Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?

How much do dogs sleep? How many naps per day is normal for a dog?

There’s no set amount to how much dogs should sleep! It can seem like your dog is snoozing through a good portion of the day, but chances are their little naps are getting interrupted here and there by activity in and around your home. If you really want a number to stick to, Dr. Spiker estimates a normal range is around 12 hours a day total. 
 

If it’s helpful, Dr. Spiker says to think of them more like human children rather than human adults. “Puppies need a fair amount of sleep per day,” she said. “Adult dogs need a little less than puppies, but still more than you and I do.”

Why is it important for dogs to get enough rest? 

Just like humans, Dr. Spiker advises that dogs need good, quality rest to greet each day as their best self. Sleep is important for restoring your dog’s energy, but also to ensure their body has time to recover and rejuvenate. This is especially important for puppies, as sleep is when a lot of their growth and development happens. So don’t be alarmed if they conk out throughout the day! 

Do certain dog breeds or sizes need more or less sleep? 

“Activity level definitely varies by breed,” Dr. Spiker confirmed. That's why breed type(s) are such an important factor in choosing a pet. But every dog is different, and even the breeds with the highest activity needs can vary wildly from dog to dog. (We all know that one labrador retriever who’s a total couch potato, right?)  


If your dog has a high activity level, chances are they’ll want to sleep less throughout the day and spend more time playing, running, and walking with you. Dr. Spiker advises taking advantage of your pup’s drive to move during the daylight hours with “intentional play throughout the day.” This helps make sure they’re tuckered out in time for bedtime, reducing the chances that they’ll wake you up in the middle of the night for attention or activity. 
 
Regardless of activity level, responsible pet parents know that all dogs need some level of daily exercise for mental enrichment and physical health. A general rule of thumb is 30 minutes per day, but it could vary depending on your dog’s age, breed, and habits. 

Is it possible for dogs to sleep too much? 

Not if it’s normal for your pup, says Dr. Spiker. But if you notice changes with your dog such as sleeping more, being less active, less energy, changes in routine, then seek veterinary care. 

Why do dogs twitch in their sleep? Is it bad for them? 

If you notice your dog twitching in their sleep, it’s no cause for alarm. Seizures — which sleep-twitches are most often confused for — are characterized by stiff, rigid, violent, and prolonged “seizing” movements, and usually occur while your dog is awake.  
 
Dr. Spiker says that “many” dogs exhibit gentle movements like twitching, kicking, paddling, and even barking or whining while sleeping. All of these are thought to be signs that your dog is dreaming. Dog brains are a lot like human brains, and canine scientists suggest that twitching is a result of two brain signals conflicting.  
 
Just like humans, dog's brains are thought to produce auditory and visual signals while asleep – also known as a dream. At the same time, it’s theorized that their brain sends extra signals to their muscles to relax, so that your dog doesn’t actually make the hole they’re dream-digging. Usually, the signal to relax wins out, resulting in your dog sleeping without much movement. But, when the dream signals are very strong, you might see a twitching paw, snout, leg, or eyelid.  

What do dogs dream about?

Unfortunately, until dogs have a way to tell us what they dream about, we’ll never know for sure. However, researchers have observed certain dog breeds exhibiting breed-specific behavior like pointing while asleep.  
 
Dr. Spiker also suggests that, because human brains and dog brains are alike, we can extrapolate what we know about our dreams to our furry friends. “We experience many of the same things and feelings, even if dogs express them differently,” Dr. Spiker said. Just like we dream about our daily lives and experiences, it’s likely that your dog is dreaming similarly — and maybe even dreaming about you! 

How can I help my dog get restful sleep? 

All dogs should have a comfortable and safe place to rest in their environment. This can be a dog bed in the living room, a crate in the bedroom, wherever! Just as long as it’s in a relatively quiet and relaxing space for your pup.  
 


There’s no one bed, toy, or gadget that Dr. Spiker recommends for restful sleep, but she did emphasize making sure your dog's bed supports their size. Larger breed dogs “simply have more weight on their joints,” and should have thick, supportive beds to help prevent pressure sores or large calluses from forming. 
 
Dr. Spiker also emphasized that a consistent routine could play a big role in both you and your pup getting enough sleep. Morning routines should take into account their need for a meal, exercise, and going potty, and their night routines should be similar. After some time, your dog may even be able to anticipate when bedtime rolls around. Dr. Spiker’s dog even tucks himself in! 

Does a dog's sleeping position (e.g. side, back, curled up) mean anything? 

The way your dog sleeps doesn’t mean much other than what’s comfortable for them. What we know about dog body language could mean certain sleeping positions have insights into your dog’s personality or mood, but they’re not definitive. 
 
For example, dogs who sleep with their bellies exposed feel safe enough in their environment to leave a vulnerable point out in the open. Conversely, dogs who sleep with their bellies concealed might be feeling protective or alert. But, as you may observe, your dog’s sleeping position will change a lot throughout the day, depending on environmental factors, activity levels, and normal changes in their mood. 
 


If your dog suddenly changes their sleeping position alongside other behavioral changes, that could be a sign they’re feeling unwell. But most times, Dr. Spiker says, the only thing they’re trying to tell you is that “they want to be comfy, just like we do!” 

Should I wake my dog up to go potty? 

If it’s at their routine time, yes. This is especially important for young dogs and puppies who are still working on potty training. They’ll catch up on their ZZZs later, don’t worry!

Dr. Spiker noted that if adult dogs start having accidents at night or cannot wait until the morning like they used to be able to, you should seek advice from a veterinarian because “there could be [an underlying health issue] causing the changes.” 

Who do I talk to when I have questions about my dog’s sleeping habits? 

If your dog’s sleep is getting in the way of your own, or if you’ve noticed changes in your dog’s sleep or behavior, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your Lovet team. We’re here to help establish a baseline, offer advice for bedtime routines, and get to the bottom of whatever’s causing your worry. Find your nearest Lovet location to schedule an appointment today. 

_{Disclaimer: Not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.}