Canine Sleep Behavior
There’s no doubt about it: dogs sure know how to sleep. From long nighttime snoozes to quick naps throughout the day, dog sleep can seem excessive compared with our own sleep habits. But in most cases, sleeping a lot is completely normal for dogs.
So, how many hours a day do dogs sleep? Most adult dogs sleep or rest for approximately 12 to 14 hours a day, although individual needs vary. Puppies, senior dogs, and some larger breeds may sleep considerably more. A dog’s activity level, age, health, personality, and daily routine can all influence how much time they spend sleeping.
Dogs also tend to sleep in shorter periods than humans. Rather than sleeping for one long stretch overnight, they may nap throughout the day and wake periodically during the night. This ability to sleep whenever they have nothing else to do is one reason you may find your dog dozing peacefully while you are busy around the house.
Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?
The simple answer is that dogs have different sleep needs and patterns than humans. The amount of sleep an animal needs depends partly on their species.
Horses and cows may sleep only three or four hours daily because they require long hours of grazing to supply their bodies with sufficient food. Bats and opossums, on the other hand, may sleep closer to 20 hours.
The various breeds of dogs also seem to have different sleep requirements. Some very large breeds, such as Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and Mastiffs, often spend a great deal of their lives sleeping: perhaps up to 16 or even 18 hours a day. For this reason, they were once referred to as “mat dogs,” because they could often be found lying in front of the fireplace, much like a giant, furry hearth mat.
A dog’s lifestyle also affects how much sleep they need. Dogs that are physically and mentally active may spend less time sleeping than dogs with relatively quiet lifestyles. A search-and-rescue dog, working farm dog, or highly active sporting dog may have a very different daily schedule from a companion dog who spends most of the day inside the house.
Dogs are fortunate in that they can adjust their sleep patterns according to what is happening around them. If there is something interesting to investigate, your dog may be wide awake. When the house becomes quiet and there is nothing else to do, they may settle down for another nap.
Of course, today’s modern indoor dog sometimes sleeps out of boredom. You can help your pet by providing plenty of stimulation during the day. This can include toys, training exercises, food puzzles, a canine companion, walks, and plenty of playtime with you. If your dog has enough to do during the day, they may be more likely to stay awake while the sun is up and sleep at night when you do.
How Many Hours a Day Do Dogs Sleep?
This depends on the individual dog. Adult dogs commonly sleep about 12 to 14 hours in a 24-hour period, but some may sleep more or less.
Puppies generally need more sleep than adult dogs because their bodies and brains are developing rapidly. It isn't unusual for a young puppy to sleep 18 to 20 hours a day. All that growing, exploring, learning, and playing requires a tremendous amount of energy.
Senior dogs also tend to sleep more. As dogs age, they may have less energy and spend more time resting between activities. Some older dogs may nap frequently throughout the day and sleep for longer periods at night.
Breed and size can play a role, too. Large and giant breeds are often enthusiastic sleepers, while some smaller or highly energetic breeds may spend more of their day awake and active.
The important thing is to pay attention to your dog's individual routine. If your dog has always been a champion napper, sleeping for several hours during the day may simply be normal for them. A sudden and significant change in sleeping habits, however, can sometimes indicate that something is wrong and deserves attention from your veterinarian.
Normal Dog Sleep Patterns
Dogs have sleep patterns that are similar to those of humans. When your dog first goes to sleep, they enter the slow-wave or quiet phase of sleep. They lie relatively still and become less responsive to their surroundings. Their breathing slows, blood pressure and body temperature drop, and heart rate decreases.
After about 10 minutes, your dog may enter the rapid eye movement (REM) or active stage of sleep. During this stage, you may notice their eyes moving beneath their closed eyelids. They may twitch, move their paws, whine, bark softly, or make other noises.
This active stage of dog sleeping is associated with dreaming. Scientists have found similarities between canine and human sleep patterns, and dogs appear to experience periods of brain activity associated with dreaming.
Adult dogs spend approximately 10 to 12 percent of their sleeping time in REM sleep. Puppies spend a much greater proportion of their sleep in this stage, which may be related to the enormous amount of information they absorb while growing and learning about the world around them.
If your dog twitches or makes small noises while sleeping, there is usually no reason to wake them. Dreaming can produce surprisingly active behavior, but gentle movements and occasional vocalizations are generally normal.
Dog Sleeping Positions
Your dog may have several favorite ways to sleep, and dog sleeping positions can be surprisingly entertaining to watch. Some dogs curl tightly into a ball, while others stretch out across the floor as if they own the entire room.
A dog curled into a ball may be trying to conserve body heat or simply choosing a comfortable position. Dogs that sleep on their sides are often relaxed and comfortable, while dogs that stretch out on their stomachs may be ready to get up quickly if something catches their attention.
You may also see your dog sleeping on their back with all four legs in the air. This position can look uncomfortable to us, but it is often a sign that your dog feels safe and relaxed. Exposing the belly also allows a dog to release body heat, making this position particularly appealing when they are warm.
Some dogs sleep in the “superman” position, lying on their stomachs with their front legs stretched forward and their back legs extended behind them. This is especially common in puppies and active dogs that may be ready to jump up and play as soon as they wake.
Your dog's sleeping position can change depending on temperature, comfort, surroundings, and mood. There is no single “correct” sleeping position for a dog.
Where Dogs Sleep
You may think your dog will sleep anywhere, but some dogs are very particular about where they sleep. In the wild, dogs sleep in dens, and your dog may seek out a sheltered place in your home, such as under a bed, behind furniture, or in a quiet corner.
You may notice your dog circling or pawing at their sleeping place before they settle. This behavior is believed to be related to an instinctive desire to prepare a comfortable, den-like sleeping area, even though it doesn't have much impact on a short-pile rug.
You can make a comfortable bed for your dog or choose from the variety of plush beds available at pet stores. Older dogs may benefit from an orthopedic bed that provides additional support, while puppies may appreciate a bed that feels cozy and secure.
Some people love snuggling up to their dogs at night, and there is no question that many dogs enjoy sharing their owner's bed. Advocates of this arrangement say it can strengthen the human-canine bond, not to mention the comfort and warmth your dog can provide.
However, sleeping arrangements ultimately come down to what works for you and your dog. If your dog guards the bed, prevents family members from getting comfortable, or becomes possessive of sleeping spaces, it may be better to establish a separate sleeping area.
When Dog Sleeping May Be a Concern
Most of the time, a dog who sleeps a lot is simply being a dog. However, changes in dog sleep patterns can sometimes be a sign that something is wrong.
Pay attention if your dog suddenly begins sleeping much more or much less than usual, particularly if the change occurs alongside other symptoms. Loss of interest in food, difficulty getting up, changes in bathroom habits, coughing, vomiting, unusual behavior, or a lack of interest in activities your dog normally enjoys can all warrant a conversation with your veterinarian.
Likewise, a dog who seems extremely difficult to wake or unusually lethargic is different from a dog who simply enjoys a long afternoon nap.
Knowing your dog's normal sleeping habits makes it easier to recognize meaningful changes. Keep an eye on how long your dog typically sleeps, when they tend to nap, and whether they wake easily and behaves normally when awake.
For most dogs, however, sleeping is simply an important part of a healthy daily routine. Whether your companion curls into a ball, sprawls across the couch, or sleeps upside down with their paws in the air, those peaceful hours of rest help them recharge for their next walk, play session, meal, or adventure.
