Dog Sleep Explained: How Much Rest Does Your Pup Really Need?
All dogs require sleep to function properly just like human beings. Sleep enables their bodies to heal themselves while it controls brain activities and supplies the necessary energy for daily enjoyment. The amount of sleep your dog receives will lead to observable behavioral mood swings and physical health problems. What do the actual sleeping needs of dogs look like? What affects dog sleep patterns? We’ll discuss all aspects of dog sleep patterns, along with some tips to help your dog get quality sleep.
How Many Hours Should a Dog Sleep?
A typical adult dog devotes between 12 to 14 hours per day to rest. The number of sleeping hours varies between dogs based on age, breed, daily activity levels and current health condition.
- Puppies (up to 12 months old) need the most sleep—around 18 to 20 hours per day. Their bodies are growing rapidly, and their developing brains require plenty of rest.
- Senior dogs Dogs who reach eight years of age tend to sleep more than younger dogs because their metabolism slows down and they experience more health problems.
- Larger breeds tend to sleep more than smaller breeds, simply because their bodies require more energy to function properly.
If you notice your dog sleeping significantly more or less than these averages, it might be a sign that something is off, and a visit to the vet could be necessary.
Understanding Dog Sleep Cycles
Unlike humans, who typically experience one long period of sleep, dogs have polyphasic sleep patterns. This means they sleep multiple times throughout the day and night. Their sleep cycles last about 45 minutes, during which they experience two major phases:
- Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) Sleep – At the beginning of this phase the body relaxes while the heart beats at a slower rate.
- Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep – This is when dogs dream! You would observe your dog move his paws or make low noises during sleep while experiencing twitching movements.
Dogs need to spend more hours in total sleep compared to humans since they dedicate minimal time to REM sleep.
Factors That Affect a Dog’s Sleep
Several factors influence how much and how well your dog sleeps:
1. Breed and Size
The largest dog breeds including Great Danes and Mastiffs need more sleep than the smallest breeds such as Chihuahuas or Terriers.
2. Activity Level
Active dogs require additional sleep time for their bodies to recover from their daily activities. Your dog needs additional rest time after participating in strenuous activities such as long walks or training and intense play periods.
3. Diet and Nutrition
A well-balanced diet ensures that your dog has the right amount of energy throughout the day. Poor nutrition can lead to fatigue and excessive sleepiness.
4. Health Conditions
Dogs with medical conditions including arthritis together with diabetes and infections experience interruptions in their sleep patterns. Contact your veterinarian whenever you observe any abrupt changes in your dog's sleep patterns.
5. Stress and Anxiety
Humans share a common experience with dogs when it comes to difficulties sleeping because of anxiety and stress. A combination of loud noises together with separation anxiety and environmental changes makes it difficult for dogs to relax which affects their sleep quality.
Should You Let Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed?
The decision to let dogs sleep with owners remains individual but numerous pet owners welcome their pets into their beds. Studies indicate that sleeping with dogs results in comfort benefits for both dogs and their owners. The practice has both advantages and disadvantages which need evaluation.
✅ Pros:
- Strengthens the bond between you and your dog
- Provides warmth and comfort
- Can help with anxiety (for both the pet and owner)
❌ Cons:
- May disturb your sleep if your dog moves frequently
- Increased need for cleaning and hygiene
- Some dogs may become territorial over the bed
If you decide to let your dog sleep in their own area, a good dog bed can give them comfort and support. Check out our collection of cozy and supportive dog beds to find the perfect resting spot for your pup!
How to Improve Your Dog’s Sleep Quality
If your dog is not sleeping well, you might want to change a few things in their surroundings and routine:
- Provide a Comfortable Sleeping Area – Whether it’s a cozy dog bed, a crate, or a specific area in the house, ensure they have a soft, warm, and safe place to sleep.
- Establish a Consistent Routine – Dogs thrive on routine. Try to keep feeding times, walks, and bedtime schedules as consistent as possible.
- Ensure Enough Exercise – Physical and mental stimulation during the day can help your dog sleep better at night.
- Minimize Disruptions – Reduce loud noises, bright lights, and sudden movements in your dog’s sleeping area.
- Monitor Their Health – Regular vet check-ups can help you stay ahead of any health conditions that might be affecting their sleep.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your dog’s sleep needs is essential to ensuring their overall well-being. Whether they love curling up next to you or prefer their own cozy bed, making sure they get quality sleep will keep them happy and healthy. If you’re looking for a variety of quality dog products to support restful nights and relaxed days, explore our dog comfort essentials including beds, blankets, toys, accessories, and more.
With the right care, attention, and environment, your dog will enjoy restful sleep and a healthy, active life!