How much sleep does a dog need per day?

Dogs need a lot of sleep every day. On average, that's 12 to 14 hours. How much they actually need depends on their age, breed, and activity level.

How much sleep do dogs need each day?

Puppies, who use a lot of energy and are still growing, need around 18 to 20 hours of sleep a day. That's a lot. One study that tracked dogs from puppyhood found they slept notably more during the day, and more in total over 24 hours, at 16 weeks old than the same dogs did at 12 months.[1] For adult dogs, it depends more on activity level and breed. They need between 12 and 14 hours of sleep a day. Working dogs or very active breeds may sleep slightly less, whilst small or less active breeds may need more rest. Older dogs, on the other hand, need a little more sleep, as they tire more quickly. They need between 14 and 18 hours of sleep a day.

Is a dog that sleeps a lot happy?

A dog that sleeps a lot can certainly be happy, but it depends more on the context of when and how it sleeps. It is normal for your dog to sleep a lot; dogs simply need a lot of sleep each day. If a dog suddenly sleeps much more than usual, seems listless or shows less interest in playing, walking or eating, this could be a sign of boredom, depression or a health problem. In older dogs, a disrupted sleep-wake pattern is also one of the earliest signs vets look for when screening for cognitive decline.[4] Keep an eye on your dog if it suddenly starts doing these things, and it's best to consult a veterinarian.

How does a dog prefer to sleep?

Just like people, dogs also have their own preferences when it comes to sleeping. This depends on their personality, breed and environment. In general, dogs have a number of ways in which they prefer to sleep:

• On their side

If your dog sleeps on its side, it is usually relaxed and not experiencing anxiety. For many dogs, this is their go-to sleeping position. It is often a sign that they feel safe and comfortable.

• Curled up

Dogs will sleep in this position when they want to feel safer. They curl up into a ball, with their tail tucked between their legs. This position is an instinctive way of sleeping; they do this especially when they find themselves in a new or unfamiliar environment.

• On their belly

The belly is a vulnerable part of a dog's body. If a dog sleeps with its belly exposed and legs stretched out, that's usually a sign of trust.

• On their back

This position is less common, but some dogs like to sleep with their belly up, on their back. When your dog does this, it feels very safe and comfortable in its surroundings.

• In a basket or bed

Many dogs like to have their own spot in the house to give them a sense of security and comfort, such as a bed or a basket.

Factors that influence a dog's sleep

How much a dog sleeps is influenced by various factors: age, breed, activity and exercise, mental stimulation, diet, health, environmental factors, routine and general well-being.

As mentioned earlier, your dog's age is a major factor in how long they sleep. Certain breeds need more sleep because they are large, whilst other breeds need less sleep but more physical and mental stimulation.

Dogs that are active during the day, get plenty of exercise and play, tend to sleep better and more deeply. Research on pet dogs backs this up: after a more active day, dogs fell asleep faster and spent more time in deep and REM sleep that night.[2] Too little exercise can lead to restlessness and sleep problems. Dogs also need mental stimulation, such as brain games, puzzles and training, to help tire them out mentally, which contributes to a good night's sleep.

Nutrition is also a factor that affects your dog's sleep. Eating too late or too much can disrupt your dog's sleep, whilst an unhealthy diet or food allergies can also cause discomfort that disrupts sleep.

If your dog is not in optimal health, this can also disrupt their sleep. Think of pain, arthritis, digestive problems or other medical conditions. Dogs with osteoarthritis, for instance, have been shown to rest less at night than healthy dogs of a similar age.[3]

Environmental factors also play a role. If it's too noisy, your dog may be startled or kept awake. Temperatures that are too hot or too cold can disrupt sleep too. Dogs are creatures of habit, so establishing a bedtime routine can help improve the quality of their sleep.

How can you recognise sleep problems in your dog?

It is important to be able to recognise when your dog has sleep problems, to maintain their well-being and health. Here are a few things to look out for.

• Changes in sleeping patterns

Your dog may sleep more or less than usual, wake up frequently or have difficulty falling asleep, and be extremely sleepy and listless during the day.

• Restlessness and excessive movement during sleep

Tossing and turning, getting up frequently and moving from one sleeping spot to another, sighing or whining whilst asleep.

• Night-time restlessness

Pacing around in the middle of the night and barking or whining, frequently getting up to drink and wanting to go outside, and displaying anxious or stressed behaviour when it realises it's time to go to sleep. Restlessness like this is one of the clearer behavioural signs researchers use to flag pain-related sleep disruption in dogs.[3]

• Unusual sleeping positions or exercises

Unable to find a comfortable sleeping position, lying uncomfortably, trembling or twitching whilst asleep. Some dogs always do this when they sleep, but excessive trembling or twitching may indicate a problem.

• Irritability and behavioural changes

Reacting aggressively or irritably when waking up, showing less interest in socialising and playing.

• Excessive panting or licking

Panting for no reason may indicate stress, pain or discomfort. Excessive licking of the paws or other body parts may indicate pain or allergies that are disrupting sleep.

• Physical complaints

Stiffness when getting up (may indicate joint problems), red eyes or puffy eyes due to lack of sleep.

What can you do if your dog has sleep problems?

If your dog has sleep problems, it may help to provide them with a quiet, comfortable place to sleep. Maintain a regular sleep routine, since dogs are creatures of habit. Give your dog plenty of mental stimulation and sufficient exercise so that they are properly tired. You can also give your dog a calming supplement to help them relax. If none of these things work, consult a veterinarian to rule out any medical issues.

Conclusion: How much sleep does a dog need per day?

Depending on their age, breed and activity level, dogs need significant amounts of sleep to stay healthy and happy. Adult dogs generally need between 12 and 14 hours of sleep a day, whilst puppies and older dogs may require considerably more. Sleeping patterns vary based on personal preference and environment, but sleep is essential for a dog's well-being. A dog that sleeps a lot is not necessarily unhealthy, as long as this falls within normal limits. Changes in sleeping patterns or other sleep problems, however, may point to health issues or an uncomfortable environment. It's worth keeping a close eye on your dog's sleeping position, duration of sleep and behaviour. When sleep problems arise, simple adjustments such as a quiet sleeping spot, sufficient mental and physical stimulation, and a regular routine can help. If these measures don't help, consult a veterinarian for further investigation.