How much do dogs sleep?

Understanding how much your dog sleeps matters more than it first appears: sleep affects mood, learning, immunity and even how well a dog adapts to house rules. For a worried owner, noticing that a new puppy dozes frequently or that a senior spends more time napping can prompt helpful changes in care. I typically see owners confused about what is normal and what is a sign of trouble; clear expectations about sleep can improve training success, reduce frustration, and strengthen your relationship with your dog.

How your dog’s sleep affects behavior, health and longevity

Owners often notice changes in sleep before any other sign: a dog that suddenly naps more, wakes disoriented at night, or won’t settle after exercise prompts questions about pain, anxiety, or aging. For someone bringing home a puppy, understanding frequent daytime sleep helps set appropriate schedules and avoids unnecessary scolding. With seniors, patterns may shift toward longer, lighter sleep and more night waking—this can be linked to many reversible or manageable conditions. Sleep also informs training: a well-rested dog learns faster and is less likely to react out of exhaustion or stress. Observing sleep gives you a noninvasive window into overall health and can guide simple routine adjustments that make a big difference in behavior and bonding.

At a glance: typical sleep amounts by age, breed and activity level

At a glance, most dogs fall into these rough ranges: puppies commonly sleep 18–20 hours a day, adult dogs about 12–14 hours, and many seniors drift toward 14–18 hours. Those totals include short naps sprinkled across the day plus a consolidated night sleep that often mirrors your household schedule. Small, active breeds and working dogs may sleep less overall or have more consolidated nighttime sleep, while large breeds and less active pets may be heavier sleepers. Individual variation is large: a border collie used for herding may be awake and alert much of the day when working, then sleep deeply afterward; a couch-bound mastiff is likely to nap frequently even without recent exertion.

What happens when dogs sleep — the biology, hormones and instincts behind it

Canine sleep serves the same broad purposes it does in other mammals: conserving energy, processing memories, and supporting immune and cellular repair. Dogs cycle through non-REM and REM sleep, but their patterns are compressed compared with humans—sleep cycles are shorter, and REM may begin sooner, which is why dogs often twitch or vocalize during short naps. REM sleep is likely linked to memory consolidation and emotional processing, while non-REM deep sleep appears tied to physical recovery. Puppies spend proportionally more time in REM as their brains develop, which may help learning and growth. In older dogs, sleep can become more fragmented as health issues, pain, or cognitive change affect the ability to stay in deeper stages for long stretches.

When do dogs nap? Daily rhythms, common triggers and timing explained

Dogs’ sleep timing is shaped by internal clocks and the household. Their circadian rhythm is influenced by daylight, but social rhythms—your work schedule, feeding times, and noise—often override strict sunlight cues. Dogs tend to nap opportunistically after exercise, mental work, or meals; a long, intense play session commonly leads to a deep nap. Mealtime timing can encourage wakefulness or drowsiness depending on whether the meal is active (followed by play) or calm. Environmental cues such as a quiet evening, dim lights, and familiar bedding prompt longer, consolidated night sleep. Conversely, sudden household noise, changes in routine, or new pets can fragment sleep for days to weeks as the dog readjusts.

Sleep red flags: warning signs that warrant a vet visit

Not all changes in sleep are harmless. Pay attention to deviations from your dog’s baseline. Excessive sleeping beyond an established pattern—particularly if paired with reduced interest in food, difficulty moving, or weakness—may suggest illness such as infection, pain, metabolic disease (for example, thyroid issues), or side effects from medication. Insomnia, frequent pacing, or restlessness at night can be a sign of discomfort, anxiety, or canine cognitive dysfunction in older dogs. Disorientation upon waking, prolonged lethargy, difficulty rising, or changes in coordination warrant prompt veterinary assessment. Minor twitching, pawing, or quiet vocalizing during sleep is often normal REM behavior, but sudden, thrashing movements or prolonged vocalization that wakes the dog may indicate a seizure and should be evaluated.

Owner action list: quick checks and first steps to support better sleep

1. Keep a simple sleep log for a week: note total sleep time, number and length of naps, activity before sleep, mealtimes, and any medications or stressful events. This baseline helps distinguish normal variation from concerning change.
2. Compare your notes to age and breed expectations but focus on change from the dog’s usual pattern. A small terrier that increases daytime sleep by several hours over a week is more concerning than a naturally mellow senior who always napped often.
3. Look for accompanying signs to guide urgency: appetite loss, vomiting, limping, trouble breathing, incoordination, or pronounced behavior shifts should prompt same-day veterinary contact. For gradual changes—restlessness at night, gradual increase in napping—ask your veterinarian about pain screening, bloodwork, and cognitive assessment.
4. Document recent household changes (new pet, visitors, medication changes) and environmental factors (temperature swings, new flooring, moving). Bring this information to the appointment to help identify reversible causes.
5. If sleep problems are behavioral—separation-related waking, lack of settling—consult a certified animal behaviorist or your veterinarian before trying sedatives or long-term medications.

Designing sleep-friendly routines: beds, schedules and training tips

Design a restful sleeping environment that matches your dog’s needs: a low-traffic area, stable temperature, and a bed that supports their size and condition. Keep mealtimes and exercise consistent—physical activity earlier in the day and gentle evening walks can promote deeper nocturnal sleep. I usually recommend mental enrichment (puzzle feeders, short training sessions) during the day rather than right before bed, because mental exertion can be as tiring as physical exertion but may not help a dog settle if done too late.

Crate training can give dogs a secure, den-like space that encourages predictable sleep, particularly for puppies and anxious dogs; expect gradual crate acclimation using short, positive sessions. Free-roaming at night works well for many adult dogs but can allow unwanted nighttime activity—decide based on your dog’s history and the household routine. For older dogs, add night lighting for safer navigation, and if they have trouble with stairs, consider relocating their bed to avoid risky movements.

Evening routines matter: dim lights, reduced household noise, and predictable cues (a final walk, gentle petting, a chew toy) help signal sleep time. Avoid high-arousal play or feeding immediately before bed. If your household watches TV late, some dogs are soothed by the ambient sound while others react to visual motion; observe your dog’s response and adjust accordingly.

Smart gear and bedding choices that help dogs rest more comfortably

• Orthopedic memory foam beds for seniors or large breeds to reduce pressure on joints; choose a size that allows full extension and has a removable, washable cover.
• Temperature-regulating beds or gel pads if your home is very warm or very cold; raised mesh beds can help with airflow and are useful for dogs that overheat.
• Properly sized crates with a soft pad inside for den training; crates should allow your dog to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably without excess space that feels insecure.
• Calming tools such as pheromone diffusers (Adaptil-style), low-level white-noise machines, or a soft night light for anxious or senior dogs who wake disoriented; introduce these gradually and observe effects.
• Simple enrichment devices (slow-feeders or safe chew toys) used earlier in the evening to help expend mental energy without overstimulation at bedtime.

If sleep problems persist: diagnostics, treatment options and next steps

If you’ve adjusted routine, optimized the environment, and documented persistent or worsening sleep issues, a veterinary visit is the next step. Basic diagnostics—exam, bloodwork, and possibly imaging—can rule out metabolic, infectious, or orthopedic causes. For older dogs with nighttime pacing, increased vocalization, altered sleep-wake cycles, or worse memory and house-training lapses, discuss cognitive dysfunction screening and management strategies. Behavior consults can help with separation-related sleep issues, noise phobias, or insomnia rooted in anxiety. In some cases, short-term interventions—pain control, environmental modifications, or targeted behavioral plans—can restore a healthy sleep pattern; in others, long-term management may be needed and can still greatly improve quality of life for both dog and owner.

References and further reading

• Merck Veterinary Manual: Sleep and Sleep-Wake Disorders in Dogs
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Practical Resources for Pet Behavior and Care
• Textbook of Veterinary Neurology (Dewey CW & da Costa RC): sections on sleep and age-related neurologic change
• Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Review articles on sleep patterns and behavior in domestic dogs
• American College of Veterinary Behaviorists: Position statement on Canine Cognitive Dysfunction and management