How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?
Between eating, playing, and being totally adored, your dog’s favourite pastime is probably sleeping! From catching forty winks after their morning walk to curling up on their cosy blanket before dinner and then drifting off to the land of nod at night, you may get the impression that your dog spends more time asleep than awake.
Which begs the question, how much sleep do dogs need? And, if you’ve got a new fur-bulous addition to your family, you may also wonder how much does a puppy sleep?
Keep reading as we explore how much sleep dogs need and how many hours a puppy needs to sleep in order to rest and recharge.
How much sleep do dogs need?
Dogs require lots of sleep and downtime. In fact, most adult dogs need between 10 – 12 hours of sleep a day, with an average of just under 11 hours. About 75% of your dog’s sleep will occur at night, and the rest will be spread out with naps during the day. In comparison, most humans need about seven to eight hours of sleep.
However, as with us humans, different factors – such as daily activities, environment and age – can affect a dog’s sleeping needs.
How much do puppies sleep?
Just as human babies need lots of sleep, so do puppies! During the first six to 12 months of a puppy’s life, they’ll sleep between 15-20 hours a day, spread throughout the day and night. All of this sleep will help their immune system, their central nervous system and muscle development.
It’s tiring work being a puppy. Exploring every inch of their exciting new world, playing with their ever-growing bundle of dog toys and chomping their food (plus anything they can get their teeth on) can be exhausting. In fact, puppies may even stop mid-way through play to nap and recharge their batteries!
How much do adult dogs sleep?
The amount of sleep a dog needs will lessen by their first birthday. From the ages of one to five, most adult dogs will need on average eight – 14 hours of sleep a day to feel fully rested. Unlike puppies, adult dogs sleep for longer periods at night and they’ll get roughly 60% - 80% of their sleep between the hours of 8 pm and 8 am.
How much do senior dogs sleep?
The older your dog gets, the more they’ll appreciate a lovely relaxing nap to rest up. On average, dogs above the age of five are likely to sleep for about 16 – 18 hours a day, which includes lots of long snoozes throughout the day.
Where should dogs sleep?
Curled up on their side, spread out on their front or on their back with their paws up, our four-legged friends can fall asleep in all sorts of positions when they’re dog-tired. But where’s the best place for dogs to sleep?
A cosy dog bed and a soft dog blanket can make your dog feel comforted, safe, and supported – essentially making all their doggy dreams come true. A dog bed is especially beneficially for adult dogs and pups in their golden years as it helps support their joints.
If you’re seeking a perfectly padded bed for your pooch, our luxury dog beds help protect your dog from sleeping on hard surfaces. Available in a range of sizes, they give your pup lots of cushiony space to sprawl out when it’s sleep time.
Do breed and size affect how much sleep dogs need?
Usually, the larger the dog, the more energy it takes for them to move around and the quicker they’ll tire. Therefore, a big dog like a Mastiff will need a hefty amount of sleep and while leggy Greyhounds are fast on their feet, they’re quick to fall asleep after running around; big dogs such as these tend to sleep for around 14 – 18 hours a day.
On the other side of the spectrum, small dogs like Chihuahuas love to snooze, and they can clock in on needing about 14 - 16 hours of sleep a day, while many medium-sized dogs require just 10 – 14 hours of sleep.
It’s also worth remembering that every dog is different, and two dogs of the same breed won’t have exactly the same sleeping pattern.
Do you ever wonder what do dogs dream about? Click here to discover what your dog’s sleeping habits mean!
Is there such a thing as too much sleep?
While it’s perfectly normal for your dog to spend a good portion of their day dozing or chasing squirrels in their dreams, a change in their sleep could be a wake-up call and a trip to the vet may be needed.
It’s a good idea to keep an eye on how many hours of sleep your dog or puppy is clocking in. If you notice your dog is sleeping more than usual or their sleeping pattern has changed dramatically, they may have an underlying health condition and it’s best to consult your vet for guidance.
Dreamy gifts for dogs and dog lovers
If you’re looking to spoil your sleepy pooch, why not treat them to some personalised dog gifts?
At Yappy, we also have hundreds of gifts for dog owners and dog lovers. From dog cushions to stylish tote bags and personalised aprons, you’re sure to find the gifts of their dreams.
If you’d like to know more about what Yappy offers, don’t hesitate to contact us on help@yappy.com.
