10/6/2022
How Long Do Dogs Sleep?
Have you ever wondered how long your dog sleeps in a day? Between quick naps and bedtime, our canine companions tend to snooze quite a bit more than their pet parents. Keep reading to find out just how much sleep your dog needs and how you can help them get the beauty rest they deserve.
How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?
The answer to this question depends on your dog. According to comparative studies, dogs need an average of 10.1 hours of sleep per day. However, the right amount for your dog can vary greatly based on a number of factors.
How long do puppies sleep?
Puppies have plenty of energy, but they also require a lot of sleep to recharge and grow into healthy adult dogs. Getting plenty of sleep is an important part of your puppy’s development, which is why they often sleep 18 to 20 hours each day. That amount of sleep will help your pup get the rest they need to explore the world around them.
How long do senior dogs sleep?
Like puppies, older furry friends also need a lot more rest than the average pooch. Senior dogs can sleep up to 18 to 20 hours a day as well, also this is because they don’t have as much energy as they used to and need some extra naps to stay healthy and refreshed.
How long do different breeds sleep?
The sleep needs of various breeds largely comes down to how big and how active your dog is compared to others. Larger breeds like Newfoundlands or Great Danes may end up sleeping around 16 to 18 hours per day. Smaller adult dogs may snooze for around 14 hours while average-sized dogs may only need closer to eight to 12 hours of sleep each day.
Your dog’s activity level also impacts how much they need to rest. Dogs who exercise a lot or stay active in other ways will need to catch more z’s than dogs who burn a lot of energy throughout the day. There are also some unique instances where certain dogs won’t sleep as much because of their job. For example, Alaskan Malamutes and other sled dogs may sleep less than 12 hours per day, despite how much work they’ll do during a race.
Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?
No matter whether your dog needs eight hours or 20 hours of sleep, it’s clear that bedtime is an incredibly important time for our best friends. According to PetMD, sleep supports our dog’s health much like it does for humans. Getting plenty of sleep supports your dog’s brain development, memory, immune system, and ability to learn.
All those hours of rest also give your dog’s body plenty of time to recover from working. Much like their pet parents, not getting enough sleep can cause dogs to become grumpy, and nobody wants to see their best friend in a bad mood.
While people get most of their sleep at night, dogs have different sleeping patterns than humans. Humans may stay awake during the day because we have responsibilities like jobs or taking care of our families. Aside from working dogs, our furry friends will go to sleep whenever their body says it’s time for some rest. That dedication to nap time means that it’s a lot easier for dogs to sleep so much.
How to Help My Dog Sleep Better
No matter your dog’s age, they need plenty of sleep to stay happy and healthy. One potential problem is that some dogs may not sleep as much or as well as they should. Here are a few ways that you can help your best friend get some well-deserved rest.
Pay attention to your dog’s sleep patterns
A little consistency can go a long way toward your dog getting enough sleep. It’s common for animals to develop regular sleep schedules just like their pet parents. Sticking to normal bedtimes and napping schedules can keep your dog well rested and healthy.
Be on watch for any sudden changes in your dog’s sleep habits. Sometimes sudden bouts of restlessness are understandable – for example, puppies may need to take a potty break in the middle of the night. Adult dogs that suddenly change sleep patterns may be dealing with a medical condition or some other issue, so don’t be afraid to contact your veterinarian if your dog isn’t sleeping as much as they used to.
Give them a comfortable space to sleep
Who doesn’t love a comfy bed? Giving your dog a special space to rest can help them develop a steady sleeping routine. This exact space can change depending on you and your dog – some people may leave out a nice dog bed in a quiet corner while others may place some blankets and bedding in a dog crate. As long as your dog is happy and comfortable, this special spot can help enhance your best friend’s nap time.
It's also important that your whole family knows not to interrupt your dog’s beauty rest. It can be tempting for children to play with your adorable pooch, but remind them to give your dog some space when they’re sleeping. If you find your dog’s sleep schedule is getting interrupted, try moving their bed or other sleeping spot to a more isolated place in your home.
Keep them active
A little bit of exercise is a great way to help your dog enjoy some nice, deep sleep. The more energy your dog uses, the more rest they’ll need to recover. The average dog needs about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day. If your dog isn’t being very active and not sleeping well as a result, take them for an extra walk or try out some fun indoor exercises. If their activity for the day involves learning a new trick, be sure to reward them with some delicious Bil-Jac Treats.
Support Your Best Friend All Day Long
Whether you dog is awake or asleep, it’s important to do what we can to make our canine companions as happy and healthy as possible. Want to learn more about how you support your dog? Join our Best Friends Club today to receive exclusive email updates, informative articles, and members-only discounts on Bil-Jac dog food, treats, and other products.
