How Much Sleep Does My Dog Need?
As humans, we are told we need at least 8 hours of sleep per night. Sleep is the vehicle by which we regroup and recharge. Some people may require more, others less. Most of us get by on whatever amount of sleep we are lucky enough to capture. Animals are a lot smarter in many ways. When they are tired, they do what they should do, they go to sleep.
Adult dogs are very good sleepers and they can, and will, sleep up to 12 hours a day. Some breeds require more than that and may sleep 18 hours a day. As with humans, dogs have two types of sleep: REM sleep and slow wave sleep.
The amount of sleep your dog requires has a lot to do with the physical activity, or lack thereof, that the dog participates in on a daily basis. On the other hand, if your dog isn't getting enough sleep, he may not be very active during the day. Sounds a lot like how we humans operate doesn't it?
Dogs do sleep out of boredom. Since they can't play computer games, watch TV or read a book, when they get bored they sleep. Fido may sleep more than you, but he also wakes up much more often.
It goes without saying that as with older adults that need more sleep, so do older dogs. Puppies require a lot of sleep in order for their little bodies and minds to grow and develop properly. Your new puppy will want to play, and play and play some more. It is up to you to make sure you let the puppy have quiet time so he can unwind and fall asleep. Kids tend to want to play with a new puppy as much as they can. You should explain to them that the puppy needs to sleep and you need to monitor the situation.
A sick or injured dog will sleep more than normal. Just as with humans, you need to allow your dog to sleep when he needs to sleep. If you recently moved to a new home, the new environment may cause your dog to sleep more or even to sleep less.
You know your dog, you know his habits. If you notice that his sleep patterns have changed considerably, be sure to mention it to your vet. You need to be a responsible pet owner.
I have noticed that my 13-year-old dog she is sleeping more due to her age. Whereas years ago she was always awake and ready to play in an instant, it now takes her quite a while to get moving. That is just another indicator her age and normal aging characteristics.
Where your dog sleeps is as important as how much your dog sleeps. Your dog should have his own bed. There are many places where you can buy quality dog beds that are even specialized to meet your dog's particular needs. An excellent source for dog beds is Drsfosterandsmith.com. They have beds for tiny dogs, medium dogs and huge dogs. Not only can you find beds to match your home's décor, you can have them personalized with your dog's name.
If you do not want your dog to sleep in bed with you, then get him a dog bed and train him to sleep in it early on. You both will get a better night's sleep that way.
There are many factors that relate to the sleep habits and routines of little Fido or Fidette. Pay attention to your dog's habits and be ready to act if you feel something isn't right.
Sources:
Experience
Published by Abby Greenhill
Abby is a retired Administrative Assistant. She is a pet lover who has many years experience as a dog owner. She loves to take road trips anywhere up and down the East Coast and tries to stay current on ne... View profile
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37 Comments
Post a CommentMy dogs sleep on the floor beside their cushioned beds. They do seem to sleep more each year as they age.
Really interesting. And I love the picture of your dog. She looks super friendly!
Good information. Our 'Fidette' sleeps a lot too.
Great question. Our dogs are pretty high-strung. It would be nice if they slept a little more. :-)
Abby looks happy in her bed..:) Great article!!
My dog seems to sleep a lot... You're right- I think she's bored this winter.
good work! and congrats on the Top 1000 Award for 2010, Way to go!
Interesting info, Abby. My dog is always trying to get on our bed to sleep & when I come home from work there she is ...sound asleep on our bed! Sneaky little thing. :)
Very interesting! And timely, too. Our old dog had been having trouble sleeping at night - he was doing a lot of pacing and panting. At our last vet appointment, the vet prescribed a little melatonin twice a day and Wow! what a difference. He still sleeps quite a bit during the day (he is 13), but not nearly as much because he's sleeping at night.
Never underestimate the power of a trip to the vet!
They look so cute when they're sleeeping!