Your dog sleeps a lot, seems exhausted and tired and you’re wondering if something is wrong? In this article, you will find out why sleep is important, why dogs need more of it and when you should start worrying about sleeping too much.
Why is sleep important for dogs?
Sleeping is vital for dogs. The daily repetitive state of sleeping or dozing is very important and meaningful in order for the dog’s body and mind to rest. Sleeping contributes significantly to personality development, growth, brain development, and regeneration. While sleeping, the body recovers, the muscles relax, stress is reduced, the experiences and impulses of the day are cognitively processed and stored. Newly learned things are consolidated and illnesses can also be better warded off through regular, restful sleep. Healthy sleep is the basis for a day full of energy and joy. In addition to a balanced diet, exercise, and species-appropriate housing, restful sleep is the key to a physically and mentally healthy dog life.
How much sleep does a dog need?
You’ve probably noticed that your dog sleeps a lot more than you do. It’s not because they’re bored, it’s because dogs need far more sleep and rest than humans – on average three times as much. People usually get by with seven or eight hours of sleep a night. However, our dogs need between 17 and 22 hours of sleep and rest periods throughout the day. Puppies, old and sick dogs need up to 22 hours, and adult, healthy dogs about 17 to 22 hours throughout the day. There are three phases in which a dog recovers and regenerates: dozing, resting, and deep sleep.
How many hours a day does a dog sleep?
Puppies, old and sick dogs need up to 22 hours, and adult dogs about 17 to 22 hours a day.
Dog sleeps a lot: three stages of sleep
Dogs usually adapt well to the rhythm of their humans. Unfortunately, since humans get by with less sleep than dogs, there is a risk to their needs and well-being. Therefore, we humans have the responsibility that our dogs do not suffer from sleep deprivation and must promote and support their need for sleep. It is therefore important to know that there are three phases for dogs in which they regain strength and energy.
Doze
At this stage, the dog lies with its eyes closed and appears to be asleep. Whether it’s in the garden, under the desk, or on the sofa, the dog spends most of its resting time during this phase. Despite his closed eyes, he perceives everything around him through his nose and ears. Dozing for dogs is just as important as deep sleep or resting, so they should also be able to spend that time undisturbed without constant talking or petting.
Rest
When resting, the dog also lies relaxed. His eyes take in the surroundings and perhaps he observes how the birds fly in the sky or how the paper jam is repaired at the copier. Sometimes he also wants to be close to his people to be stroked or cuddled. Resting differs from dozing in its extended state of wakefulness.
Deep sleep
Deep sleep in dogs is the most restorative sleep, just like in humans. A healthy, adult dog usually needs between 6 and 8 hours of this per day. Body and mind recover and the experiences of the day are processed. How calm and whether he might need a little more deep sleep depends on how strenuous and eventful his day was.
Why Do Older Dogs Sleep So Much?
Old and young dogs naturally need more sleep than dogs in their prime. Even sick dogs sleep more.
Dreams while sleeping
In deep sleep, people often squeak, howl, bark, or kick in their dreams. Under no circumstances should you wake your dog and wake him up so roughly. However, if you realize that it is definitely a nightmare because an unpleasant event with another dog may have taken place during the day, put your hand a few inches away, very carefully in front of your dog’s nose. Your four-legged friend will also perceive your scent in his dreams and will probably calm down.
Dog doesn’t sleep much: Consequences for your dog if you don’t sleep enough
If a dog is unable to recover and regenerate due to a lack of sleep and rest, sooner or later it will develop behavioral problems. These can be:
- hyperactive
- unfocused
- nervous
- motor abnormalities
Why is my dog so limp?
Dogs can be overwhelmed relatively quickly with their everyday life and can react to this with exhaustion and tiredness. Likewise old and sick dogs.
The right place for a restful sleep
The retreat for the dog’s deep sleep phase is of enormous importance so that the dog can sleep through its 6 to 8 hours undisturbed. The hallway, the kitchen, or a passage room are therefore the worst possible place to put the basket or mattress there. Likewise, no direct sunlight should fall on the sleeping area or lie directly on the heating and drafts should also be avoided. Even with a wall in the back, there is certain protection for the dog.
Unlike cats, dogs usually do not want to be alone when they sleep. Maybe there’s a quiet corner in the living room or in the bedroom if that’s okay with you. You can also pay attention to where your dog lies down when he wants to sleep soundly in order to place the basket there. The basket or mattress must be the right size so that your four-legged friend can really relax and turn on its side or back along its entire length. Too small is too uncomfortable and many dogs usually do not feel comfortable in a basket that is too large.
When do you have to worry if your dog sleeps a lot?
Dogs also become calmer with age and now need more sleep than before. Exuberant playing stops, the usual walks drag on and then they sleep extensively. These are signs of normal aging. Consideration should now be given, and at shorter intervals, to regular preventive check-ups including blood tests at the veterinarian. More sleep as a sign of aging can thus be differentiated from serious illnesses and pain.
If the dog is neither a puppy nor a senior – which starts differently depending on the breed and size – and has so far been jolly and interested through life, but now suddenly has an increased need for sleep, you should observe the behavior more closely. If your four-legged friend’s increased need for sleep cannot be explained by an eventful everyday life, you should consult your veterinarian.
Is it normal for a dog to sleep all day?
That cannot be answered in general. How much sleep a dog needs depends on age, breed, and activity level.
Causes if the dog sleeps a lot due to illness
An increased need for sleep in dogs can also have health-related causes. Possible hypothyroidism can lead to an increased need for sleep, as can heart disease, for example. Likewise, a lack of red blood cells and also infectious diseases that lead to fever. Obesity and lack of exercise also increase the need for sleep. The causes can be very diverse. In any case, an increased need for sleep in the dog should always be followed up. A blood count of the organs usually gives an indication of possible causes. Deficiency symptoms caused by incorrect or faulty nutrition can also lead to fatigue. If you suspect that something is wrong with your dog, we advise you to consult a trusted veterinarian.
