If you have a pet dog, you must be curious to know what your dog does every day. As every dog owner knows, dogs sleep a lot. They probably sleep all the time, except at dinnertime.

So, is this normal? You may be tempted to wonder if your dog is sleeping too much and whether you should wake him up.

Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?

Most dogs sleep when they have nothing better to do. Because they have no schooling, jobs, homework, or electronics, sleeping is often the best way to spend the long, boring hours.

Although sleeping dogs look lazy, they are actually very busy. Just like humans, dogs experience REM sleep. At this time, their body is relaxed, but mind is active. When dogs sleep, they may be organizing their memories of the day, storing the important things and discarding the rest. During the REM cycle, the brain processes everyday experiences to make sense of them. And, dogs also dream.

Sleep can give your dog’s body the time to repair itself. Sleep-deprived dogs weaken their immune systems and are more likely to get sick. That’s why dogs need plenty of sleep to stay healthy.

How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?

Want to know how much sleep your dog needs? Studies have shown that dogs sleep 12 to 14 hours every 24 hours. To be more specific, they spent 50% of their time dozing off, 30% of their time awake but just lying down, and the remaining 20% were actually active. So, it’s not unusual if your dog sleeps all day.

Age, breed and health are all factors that affect how much a dog sleeps, but most owners should expect adult dogs to sleep for at least half a day.

1. Age

Puppies need longer sleep, usually 18 to 20 hours a day, up to 12 weeks of age. As dogs mature, they spend more time sleeping because their bodies and brains tire more quickly.

2. Breed

Large breeds and bigger dogs generally need more sleep than smaller dogs. In addition, what dogs are used for can affect their sleep. Working dogs, for example, often have an easier time staying awake because work demands their attention.

3. Health

Overweight and sick dogs are also likely to sleep more than healthy dogs. When dogs are not feeling well, they need more sleep. Be sure to provide a quiet, undisturbed place for your dog to rest, as they don’t have the awareness to choose the environment on their own.

When Are Dogs Sleeping Too Much?

In most cases, dogs sleeping 12 hours or more a day is nothing to worry about. That’s normal! But if your normally active dog starts dozing off all the time, or if your sleepy head is suddenly awake 24 hours a day, that’s when you should be aware that too much sleep can also be a sign of underlying problems.

Excessive sleep and altered sleep patterns in dogs have been linked to a number of medical conditions, including canine depression, diabetes and hypothyroidism. It’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian when you have these concerns.

How to Make Dogs More Exciting?

If you’re worried that your dog might be too bored to doze off, try adding some fun to their routine. Walk your dog in the middle of the day and at night, give your dog longer exercise sessions, and introduce your dog to other dog playmates as they are social animals.

For all ages, walking throughout the day helps keep dogs active and engaged, as well as improving their sleep quality. Similarly, you can use educational toys and do some agility exercises, such as catch games, dog food puzzles, or add hand signals to voice commands. Keep training your dog on a daily basis to improve his cognitive function.

Conclusion

As you bond with your dog, you’ll know how much sleep is normal for him. Tracking your dog’s habits can help in the long and short term. Changing sleep patterns or sleeping too much may be cause for concern. But if your dog is just getting older and bigger, or if it’s a puppy, then sleeping more is inevitable.

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