A well-rested dog will display more desirable behaviors and have more energy, according to studies. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends that dogs get between 12 and 14 hours of sleep per day. But, if your dog is getting more or less than this, should you be worried? Read on to find out.
How much sleep do dogs need?
One study found that adult dogs that were 12 months of age sleep between 8 and 13.5 hours every day. This big difference is due to a number of reasons. Some breeds of dogs need more sleep than others. Dr. Georgina Ushi Phillips DVM says that extra-large breeds can sleep up to 18 hours per day while medium-sized pooches may need just 10 hours. Older and younger dogs tend to need more sleep, too. Puppies, in particular, are known to sleep for around 18 hours per day. This is normal and is due to their quick growth, the need to process new things, and extreme bursts of energy.
Understanding a dog’s sleep
You’ll have probably noticed that dogs don’t sleep for hours at a time as humans do. Dogs go through the same sleep cycles as humans, but each cycle typically lasts just 45 minutes. In comparison, ours last between 70 and 120 minutes. While a dog sleeps, they go through non-rapid eye movement (NREM), slow-wave sleep (SWS), and rapid eye movement (REM).
Optimum comfort
74% of dogs sleep on their owner’s bed with them. This can cause sleep disturbances for dogs, especially if there’s limited space or you toss and turn throughout the night. Dogs tend to take up a lot of space on a bed - even little ones! The Superman position involves dogs laying flat on their bellies with their front legs extended forwards and their back legs extended behind them. Some dogs like to sleep upside down on their backs. A dog that sleeps like this feels secure and protected. If sharing a bed is affecting your dog’s sleep, consider giving your pooch a raised dog sofa to sleep on as it could make all the difference to his comfort and sleep quality.
The right diet
Did you know that a dog’s diet can impact its sleep? Poor-quality dog food is packed full of filler ingredients that can make your dog lethargic, forcing them to sleep more. Sugary snacks, such as leftovers and unhealthy treats, can stop a dog from sleeping as they'll make them hyper. A high-quality, healthy diet should always be given. Treats should be nutritious and provide health benefits. For example, yak cheese dog chews can aid digestion and Bully Sticks can get rid of dental plaque. Collagen sticks are another good choice as they’ll keep your hound’s joints and muscles strong.
Sleep is a very important part of a dog’s day. Not only will sleep keep your dog healthy, but he’ll also be happier and stronger for it. So, make sure you do all you can to optimize your pooch’s ability to get some shuteye.
This post was last updated at June 17, 2026 04:15
