Mary Allen
As a dog owner, you should know exactly what your pet needs to sleep. Because sometimes it’s up to you to give the dog its well-deserved rest.
Sufficient, restful sleep is vital for the dog.
How many hours do dogs sleep?
On average, an adult dog needs between 17 and 20 hours of rest a day. This time increases to up to 22 hours for puppies, sick and old animals.
That may seem like a lot to you now. But this also includes a cozy snooze or simple rest without deep sleep.
The dog should be able to enjoy real deep sleep for around five to eight hours a day. Most of the time, the four-legged friends adapt very well to the rhythm of the family in which they live.
Need for sleep from rest and deep sleep
- Rest: 17 to 20 hours a day
- Deep sleep: 5 to 8 hours of sleep per day
You can easily tell when the dog wants to be left alone. Many dogs curl up, yawn, and close their eyes.
Very few dogs sleep on their backs. Some animals spin in circles before lying down to rest. This behavior is inherited from their ancestors.
Dogs that are allowed to sleep with their owners tend to snuggle up to their people. However, very dominant dogs do not do this.
However, people like to look for a way to protect their backs. This habit is also descended from the wolf. If your dog shows this behavior, then give it a well-deserved rest, true to the motto: “You don’t wake sleeping dogs!”
Ensure restful sleep
You can easily help your darling to find the rest he needs every day. Make sure that your dog gets an optimal sleeping place.
The shape doesn’t matter at all. Whether it is a dog basket, a blanket or a dog bed is irrelevant.
An ideal sleeping place for dogs
The place must be quiet and well-tempered. The dog needs to be able to turn, stretch out and be comfortable. If the dog withdraws to its place, then this should be taboo for all family members.
If you notice that your dog can’t calm down amid the family, try a dog box that you put in a quiet room.
If allowed, the sofa or bed may be the ideal resting place.
Sleep is essential to life
As with us humans, sleep is also important for dogs to process the events of the day. This is what the brain dreams about. Some dogs begin to tremble or even kick as if they were walking in their sleep.
This is a very good sign because then the dog sleeps deeply and well.
If the dog does not have the opportunity to relax and get enough sleep, the consequences can be fatal. If the dog lacks sleep, it begins to be completely overexcited. You can compare it to small children who often miss their important afternoon nap and then become quite cranky.
In the next stage, the dog shows a lack of concentration, and its gross motor skills become erratic. As a result, he becomes more and more nervous, very irritable, and aggressive before he begins to become ill. Serious diseases develop over time and can take a chronic course.
Aggression can result from a lack of sleep
If a dog is aggressive, nervous, irritable, or possibly already showing signs of illness, you should consider whether the animal might be overwhelmed. Nowadays, dog owners want to offer their animals as much variety and activity as possible.
There is agility training and the next day is mantrailing. The next day maybe reading tracks and in between of course now and then the bike tour. Most of them are not aware that they often put too much strain on the animals.
Dogs indeed need exercise. But this very active time must be tailored to the animal and should be done in moderation.
When the dog wants to be quiet
Another reason for too little rest is the role of a family dog. As such, it is often not easy for him.
He wants to withdraw and have his peace. But then there are the children who want to play with him right now. The TV is on, the mistress makes a lot of noise while cooking and the master is renovating the bathroom.
Far too much action for some four-legged friends, with too few relaxation phases.
Depending on their breed and age, dogs are either calm or lively. A healthy dog is, within reason, lively, curious, playing, and romping.
In between, it repeatedly takes breaks to recover. But some dogs are completely exhausted after just a short walk. They then need a long period of rest before becoming active again.
Unfortunately, some dogs don’t o overexertion and run until they drop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a dog to sleep all day?
Dogs naturally sleep around 60% more than humans. However, if a dog sleeps a lot, generally or suddenly, this can indicate boredom or illnesses such as hormonal imbalances, viral infections, anemia, or diabetes.
How quickly does a dog fall asleep?
Dogs typically sleep for 13-14 hours a day. Some dog breeds, like St. Bernard and the Bernese Mountain Dog, sleep even longer.
How long does a happy dog sleep?
One thing is pretty sure, our little rascal needs between 16 and 20 hours of sleep a day on average. Puppies and older dogs even up to 22 hours. No wonder we humans sometimes wish for a similar amount of time for well-deserved idleness. Good night, dear fur nose!
When does the dog sleep through?
Many a lucky dog owner has a puppy that sleeps 8 hours straight at 13 weeks. Other people are not so lucky. Some dogs even need to go outside every 2 hours until they are 6 months old. However, it is you must take the dog outside if you have to.
What does my dog do all day?
An average dog needs about 2 hours of exercise and activity a day. What you can include in it: Everything that brings a change from the daily grind. For example walks, trips to new surroundings, receiving and making visits, playing together, training, dog sports, etc.
Can you overexert a dog?
If the dog is over its limit, it shows this by shaking and staggering, its heart is racing uncontrollably, it is panting at the highest frequency, it may have cramps, and may even urinate uncontrollably. Then it’s already the highest railway!
Where should a puppy sleep at night?
The sleeping place: When it gets dark, the puppy misses its siblings the most. In packs, the family sleeps together, body heat soothes and protects. Nevertheless: A puppy should not go to bed! However, it makes sense if the dog basket is in the bedroom or at least nearby.
How long should a dog sleep at night?
Dogs fall asleep mainly at night. Most fur noses adapt their sleeping rhythm to their owner. So it can be that a dog sleeps seven to nine hours a night.