Uncover the Astonishing Truth: How Long Do Dogs Sleep Per Day for Optimal Health

Right now, my chihuahua, Angel, is lying at my feet snoozing away. Later, she'll wake up, eat, go outside for a bit and play -- and then it will be nap time again. What a life, right?

Unlike people, who are usually awake all day, then sleep at night, dogs don't have a regular sleep regimen. They catch several short naps during the day.

How Long Do Dogs Sleep Per Day?

• Adult dogs sleep 12–14 hours per day on average
• Puppies sleep 18 hours per day or more—Source: Canine Behavior: Insights and Answers

If your pet sleeps more or less than the average, it's not necessarily cause for alarm. Every pet is different.

"It depends on so many different factors such as environment, breed, sex and age of the pet," says Dr. Pierre S. Bichsel, DVM, quoted in a 2005 article.

How Much Do Dogs Sleep a Day?

• Around 50% of a dog's day is sleep
• Approximately 30% of the day is rest (mostly awake but inactive)
• Dogs are active only about 20% of each day

—Source: The Dog Bible: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know

Naps During the Day

Time spent napping depends on the dog's age and personality. Different breeds also seem to have different sleep requirements. Large breeds, such as mastiffs and Saint Bernards, generally spend a lot of time sleeping -- up to 18 hours a day.

True, dogs do sleep more than humans, but they don't sleep as soundly as we do. When they sleep and how much they sleep depends on the level of activity in their lives.

Check out this quick video of a dog "sleep talking":

Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?

When asking how long do dogs sleep a day, it also prompts the question of why do dogs sleep so much? Well, it could partly be because they are relaxed! When lounging at home, most dogs are able to snooze when they feel like it and have the chance.

However, how long dogs sleep per day is more likely to be determined by their age, breed, health, and activity level. Young puppies tucker themselves out running about, and older dogs can get tired from moving themselves around too. 

Sleep is important for everyone at any age as it gives time for rest and recuperation, whether that be pet parents or their dogs. Thus, a sleeping dog is certainly a common sight in pet households. 

When You Should Be Concerned

You should be concerned if your dog's sleeping habits suddenly change. These changes could be in how long dogs sleep at night or how frequently and how long dogs nap in the daytime.

If you notice your pup’s sleeping pattern has changed suddenly, it’s a good idea to call a vet to assess why your dog is sleeping so much and why their sleeping habits have changed. These changes may be caused by:

• A low-quality diet — it can slow a dog down because the food does not provide him with the nutrients he needs for energy. Some pet foods contain ingredients that are hard to digest, forcing your pet to spend more energy digesting the food and less energy playing fetch with you.
• Aging — senior dogs sleep more, getting up and moving around more at night and sleeping a longer time during the day.
• Poor health — a heart condition or an underactive thyroid gland are examples. If you have concerns, let your veterinarian examine your pet.

As for puppies, well, they are babies -- they are going to sleep a lot. But if you are worried that your pup is sleeping too much, get him checked by a vet, too, to rule out any health problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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