Every time I look at my dogs, at least one is sleeping. They all seem to spend most of their time sleeping throughout the day. Why do dogs sleep so much?
My dogs are all between 8-10 years old. I know this has something to do with why they sleep more now than they did a few years ago.
The other day, I wondered why dogs sleep so much.
Humans are bigger and much more active than dogs, so why do they sleep so much more than us?
Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?
Statistically, the average time a dog can spend sleeping is about 12 – 14 hours. Puppies and older dogs can sleep as much as 18 – 20 hours daily.
While some dogs are generally predisposed to sleep more due to inactivity, more active breeds are not.
Age, size, health condition, breed, and even the time of year will impact how long your dog sleeps and why.
Older dogs sleep more because their bodies are dealing with the health issues associated with aging.
They have a slower metabolism and less energy and begin developing more health issues, which are detrimental to their bodies.
Similarly, puppies, like newborn babies, need more sleep. Although puppies do have large energy reserves, their bodies use a lot of energy to grow and develop.
They also use a lot of energy when exploring and learning about their new environment.
Your dog's health condition is also important to consider when trying to determine how much it should sleep.
No matter the age, health issues like diabetes, anemia, thyroid disease, and certain types of cancer can all cause your dog to sleep more than “normal.”
A dog's hormone balance will also impact the amount of sleep it needs.
Pregnant dogs and dogs suffering from depression and anxiety issues will sleep more than the average dog.
Neurological issues, including epilepsy, can play a big part in your dog's sleeping pattern.
Did you know that dogs can also suffer from sleep disorders like narcolepsy?
Research has shown that larger breeds sleep more than smaller breeds.
Your dog's breed will also play a part in how much he sleeps.
Lazier breeds, such as Bulldogs and Newfoundlands, can sleep many hours more daily than active breeds like Border Collies and Jack Russel Terriers.
MORE: Should My Dog Sleep In Bed With Me?
Like people, the time of year can affect how much your dog sleeps.
It has been proven that dogs sleep more in winter due to a lack of sunlight and increased melatonin production.
As you get to know your dog, you will learn what “normal” sleeping behavior is for him.
Disruptions in his environment may temporarily change your dog's sleeping pattern.
For example, if you recently moved or you've adopted a new pet, these disruptions in the environment could cause your pup to sleep more or less than normal.
While 12 – 18 hours of sleep a day is normal for dogs, this isn't accurate for all dogs.
Watch your dog, observe his behavior, and learn what normal is for him.
If your dog starts sleeping more or less than normal, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
Be observant and look for other symptoms that may warrant a trip to the vet.
If your pet is usually active and suddenly starts spending most of his time sleeping, there may be a problem.
If your dog is typically lazy and lately seems restless, there may be an underlying health problem.
You shouldn't be asking how much my dog should sleep, but is this sleeping behavior normal for my dog?
When your dog's sleeping habits suddenly change, you should consult your veterinarian for advice.
READ NEXT: 5 Benefits of Dogs Sleeping In Your Bed
