Sleep, eat, sleep, play, sleep. Repeat.
That’s the wonderful life your dog has. They spend at least half of their lives asleep and this is pretty normal. But when is your dog sleeping too much and when is it a cause of concern?
Here’s what you need to know about a dog’s sleeping habits and when to know if your dog is sleeping too much.
Why Dogs Sleep So Much
On average, dogs spend half of their day asleep, an estimate of 12-14 hours per day. Then they lounge for another 30% of the day and are only active 20% of the time. This is their normal sleeping behavior and shouldn’t alarm pet parents.
Since they don’t have work, school, and don’t go out with their doggie friends whenever they feel like it, dogs sleep or relax to pass the time. But believe it or not, their sleeping habits can vary greatly based on your own, since the more attached to their owners a dog becomes, the more they mimic their circadian rhythms to align their time together.
When you’re asleep or resting, they’ll be sleeping as well. If you like to go for morning runs with your dog, that’s the time they’ll be active. If you’re at home with them but not playing with or training them, they’ll likely be laying down, but not quite asleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep More Than Others
Aside from your lifestyle as their pet parent, other factors make dogs sleep a lot. One of these is their breed.
Large dog breeds require more sleep than other dogs simply because they expend more energy and thus need more time to recover their lost energy. Moving their large bodies around requires more effort than smaller breeds, making long hours of sleep important for their health. Here are some breeds that are notorious for sleeping all day.
Mastiffs
Mastiffs are heavy-boned dogs that are known for their courage and strength. They’re docile guardians that are protective of their family.
Saint Bernard
These gentle giants are patient, watchful, and good with children, making them beloved around the world.
Great Dane
A breed that towers over most of its kind, they are powerful guardians that also have a sweet nature. Due to their enormous size and penchant for joint issues, Dane’s tend to spend a lot of time getting comfortable, and not moving unless they have to.
Basset Hound
Another heavy-boned breed that’s stronger than they look, Basset Hounds are charming, loyal, but can be stubborn at times.
Greyhound
If there was a dog breed notorious for sleeping, the greyhound would be it, clocking in at up to 23hrs a day. Increasingly popular as family pets, most people are amazed to learn that these dogs famous for their speed generally spend most of their home lives idly napping away.
What Factors can affect how much my dog is sleeping?
It’s not just the dog’s breed that influences their sleeping habits. Here are other factors that can cause your dog to sleep a lot.
Age
Your dog’s age plays a big part in the hours of sleep they need. No matter the breed, puppies and older dogs also need more time sleeping than a healthy adult dog.
Puppies are a little ball of energy that love to play and explore but once they use up all the gas in their tank, they’ll crash and rest for the next play session. Meanwhile, older dogs get tired easily when moving around and don’t have the same energy as they once had. This makes sleep an essential part of their day.
Activity Level
If your dog is highly active or has an increased level of activity, this will require them to rest and recover more. Their bodies need time to recover from expending additional energy from their activities.
Greyhounds, for example, are very active dogs that require a lot of exercise. They’re the fastest breed on the planet, but after all that exercise and activity, they’ll be fast asleep.
Health Condition
Illnesses or health problems will impact your dog’s sleeping pattern. One common health issue is excess weight or obesity. The added weight on your dog makes it difficult for them to carry their body around, easily making them exhausted.
The same goes for dogs with heart conditions, arthritis, and hypothyroidism. Dogs with these health problems find it challenging to move around and be active, resulting in your dog sleeping more.
Major Life Changes
Just like humans, a change in the environment or stressful life events can make your dog sleep more as a response to these changes. Moving to a new home, the loss of a loved one, or a highly stressful environment can disrupt their sleeping pattern and cause them to sleep more.
When Does My Dog’s Sleep Pattern Become An Issue?
Your dog sleeping more than normal can be a sign of underlying health issues. Oversleeping is normal after excessive exercise or traveling, so a day or two of getting more sleep isn’t a cause for alarm.
However, a more drastic and lasting change in sleeping habits could be a cause of concern. Here are a few telltale signs to watch out for.
Changes In Sleep Patterns
The first sign you’ll notice is the change in sleeping patterns. If your dog suddenly starts sleeping in when they should be normally up and about or sleeping longer than usual, there could be a problem that needs to be addressed.
Other health issues like diabetes and kidney problems can cause such changes in sleeping patterns. Visit your vet if you notice a drastic change.
Slow to Wake
Dogs are light sleepers and will be on alert at any sign of activity or danger. So when they’re slow to wake even when stimulated with their favorite toy or treat, this is another clue that something’s wrong.
Appetite Loss
Feeding time should be one of the best moments of the day for your dog. All dogs love to eat! But sleeping and overeating is never a good sign for any dog. If you find that your dog is losing interest in meals or treats and opting instead to sleep, you might want to contact your vet.
Uninterested in Exercise or Playtime
Exercise and playtime never fail to make dogs excited. However, some diseases and health problems can make it difficult for them to exercise and exert effort, causing them to just loaf or sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours should dogs be sleeping?
On average, dogs sleep for 12-14 hours a day. Puppies and larger breeds sleep longer, up to 18 hours.
How do I establish my dog’s sleeping patterns?
A dog’s sleeping pattern usually follows its owner’s daily activities. If you’re up and about in the morning and take them for walks regularly, they’ll be active during that time. When you leave them while you’re working, they’ll be inactive and napping. At night, they’ll usually sleep when you’re asleep too. The more consistent your own sleeping patterns are, the most consistent your dog’s own sleep cycle will be.
How do I make sure my dog doesn’t oversleep?
Making your dog’s day more exciting is one way to keep them from oversleeping. They don’t go to work or to school, so it’s up to you to keep them active and excited. You can do this by letting them play with puzzle toys that engage them mentally and physically even when you’re away.
Another option is to have regular exercise routines during the day. This supports their physical health and prevents them from napping too much or being overweight.
You can also choose to leave them at pet daycares where they can interact and play with other dogs as much as they want. Just be sure your dog is trained to be social with other pets.