24 Sep Understanding Your Dogs Sleeping Habits: What’s Normal and When to Worry

Dogs, like humans, need sufficient rest to maintain good health and energy levels. Understanding dogs sleeping habits can help ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy. In this post, we’ll explore normal dog sleep patterns and when you should be concerned about unusual sleep behaviours.

Dogs Sleeping Habits: How Much Sleep Does a Dog Need?

Dogs need more sleep than people because they expend a lot of energy during their awake hours, whether through play, exercise, or even alertness. Adult dogs typically sleep 12 to 14 hours per day, but there’s no strict rule as it varies based on a dog’s age, breed, and activity level.

• Puppies, in their early months, require up to 20 hours of sleep a day. Growing up uses a lot of energy, so their frequent sleep allows them to recover, process their experiences, and build strength.
• Senior dogs, especially those over seven years old, also need extra rest due to slowing metabolism and the onset of age-related health issues like arthritis. They can sleep anywhere from 16 to 20 hours a day.

When determining how much sleep your dog needs, you should also consider its daily routine. High-energy dogs, like Border Collies, might sleep less because they stay active, while more sedentary breeds, like Bulldogs, may sleep more.

Dog Sleep Cycles and Behaviour

Dogs, like humans, go through different sleep stages, including slow-wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. However, dogs spend less time in REM sleep than humans, about 10% of their sleep cycle, compared to humans who spend about 25%.

• REM sleep is the deep sleep phase where dogs dream, process memories, and even twitch or move their paws. During this phase, they may exhibit behaviours such as jerking, whining, or breathing irregularly, which can be cute but is also normal.
• During slow-wave sleep (SWS), dogs are in a light sleep phase where their bodies are relaxed but still somewhat alert. This is why your dog can easily wake up if it hears a sound during a nap.

Most dogs don’t sleep through the night like humans. They take naps throughout the day, which are shorter and lighter compared to night-time rest. These nap patterns help dogs restore energy in bursts and stay alert when needed.

Understanding Dog Sleeping Positions

Your dog’s sleeping position can reveal a lot about its comfort and emotional state. Here are some common positions and what they might indicate:

1. Curled Up: Dogs curl up in a ball to conserve warmth or protect vital organs. Wild animals often use this position, suggesting a more instinctual behaviour.
2. Side Sleeping: A dog sleeping on its side feels relaxed and secure in its environment. It indicates trust in its surroundings since this is a more vulnerable position.
3. Back Sleeping (Exposing Belly): When your dog lies on its back with its legs in the air, it shows that it feels safe and confident. It’s a sign of comfort because dogs only expose their bellies when they feel relaxed.
4. Stomach Sleeping (Superman): This position, where a dog sleeps with its legs stretched out, allows them to get up quickly. Puppies often sleep this way to play again after their naps.

If your dog frequently shifts positions during sleep or seems restless, this could indicate discomfort, stress, or an unsuitable sleeping environment.

Common Dog Sleep Disorders

Most dogs sleep profoundly without interruption, but some may develop sleep disorders. A few of the most common include:

1. Dog Insomnia: While rare, insomnia can affect dogs. Anxiety, pain, or illness may cause them to struggle with sleep. Dogs with insomnia may appear restless, have difficulty settling, or wake up often at night.
2. Sleep Apnea: Often seen in overweight dogs or breeds with short noses (like Bulldogs and Pugs), sleep apnea causes breathing issues during sleep. Snoring is common with sleep apnea, and it can interrupt the dog’s sleep cycle, causing daytime fatigue.
3. Narcolepsy: A rarer condition, narcolepsy causes dogs to fall asleep, even during active periods, suddenly. This disorder is typically genetic and is more common in certain breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers.

If your dog frequently wakes up during the night or seems overly tired during the day, consult a vet. Such behaviour may point to an underlying health issue.

Puppy Sleep Schedule vs. Senior Dog Sleep Habits

Puppies and senior dogs have very different sleep patterns. Puppies often sleep in bursts throughout the day, waking up to eat, play, and explore before falling back asleep. This frequent napping supports their growth and development. However, puppies may also struggle to sleep through the night, much like human babies, as they adjust to their surroundings.

On the other hand, senior dogs tend to sleep longer due to reduced activity levels and the natural wear and tear that comes with age. If your older dog rests more, this is usually a normal part of ageing. However, keep an eye out for signs of pain or discomfort, as issues like arthritis can make it difficult for them to sleep.

When to Worry About Dogs Sleeping Habits

It’s important to recognise when dogs sleeping habits shift from normal to concerning. Here are a few warning signs to watch out for:

• Sleeping too much: If your dog suddenly starts sleeping significantly more than usual, this could indicate a health issue. Conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes, or depression could be the root cause. Always monitor other symptoms, such as weight gain, lethargy, or lack of interest in food.
• Restlessness or insomnia: If your dog has trouble falling asleep or seems restless, it might be dealing with anxiety, discomfort, or even pain. Dogs who pace at night, have difficulty settling, or keep waking up could need medical attention.
• Interrupted sleep: Dogs who experience frequent interruptions during sleep or who snore excessively might have sleep apnoea or other breathing issues, especially if they are overweight.

Optimising Your Dog’s Sleep Environment

A comfortable, peaceful environment ensures your dog gets quality sleep. Here are some ways to create the perfect sleep setup:

1. Bed: Make sure your dog has a comfortable, supportive mattress. Older dogs may need orthopaedic beds that reduce joint pain, while younger dogs prefer softer bedding.
2. Location: Keep your dog’s bed in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home to avoid disturbances. Dogs sleep better when they feel safe and are not interrupted by loud noises or constant movement.
3. Temperature: Dogs can be sensitive to extreme temperatures. Ensure the area is not too hot or cold. Breeds with thinner coats may need extra blankets, while thick-coated dogs prefer a more relaxed space.

Need to Read More about Dogs? Read the Following Posts:

Toxic Foods for Dogs: Understanding and Preventing Canine Poisoning

The Role of Nutrition in Coat Health for Dogs: What to Feed for a Shiny Coat

Processed Foods for Dogs: Understanding the Hidden Dangers

The Last Word

Understanding your dogs sleeping habits is essential for maintaining its overall health. Most dogs sleep between 12 and 14 hours a day, with variations depending on age, breed, and activity levels. Monitor any changes in their sleeping patterns, which could indicate potential health problems. Providing a comfortable sleep environment and consulting your vet when necessary will ensure your dog remains happy, healthy, and well-rested.

By paying attention to standard sleep patterns and warning signs, you can ensure your dog gets the restful sleep needed to thrive.