Has a little furry baby arrived at your home or have you adopted an adult dog? Either way, now you are responsible for its wellbeing. But don\u2019t panic! Taking care of your new friend isn\u2019t that complicated as it seems. Just like human babies, they need lots of love and everything else will come naturally. Of course, make sure they always have access to water and feed them regularly. It\u2019s also normal if you have a ton of questions. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much do dogs sleep<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and how can I help them feel more comfortable are probably just some of them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although you don\u2019t need to sing lullabies to make your puppy fall asleep, there are some things you can do to improve its slumber. And as you&#8217;ll quickly notice, if you haven\u2019t already, dogs tend to sleep a lot. So let\u2019s first discuss how much sleep is normal for your pet and why it spends so much time resting.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Many Hours a Day Do Dogs Sleep<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might think that your dog spends too much time sleeping, but in fact, that\u2019s considered normal in the dog world. The man\u2019s best friend typically spends 50% of the day dozing, 30% of the time lying around, and being active accounts for only 20% of their day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, dogs need 12 to 14 hours of slumber every day. However, this is the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">average amount of sleep<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and you don\u2019t have to necessarily worry if your tail-wagger snoozes a bit more or less than this. There\u2019s no straightforward answer to the question: \u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much do dogs sleep a day<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?\u201d The answer depends on several factors, including their age, breed, and health. We\u2019ll talk about each of these factors in more detail below.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Dog\u2019s Age and Sleep<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Puppies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, just like babies, need lots and lots of sleep. On average, they snooze for 18 to 20 hours a day. Apparently, growing and exploring the world around them is not an easy task, so expect a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog nap<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or two\u2026 or a dozen throughout the day.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Adult dogs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as we already said, sleep between 12 and 14 hours every day. So the amount of sleep they need to recoup their energy decreases as they get older. Still, there are some variations among dogs. Don\u2019t forget that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how much sleep is normal for dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will depend on their size and activity levels, as you will see if you keep on reading.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Older dogs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tend to sleep more than they used to when they were younger. It seems that the relationship between <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/aging-and-sleep\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">age and sleep<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a bit different among our canine friends compared to humans. Your senior dog simply tires more easily and therefore needs more rest.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Dog Breeds That Sleep a Lot<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some dog breeds love dozing more than others. Generally, bigger breeds tend to spend more time sleeping than smaller ones. Some of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/iheartdogs.com\/15-dog-breeds-that-love-to-sleep\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">laziest dog breeds<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are bulldogs, mastiffs, greyhounds, and Saint Bernards. So if you like sleeping in and don\u2019t want to change your habits, look for one of the breeds that\u2019s famous for needing lots of zzz\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>More Action, Less Sleep<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another factor that will affect your dog\u2019s sleep needs is how active they are during the day. For example, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akc.org\/dog-breeds\/working\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">working dogs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that are bred to assist people in various ways spend less time snoozing. Since they perform physically and mentally demanding tasks on a daily basis, they don\u2019t have much time for taking naps.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Siberian Huskies, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.labradorretrieverguide.com\/20-reasons-why-labradors-are-the-best-dogs-ever\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Labradors<\/a>, German Shepherds, Border Collies, and other dogs bred to be working dogs belong to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplemost.com\/most-active-dog-breeds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most active dog breeds<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They are naturally energetic, love to run and play, so they are a perfect fit for active people who like to be on the move.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, dogs that don\u2019t have to manage cattle, rescue people, help their disabled owners or complete other similar tasks as part of their job can just laze around. When they have nothing to do, most dogs tend to snooze more.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Life Changes Affect Canine Sleep Time<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any change in their daily routine can influence <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog sleeping habits<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For example, if you start working longer hours, they might sleep more because they don&#8217;t like being alone or just feel bored. Also, big life changes, such as the death of a companion or moving to a new home, can greatly affect your dog\u2019s sleep schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similarly to humans, dogs are sensitive to the things happening around them and sleep can help them overcome all the difficulties they face. Other situations that your canine can find stressful are the arrival of a new pet or a baby. So try to understand it and give it some time until it gets back to normal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Health Problems<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although we said that there is more than one way to answer <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how much do dogs sleep<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, there are certain cases when sleeping more than usual can be a warning sign. If you notice that all of a sudden your doggy is lethargic and sleeps excessively, you should know that its lack of energy can be <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petcarrierverdict.com\/dog-sleeping-more-than-usual\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a symptom of several illnesses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this case, your little fellow will probably show other symptoms as well. Of course, it\u2019s best that you take it to the vet to get the right diagnosis and adequate treatment. Here are some of the health issues that cause <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">excessive sleeping in dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetmed.wsu.edu\/outreach\/Pet-Health-Topics\/categories\/diseases\/hypothyroidism-in-dogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypothyroidism<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anemia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poisoning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So if your otherwise cheerful and active dog suddenly becomes tired, go to the veterinarian who will be able to determine the cause of it and find the best solution.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Sleep Patterns in Dogs<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2745 size-full alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/dog-848390_1280-e1582711178564.jpg\" alt=\"How Much Do Dogs Sleep - Bulldogs\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/dog-848390_1280-e1582711178564.jpg 770w, https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/dog-848390_1280-e1582711178564-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/dog-848390_1280-e1582711178564-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just like humans, when dogs fall asleep, they go through several different <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/stages-of-sleep\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stages of sleep<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The first one is slow-wave sleep or deep sleep, in which their blood pressure drops, while their heart rate and breathing slow down. They spend only about 10 minutes in this phase, after which they enter REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. If you see a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog twitching in sleep<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it is probably in this stage dreaming of chasing a ball or a neighbor\u2019s cat. Looking closely at a dog in the REM phase, we can notice that its eyeballs roll under the eyelids.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While this is another similarity between dogs\u2019 sleep and ours, there\u2019s one big difference. They spend considerably less time in this stage of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sleep cycle<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In total, REM sleep accounts for about 10% of their sleep, while we spend about 25% of sleep in REM. So this is a possible answer to the question of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">why do dogs sleep so much<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Many scientists believe that dogs need more sleep during the day to make up for lost REM.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs and their owners also greatly differ in their sleep schedules. While people typically sleep for 7 to 9 hours at once and then they stay awake for 15 to 17 hours, our furry friends snooze for only about 15 minutes and stay awake for 5 minutes. Since they are naturally always on the alert, they don\u2019t sleep as deeply as humans and can wake up more easily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why Does My Dog Sleep So Much<\/b><b>?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spending most of the time on dozing is a part of a normal canine lifestyle, so usually, there\u2019s no reason to worry. However, if your Fido sleeps more than usual and seems lethargic, pay attention to other symptoms, such as a change in appetite, skin problems, weight gain or loss. As we already mentioned, a number of health problems can lead to a decrease in energy levels. Therefore, it\u2019s best to consult your vet to identify the cause of your dog\u2019s lethargy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, don\u2019t forget that some major events in your pet\u2019s life can also affect the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog sleep schedule<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If this is the case, its sleep habits should get back to normal after some time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, your furry pal might feel more tired during the day because it suffers from a sleep disorder.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Can Dogs Have Sleep Apnea<\/b><b> and Other Sleep Disorders?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although sleep disorders are generally not that common among our canine friends, they can have certain sleep problems. Waking up frequently, being sluggish during the day, or showing changes in behavior are all <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petmd.com\/dog\/general-health\/4-sleep-disorders-dogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">signs of sleep disorders<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Some of the more common sleep disorders are the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/what-is-insomnia\/\"><b>Insomnia<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in dogs is usually caused by another medical issue. Therefore, it\u2019s recommended to visit a vet who will determine the underlying reason for this sleep disorder or even prescribe a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspca.org\/news\/rest-easy-getting-facts-pet-safety-and-sleep-aids\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sleep aid for dogs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/what-is-sleep-apnea\/\"><b>Sleep apnea<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is most prevalent among obese dogs and some dog breeds with shorter snouts, such as Pugs and English Bulldogs. This sleep disorder can sometimes be the answer to the question: \u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why do dogs snore<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?\u201d However, snoring isn\u2019t necessarily a sign of sleep apnea.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/narcolepsy-symptoms\/\"><b>Narcolepsy<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> causes dogs to suddenly fall asleep after physical activity or excitement. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no cure for this genetic disorder, but there are some ways to reduce the number of narcoleptic episodes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>REM behavior sleep disorder<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> causes physical activity during sleep and can be treated with certain medications.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Dog\u2019s Sleeping Positions<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Catching zzz\u2019s throughout the day, your canine friend will probably change its sleeping positions. The following three are the most common.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Sleeping curled in a ball<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a defensive position. Although it\u2019s the least comfortable, this position allows dogs to quickly react if needed. However, even if they feel safe, dogs tend to sleep like this to keep warm.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When <\/span><b>sleeping on the side<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, dogs expose some of their bellies, meaning that they feel safe and relaxed. Additionally, this position allows them to cool down a bit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog<\/span><b> sleeping on<\/b><b> its <\/b><b>back<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shows that it feels absolutely safe and comfortable. It knows that its environment is secure and it completely trusts you since it\u2019s not afraid to doze off in this extremely vulnerable position. Again, sleeping with its paws in the air helps it cool down if the weather\u2019s too hot.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Tips for Improving Your Dog\u2019s Slumber<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are some simple tips you can follow to help your loyal friend get the most out of its slumber:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose your dog\u2019s food carefully since its energy levels will depend on how much nutrients it gets. Sometimes <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog sleep patterns<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may change depending on their nutrition.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Give it as many opportunities as possible to be physically active \u2013 take it to walks regularly and organize playtime with other dogs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t forget to take it to regular check-ups. This way, a vet is able to detect any early signs of a medical problem.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure your pet has a comfy place to rest. No matter if this is your bed, a crate, or a dog bed, it\u2019s important that your dog sleeps at a dry and warm place. Below you can check out a cute infographic created by our friends from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/sleepenvie.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleepenvie<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which lists all the reasons <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog beds<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are a great choice for your furry pal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2749\" src=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Treat_Your_Pooch_2048x2048.jpg\" alt=\"How Much Do Dogs Sleep - Dog Beds\" width=\"887\" height=\"2048\" srcset=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Treat_Your_Pooch_2048x2048.jpg 887w, https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Treat_Your_Pooch_2048x2048-130x300.jpg 130w, https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Treat_Your_Pooch_2048x2048-768x1773.jpg 768w, https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Treat_Your_Pooch_2048x2048-444x1024.jpg 444w, https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Treat_Your_Pooch_2048x2048-585x1351.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 887px) 100vw, 887px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although pet owners often ask <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how much do dogs sleep<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the quality of their slumber is equally important. Therefore, do your best to help your doggy get its restful shut-eye.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>FAQs<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>How many hours does a dog sleep in a 24 hour period?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically, an adult dog sleeps 12 to 14 hours a day. However, puppies and older dogs usually need to get more zzz\u2019s in order to function normally. Also, the amount of sleep they need depends on their activity levels, and their breed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Why do dogs sleep so much during the day?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scientists claim that dogs need more sleep than humans because they spend less time in the REM stage. Our canine friends sleep in bursts and wake up more easily, so it happens they don\u2019t finish their sleep cycle. In a way, sleeping more during the day helps them compensate for the lost REM sleep time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Why do older dogs sleep so much?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just like elderly people, older dogs get tired more quickly, so they need more shut-eye to feel rested. It\u2019s a normal part of the aging process that their energy levels decrease and there\u2019s no need to worry if your senior pet sleeps more than it used to in its younger days.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how much do dogs sleep<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? Although the typical answer is 12 to 14 hours a day, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">normal sleep hours<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may differ from dog to dog. Therefore, take into account all the factors we\u2019ve discussed before getting frantic if your pet likes to sleep in. Of course, it\u2019s vital that you pay attention to its sleep habits so you can notice any changes on time. Restful sleep brings a range of health benefits to your tail-wagger and that\u2019s why you need to help it restore its energy in the best way possible.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How much do dogs sleep and how can you help them get more quality sleep are just some of the questions we will answer in this article.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2748,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,21],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2740"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2740"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2740\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2748"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2740"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2740"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2740"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}