Have you noticed that your puppy is taking more naps lately, and it’s worrying you?
Well, you’ve arrived at the correct place. Puppies, in general, spend more than half of their time napping, especially in their first week.
But, if he is sleeping more than that, then it can be a matter of concern. It would help if you checked him because he might not be well.
To know the possible medical reason for such behavior, read this article till the end.
How Long Do Dogs Sleep Each Day?
As per the research and studies, a dog tends to sleep more than 50% in a single day. That means from 24 hours; he will spend his 12 hours only sleeping.
Also, medium, large-sized dogs and puppies may sleep even more than that. Only working dog breeds and tiny dog breeds do not sleep a lot.
Other than that, around 30% of the day dog spend only resting. They will sit, watch, enjoy lying down on the ground and do nothing.
So, we can also conclude that 80% of the total day they spend on the art of doing nothing.
What a great life, isn’t it? Well, they may sleep a lot, but they can wake up quicker than us.
Why Do Newborn Puppies Sleep So Much?
When a puppy is born, they sleep more. All they have to do is eat and sleep. They are not responsible for doing any other task in a day.
So, they sleep more than 22 hours in a single day.
You can conclude that a newborn will spend 90% of the day only sleeping and feeding. Well, it is essential because their body needs rest as they are at the growing stage.
Sleeping contributes to the central nervous system, brain, immune system, and muscles development.
In general, puppies must sleep enough. If they don’t, then there must be some issues.
TIP: Always remember that a healthy newborn dog should be napping unless he’s feeding.
But, if your dog spends most of his time only sleeping, you must check the next section.
12 Reasons Why Your Dog Sleeps More Than Usual
Let’s explore why your dog sleeps more than normal hours a day.
1. Age of the Dog
The age of the dog affects a lot when it comes to sleeping. A young puppy will spend most of its time sleeping. In the first week, his eye will remain shut. After two weeks, he can start exploring the world.
Adult dogs and medium-sized dogs also sleep a lot because they get tired quickly. And to recharge their batteries, they take rest and sleep.
2. Breed of Dog
Different breeds have different sleeping patterns. Like tiny dogs will not sleep much if you compare them with large dog breeds.
Small dogs will sleep 14 – 16 hours a day, and large dogs may sleep for 14 – 18 hours a day.
Did you know large dogs are sometimes referred to as mat dogs because they tend to sleep a lot?
Well, sleeping time also highly depends on the level of energy a dog spends and also how quickly they turn elder.
Moreover, the working dog’s breeds (Akita, Boxer, Bullmastiff, Chinook, Doberman Pinscher) need to stay awake for more hours as they have to perform many roles as detectors and trackers, sentries, and scouts. As a result, they tend to sleep very little.
3. Activity Level
If your dog is not so active in the daytime, he will have a lot of energy in the evening and have a hard time winding down.
Thus, the level of exercise of each dog has an impact on their sleeping patterns.
4. Health concern
If your dog is sleeping way too much out of his league, then it can be a matter of concern.
Sometimes it can be due to health problems. To know which health problems are related to this, check the following list.
5. Anemia
Anemia in dogs can cause fatigue. This is because of the loss of red blood cells.
Blood carries oxygen and helps the body to perform activities. When the dog’s body is depleted of blood, he has no stamina to perform anything.
Thus, he spends most of his time lying down on the ground, dozing, or sleeping.
Generally, dogs suffer from anemia when they are trapped with fleas, tapeworms, hookworms, or ticks.
These worms and parasites gradually suck the blood out of their body. And, lack of blood makes dogs feel lethargic all day long.
6. Stress and anxiety
If your dog is under stress, you will notice he tends to doze off and become lethargic.
A stressful yawn lasts longer and is more potent than a sleepy yawn. Moreover, when dogs are under stress, they lick and drool excessively.
Therefore, you must help to reduce his anxiety, play with him, avoid boredom, get interesting brain games for him. Make sure to stimulate his brain.
7. Thyroxine Deficiency
If your dog is suffering from thyroxine deficiency, then he will tend to sleep more and feel lethargic.
It happens because the dog’s body fails to release enough thyroid hormones. And these hormones help keep dogs’ metabolism ( turn food into energy) up to mark.
When a dog’s body refuses to make enough energy, he spends a lot of his time lying down, dozing off, or just sleeping.
You can find this health condition in Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers , Doberman pinschers, Irish setters, Dachshunds, Boxers, and Cocker spaniels
8. Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection it develops due to Leptospira. It is contagious and can spread to humans too.
Generally, dogs get infected with this when they are in contact with contaminated water bodies, soil or lick infected animals’ urine.
You can observe the following symptoms
- Feeling lazy and sleepy.
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Increased thirst and urination
9. Parvovirus
This is prevalent in puppies and is highly contagious. It can catch unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than four months.
This virus affects the dog’s GI tract and can infect them through contaminated feces or through direct contact with the dog. The dog’s immune system is attacked, and heart muscle is destroyed.
Your dog will get exceedingly exhausted and sleep for longer periods. Later he may have fever and diarrhea.
The top list breed who have high-risk parvovirus are
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers
- American Staffordshire Terriers
- English Springer Spaniels
- German Shepherd Dogs
- Labrador Retrievers
10. Infectious tracheobronchitis
Infectious tracheobronchitis or kennel cough can also impact a dog’s sleep cycle.
Despite the fact that it is a respiratory condition, your dog may become depressed as a result of it. He will have honky cough, watery eyes, and weakness.
It drains your dog’s immune system and makes him frail, so he has no energy to do anything. He simply lies down on the floor and observes what is going on around him.
11. Poisoning
Like other dogs, if your dog is also a greedy eater who eats tasty anything, then there are higher chances of him suffering from food poisoning.
Food poisoning is dangerous. It can cause problems in breathing, soreness, burning, feeling lethargic. He may even collapse and die.
12. Diabetes
If your dog is sleeping excessively then, you must check his insulin level. This is because diabetes stops converting food into energy.
As a result, your dog becomes lazy and snoozes off all day. Although it cannot be cured, you can manage to control insulin levels.
Therefore, you must seek professional help. If not treated promptly, it can cause your dog’s blindness.
When To See The Vet If The Dog Sleeps Overly?
Get professional advice if you’re concerned that your dog is sleeping for longer amounts of time than usual. Take your dog to the best vet.
Although it is common for dogs to sleep a lot, as you know, sometimes it can also be because of medical problems which we have already discussed before.
So, when you speak to your vet, he will physically examine your dog and may conduct some tests. According to the result, he will suggest medicines. He may even ask for a change in his diet.
Your dog, on the other hand, may turn out to be perfectly healthy! It’s possible that all he needs is to be put on a routine. Dogs need to have a scheduled sleeping hour.
So, your vet will also suggest taking your dog on a walk and getting him involved in physical activity so that he dozes off on time and have fix routine.
What Should You Do If Your Dog’s Sleeping Routine Begins To Change?
All breeds have different sleep cycles. As you know already, some breeds of dogs sleep more, and others are sleepless. Therefore, you have to observe the sleeping pattern of your dog.
After that, if you notice a dramatic change in his sleeping routine, you must focus on his eating habits.
His diet plays a vital role. Dehydration can make your dog tired and fatigued. Therefore, you must ensure he drinks enough water.
It would help if you also improved his diet. Even after that, his sleeping pattern is not yet the same; then, you must take him to the vet.
How Can You Get Your Puppy To Sleep All Night?
Your puppy must take 8 hours of sleep during the night, and he will surely wake for a pee break in the night. So, to make sure he goes back to sleep, you have to follow the things listed below.
- Firstly, you must make him habitual of bed routine.
- Second, take him to play and drain his energy so that he easily sleep.
- Third, get a soft bed where he can get comfortable and snuggle.
- Fourth, get him toys and a blanket so that he feels safe and secure when he is sleeping.
How To Know Your Puppy Is Sleeping Excessively Or Not?
Puppy tends to sleep a lot due to scientific reasons like body growth and development, to accumulate energy for his brain and body, and balancing appetite.
A good sign of healthy sleep in puppies is they must not feel lethargic and weak. If they tend to do so, then you must check on their diet, keep them hydrated and speak to your vet.
Should I Let My Dog Sleep Late Every Day?
It entirely depends on the dog. Every dog has their own sleeping time, and they do well with that. But, not necessary it will work for every dog.
If you observe that your dog is peeing while he is asleep, if there is some sought of stress, or his behavior is changed, then it is vital to schedule your dog’s sleeping routine.
Well, that’s a wrap!
It is completely normal and healthy for a puppy to sleep more than 12 hours a day. Generally, younger dogs and adult dogs sleep more. However, working dogs and tiny size breeds sleep a little.
Every individual dog will have different sleeping patterns. But there are many reasons why dogs tend to sleep more than expected. Well, it can be because of medical problems, age, breed types, and how much energy they spend in their daytime.
If you like this article and find it helpful, do share it with others, and if you want to give your feedback, do let us know in the comment section.
Dr. Aram Baker has been with Santa Clarita Animal Hospital since 1995 and his special interests include behaviour medicine and dermatology. He graduated from the Cleveland Humanities Magnet Program in Reseda, CA and attended California State University at Northridge where he received a Bachelor’s degree in biology. He went on to pursue his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis. He also spent time in the zoological medicine department at U.C. Davis during his Junior and Senior years. He is dedicated to caring for all pets big or small, young or old with compassion, patience, kindness, and love.