Getting enough sleep is vital for both humans and dogs. On average, adult dogs need between 12-14 hours of sleep per day, compared to 7-8 hours recommended for humans. However, your dog’s ideal sleep duration can vary depending on factors like age, breed, activity level, and health condition.
Understanding your furry friend’s sleep patterns and needs is important for their overall wellbeing. It also becomes especially relevant when considering options like dog boarding and doggy daycare when you need someone else to care for your pet. This article provides an in-depth look at your dog’s sleep needs, common sleep-related questions, how sleep affects behavior, and things to consider when exploring dog boarding options.
How Much Sleep Do Adult Dogs Need?
The average adult dog sleeps for 12-14 hours per day, according to the American Kennel Club. However, puppies and older dogs may sleep longer, while more active breeds like terriers and working dogs may sleep less.
To compare, the Sleep Foundation recommends 7-8 hours of sleep per day for healthy adults humans. So your dog is snoozing quite a bit more than you!
This extended sleep duration is natural for man’s best friend. Dogs tend to sleep more than humans for several reasons:
- They are influenced by circadian rhythms and daylight more than humans.
- Uninterrupted sleep allows their bodies to restore and repair tissues.
- REM sleep helps dogs process memories and stimuli from the day.
- Dogs can sleep lightly and be quickly alert when needed for safety.
So don’t worry that your pooch is lazy for sleeping half the day away – it’s perfectly normal dog behavior!
Key Factors That Affect Dog Sleep
While 12-14 hours per day is average, dogs can have very different sleep needs depending on various factors. Elements that commonly impact a dog’s sleep requirements include:
Age
Age significantly affects how much a dog will sleep. Puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep per day to support their rapid growth and development. They have short bursts of energy between many naps.
Older dogs, on the other hand, begin sleeping longer as they slow down. VetInfo notes senior dogs spend about 16-18 hours asleep, especially if they have arthritis or other conditions.
Size
Large and giant breed dogs tend to sleep more than smaller breeds. Their bigger bodies expend more energy just moving around each day. Large breeds like mastiffs, St. Bernards, and Great Danes are famous for being sound sleepers.
Activity Level
Dogs with very active lifestyles, like agility competitors or hunting dogs, sleep less than low-key pets. High-energy dogs need more awake time to burn calories and may struggle to settle at night.
Health Problems
Underlying health issues like kidney disease, diabetes, and arthritis can all cause dogs to sleep more or have trouble sleeping. Check with your vet if you notice dramatic changes in sleep patterns.
Breed
Some specific breeds are known for having different sleep habits. For example, Rover.com notes that French bulldogs tend to be lighter sleepers while greyhounds sleep deeply. Tracking your own dog’s natural rhythms is more important than breed generalizations.
Why Adequate Sleep is Essential for Dogs
Sleep is crucial for your dog’s health and quality of life. While asleep, a dog’s body carries out many vital functions including:
- Tissue growth and repair
- Energy conservation
- Memory consolidation and learning
- Immune system support
Puppies that don’t get enough sleep during formative growth periods may develop both physical and behavioral issues over time.
Sleep also impacts your dog’s mood and behavior when awake. The AKC notes that sleep-deprived dogs are more prone to accidents, training difficulties, and behavior problems like aggression.
Making sure your dog gets adequate rest is one of the most important things you can do as a pet owner. Observe their own unique sleep patterns and accommodate their needs. If you notice sudden changes in sleep behavior, discuss this with your veterinarian right away.
Common Questions About Dogs and Sleep
Many pet owners have questions about their dog’s sleep habits. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
How many hours do dogs sleep in a 24 hour period?
Most dogs sleep a total of 12-14 hours per 24 hour cycle. This is broken into night sleep plus short naps throughout the day. Puppies need 18-20 hours. Large breeds sleep more, while small breeds may sleep less.
Is it normal for dogs to sleep all day?
It’s quite normal for dogs to sleep a lot, even most of the day. However, sleeping for over 15 hours in a 24 hour period could indicate an underlying health issue. Contact your vet if your dog is sleeping all day and lethargic when awake.
Why do dogs sleep so much compared to humans?
Dogs naturally sleep more than humans due to metabolic differences. Their sleep includes light naps that allow them to rest while still staying alert to stimuli. Dogs also enter REM sleep faster for memory consolidation.
Do dogs need less sleep as they get older?
The opposite is true – senior dogs need more sleep as they age! Older dogs sleep deeper and longer to recover from activity and pain. Let your senior pooch snooze as much as needed.
How can I get my dog to sleep at night?
Set a relaxing bedtime routine: take them outside, avoid exciting play, keep lights and noises low, and engage in calming activities. Provide a comfortable sleeping space away from human bedrooms.
Sleeping Habits of Puppies, Older Dogs, and Specific Breeds
Not all dogs share the same sleep habits. Let’s go over how sleep often varies by age, breed size, and health condition.
Puppy Sleep Patterns
Puppies need frequent naps totaling 18-20 hours of sleep daily to grow and develop properly. They sleep deeply but in short bursts. Since puppies can’t yet control their bladder and bowels, they wake easily. Be patient in potty training and let puppies nap whenever tired. Place cozy blankets and toys inside crates to encourage sleep.
Senior Dogs and Sleep
Older dogs tend to sleep more as their age advances, especially if arthritis or other conditions are present. Sleepopolis notes senior dogs may become restless or wake frequently at night. Talk to your vet if your senior dog is pacing or seems anxious, confused, or uncomfortable at night. Providing orthopedic dog beds can help senior dogs sleep better.
Large Breed Sleep Needs
Big dogs like mastiffs, Great Danes, and Newfoundlands need lots of sleep. Their substantial size requires more calories for basic functioning. AZ Animals estimates these gentle giants spend about 20 hours a day dozing! Let your large dog sleep in comfortable spaces suited to their size.
Active Breeds and Sleep
Breeds developed as hunting or working dogs like border collies, Siberian huskies, and malamutes have energy that needs an outlet. While these high-energy breeds need some daytime naps, they sleep less at night and rise early to start the day. Make sure they get plenty of activity, training, and playtime to avoid behavior problems.
The best approach is observing your own dog’s natural rhythms rather than relying on breed sleep generalizations. All dogs have unique personalities and needs when it comes to slumber.
A Well-Rested Dog Behaves Better
Ensuring adequate, high-quality sleep isn’t just important for your dog’s physical health. It also directly impacts their behavior, training, and relationship with your family.
Dogs that don’t get enough sleep can exhibit irritability, hyperactivity, anxiety, and attention-seeking behaviors. Lack of rest increases stress. This causes difficulties in training and socialization.
On the other hand, a well-rested dog is happy, alert, focused, and relaxed. Fulfilling your dog’s unique sleep requirements makes them pleasant to be around and prime for learning new cues and commands. Their overall behavior improves.
If your dog has anxiety, destructive behaviors, or hyperactivity it can’t hurt to take a closer look at their sleep environment and daily rhythms. Often a simple change results in noticeable improvements.
Should You Consider Dog Boarding or Doggy Daycare?
Modern life is busy, and sometimes our schedules require travel or events that make it impossible to be home with a pet. In these circumstances, many dog owners consider options like:
- Dog boarding kennels
- Doggy daycare
- In-home pet boarding
These services provide care for your dog in your absence. They can be a godsend when needed, but also introduce new environments, schedules, and caretakers that affect your dog.
When taking your dog to any boarding facility or kennel, the most important priority should be making sure your dog’s needs are met, especially when it comes to feeding, exercise, and sleep. Don’t hesitate to inquire about these pet care essentials.
Key Benefits and Considerations of Dog Boarding Options
Below is an overview of the most common dog boarding choices and key points to consider with each:
Boarding Kennels
Kennels offer overnight boarding and usually daytime care for dogs. Kennels often have indoor/outdoor access and activities.
- Benefits: Affordable, 24/7 supervision and care, veterinary support on-site or on-call.
- Considerations: Environment may be noisy and overstimulating, restricting quality daytime rest. Ensure sleeping quarters are quiet and comfortable. Ask about monitoring or devices used overnight to keep dogs safe.
Doggy Daycares
Daycares provide play-based group supervision and care during business hours on weekdays. Some offer boarding as well.
- Benefits: Provides exercise and socialization dogs love. Mentally and physically stimulating.
- Considerations: Open play style may disrupt sleep routines and leave some dogs over tired. Dogs should have access to quiet areas to snooze and handlers that recognize when rest is needed.
In-Home Pet Boarding
A pet sitter cares for your dog in your home. May involve overnight stays, daily visits, or both depending on needs.
- Benefits: Keeps dog in a familiar environment and maintains normal routines. Sitter can follow individual preferences easily.
- Considerations: Risks associated with allowing someone access to your home. Be sure the sitter is insured and bonded. Request references to verify trustworthiness.
Visiting the Boarding Facility is Key
The best way to decide if a kennel or daycare is right for your pooch is to visit the facility yourself for an in-person tour. You can get a feel for the environment and staff first-hand.
Look for the following signs of a high-quality dog boarding facility:
- Clean, well-maintained indoor and outdoor spaces
- Gentle but confident handling of dogs by staff
- Dogs appear relaxed and comfortable, not stressed
- Quiet rest areas for napping available
- Staff recognizes when individual dogs need rest
- Overnight supervision and monitoring
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. Any quality pet care provider will be happy to address your concerns and earn your business.
Conclusion
Understanding your dog’s unique sleep habits and patterns is key to your pet’s health, behavior, and quality of life. Be aware of your dog’s sleep needs based on age, breed, and health profile. Notice changes and address sleep issues promptly.
When exploring options for dog boarding in Toronto like kennels, daycares, or in-home sitters, the number one priority is making sure your dog’s needs are met – especially for comfortable rest routines. Visit facilities, ask questions, and choose services with confidence that your dog’s health and happiness will be cared for in your absence.
Human lifestyles and schedules may change, but our dogs’ fundamental needs don’t. Paying attention to vital requirements like quality sleep, even when others are caring for your pet, is central to responsible dog ownership. Your furry best friend deserves your due diligence!
