Is it Normal for Dogs to Sleep All Day? Let's Find Out

Whether they're curled up on the couch, in their bed, or maybe even in your bed, dogs spend a lot of time snoozing. But is that normal? How much sleep does your dog actually need?

The answer might surprise you, because as humans, we only need about 8 hours of sleep a night. But dogs need quite a bit more!

So let's find out how much sleep is normal for a dog. We'll also talk about some signs that your dog's sleep might be a problem.

How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?

According to Dr. Nicole Savageau, DVM, dogs sleep an average of 12-14 hours per day, so a little more than half of the day. The National Sleep Foundation says that most adult dogs need at least 8 hours to 13.5 hours of sleep every night. It varies from dog to dog, but 11 hours seems to be the average. This doesn't account for daytime naps, though! Adult dogs can sleep for up to 37% of the day.

Adult dogs usually sleep longer than puppies do. Usually, an adult dog will sleep between 60% and 80% of the hours between 8 PM and 8 AM. Of course, this depends on their surroundings and their owner's schedule. Very young puppies can sleep for up to 18 hours a day. Puppy sleep is often broken up into naps instead of long, unbroken blocks of sleep.

As your dog ages into their golden years, they will likely start to sleep more. Dr. Ashley Rossman, DVM, states that senior dogs can sleep between 14 and 20 hours a day.

💡 BONUS TIP: The exact timing of this depends on your dog's breed and size.

Sleep By Breed: Does It Matter?

Yes! Your dog's breed can have a big impact on how much sleep they need. For example:

• Small breeds like Yorkies and Shih Tzus can be energetic... but their small size means they don't have a lot of stamina. This means that they might need more naps, especially if they've gone on a long walk!
• High-energy breeds, like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds need lots of activity. They have high energy and stamina, and need to burn off that excess energy before going to sleep.
• Lower energy breeds like Pugs and Basset Hounds take lots of daytime naps. These breeds' laid-back attitude matches their sleep needs!
• Guardian breeds like Great Pyrenees and Mastiffs might look like they're napping a lot. But these dogs can remain alert even when drowsy. Guardian breeds tend to be calm when not "on the job," and will often rest when they can.
• Sighthounds like Greyhounds and Salukis nap all the time. These extremely fast dogs can use a lot of energy when they are running. And whenever they aren't running, they're in recovery, so they like to snooze a lot.

When Should I Worry About My Dog's Sleep?

It's totally normal for your dog to get a lot of sleep every day. But sometimes too much sleep can be a sign that something is wrong. If you see any of the following signs, talk to your veterinarian.

• Sudden Behavioral Changes: Is your dog sleeping a lot more or less than usual? This can mean that something is happening to their health. It could be related to age, but it's still a good plan to talk to the vet.
• Lethargy: A sleeping dog should wake up pretty easily. Is your dog tired when they wake up? Are they slow to respond to things? Do they not engage in activities like normal? These are signs that your dog isn't feeling well.
• Changes in Eating Habits: Food is fuel. If your dog is eating less than normal, it will impact their energy levels.
• Pain or Discomfort: Dogs tend to sleep more when they're hurting. Watch your dog's behavior and movements. Are they limping or whining when they walk? Do they avoid certain movements? These signs of pain definitely need to be discussed with your vet.

Help Your Dog Have A Good Night's Sleep

Dogs need a lot of sleep, but they also have tons of energy. One way to help your dog get great sleep is to exercise them.

All dogs need walks, and the best way to walk your dog is with a Joyride Harness. Our harnesses prevent pulling and are escape-proof. They're perfect for long walks that will get your dog's energy out and help them get the sleep they need.

Check out our reviews to see how much pet parents like you love the Joyride, and then shop for your pup today!