How long do dogs sleep?

Good sleep is essential. This applies not only to humans, but also to puppies and adult dogs. But how much sleep is enough? Find out now how long dogs sleep and what symptoms can occur when they are overtired.

How much sleep does a dog need?

An adult dog spends almost half the day resting and sleeping. An adult dog sleeps up to 13 hours a day. Therefore, dogs have a greater need for sleep than humans. The older a dog gets, the more rest it needs. So, if you think your dog is sleeping more than usual, you don’t necessarily need to worry.

Dog sleeps more than usual – possible reasons.

Aside from aging, external factors can alter a dog’s sleep patterns. If the dog has exerted itself more physically than usual, it will generally sleep more. Perhaps the dog also hasn’t gotten enough rest in recent nights and is now catching up. If the dog otherwise appears healthy, you should remain relaxed about the increased sleep need.

How long do dogs sleep at night?

Dogs distribute their sleep across different phases throughout the day. This includes dozing and resting. Dogs primarily fall into a deep sleep at night. Most dogs adapt their sleep rhythm to their owner. Thus, a dog might sleep 7 to 9 hours per night.

Did you know?

Dogs also have REM sleep phases. So if you notice your dog twitching its eyes, making noises, or seemingly running while lying down, this is perfectly normal. The dog is dreaming during this phase.

How long do puppies sleep?

Puppies need more sleep than adult dogs. They sleep up to 20 hours a day. These naps are spread throughout the day. To calculate their total sleep time, add up all the naps plus the time the puppy sleeps at night.

Why do puppies sleep so much?

Do you feel like your young dog sleeps all day? That’s perfectly normal and good. Sufficient sleep is essential, especially for puppies. While sleeping, they process all the new impressions they’ve gathered. They also replenish their energy reserves during rest. This energy isn’t just needed for playing; it’s essential for healthy growth.

Protect your puppy’s health with a dog health insurance policy and get up to €5,000 of your veterinary costs reimbursed annually.

What symptoms does a dog show when it is overtired?

If a dog doesn’t sleep enough and is overtired, the following symptoms can be observed:

The dog seems extremely hyperactive and cannot calm down.
His concentration is deteriorating.
Motor skills deteriorate.
The sleep-deprived dog appears irritable and nervous.
Aggressive behavior may occur.
Susceptibility to disease increases.
The dog suffers from chronic illnesses.

If you notice that your dog isn’t getting enough sleep, you need to act quickly. Help your dog get enough sleep.

This promotes restful sleep in dogs.

To help the dog recover sufficiently, a few simple measures are advisable.

Place the sleeping area in a quiet, dark corner.
Separate the sleeping area and toys.
Get a comfortable dog bed that gives the dog enough space.
Establish a regular daily routine.
Avoid playing exciting games right before bedtime.

Furthermore, the dog must receive sufficient mental and physical exercise during the day. In addition, some dogs are very susceptible to stress. Unfamiliar visitors, new routines, or the arrival or departure of a (pet) family member can negatively affect their sleep patterns.

Sleeping positions of dogs

To find the right dog bed for your four-legged friend, you first need to find out what position he sleeps in. Every dog has a particular preference. Whether all four legs are stretched out or curled up, each dog’s sleeping position is individual. Some dogs like to sleep on a cozy blanket on the floor, while others prefer a soft cushion.

Is the dog allowed to sleep in the bed?

Studies have shown that many dogs sleep better when their sleeping area is near the bedroom. Experts continually debate whether a dog allowed in its own bed should be taken or not. According to dog expert Martin Rütter, this is not a problem as long as all family members agree and the dog does not defend the bed.

From dog-tired to wide awake in a few seconds

A phenomenon that dog owners frequently observe is that their dog can wake up from sleep in a flash, for example, when the doorbell rings, someone comes home, or a cat runs through the garden. This trait can be traced back to their ancestors. A wolf must react immediately to a dangerous situation and cannot take its time to get going.

“Let sleeping dogs lie.”

There’s a lot of truth to that statement. Even though dogs wake up much faster than humans, they should never be woken intentionally. Sleep deprivation can lead to severe mental and physical health problems. If you absolutely must wake your dog, do so gently and sensitively.

But genes aren’t the only reason some dogs never seem to sleep. Breeders have specifically selected guard dogs that appeared to have no natural need for rest. It’s therefore essential for owners to help their dogs get enough sleep.

How long do dogs sleep? – The sleep diary

To answer the question “How long do dogs sleep?”, it’s sometimes helpful to keep a sleep diary. This is especially recommended if you notice any of the aforementioned signs of overtiredness in your dog. To calculate sleep time, write down every minute your dog dozes or rests and add them up.