It’s a question that has been asked for years: how much do dogs sleep? There are many different opinions on the recommended amount of sleep, but there is one thing to keep in mind: your dog needs more than just enough. Dogs need adequate rest and sleep so they can maintain their health and live long lives with you at their side. In this blog post, we will explore facts about dog sleeping habits that might surprise you!
How Much Do Dogs Really Sleep?
First, let’s get the most common question out of the way: how much do dogs sleep? The answer is that it varies from dog to dog and breed to breed. How much your pet sleeps will depend on its age, size, activity level, lifestyle and health. However, there are some things you can count on when it comes to a well-rested pup!
Adult Dogs Sleep 12 – 14 Hours Per Day
According to WebMD , adult dogs should rest for an average of 12 hours in a 24 hour period or roughly around 14 hours per day . Of course this number does not include their usual naps throughout the day but only accounts for time spent sleeping at night (and sometimes during the afternoon). There was even research done by the National Research Council that shows dogs sleep more during colder seasons and less in warmer ones.
Belgian Malinois Sleep Less Than Other Breeds
It’s not just adult dogs who need their kip time puppies do too! In fact, it is especially important for young pups to get enough rest because they are still growing and developing. According to The Telegraph , Belgian Malinois puppies should be rested around 14 hours per day , which can extend up to 16 when they become adults. This breed tends to have a higher activity level than other breeds so you will want your pup well-rested before taking them out on an adventure with you!
Older Dogs Should Be Woken Up More While You Are Away at Work
It is important to monitor your pup’s sleeping habits while you are away at work or school. If they sleep too long without adequate exercise, it can affect their weight . On the other hand, if an older dog doesn’t get enough rest they will suffer from stress and anxiety that could lead to health problems. It all depends on how much time you spend with them so make sure to do what works best for both of you!
Labrador Retrievers Need More Sleep Than Other Breeds
According to PetWave , Labrador retrievers snooze approximately 13 hours per day which helps lower cortisol levels in dogs, a hormone responsible for controlling many functions within the body such as metabolism, immunity and more. found this breed typically sleeps less than other dogs because they have a higher activity level.
Dogs Need More Sleep as They Age
As your pup gets older, it’s important to watch for changes in sleeping habits. Dogs that used to sleep more may start waking up throughout the night or taking naps during the day . If you notice these types of behavior and they seem out-of-the-ordinary for your dog, consult with their vet immediately! It could be an indicator there is something wrong so don’t wait around on this one – get them checked out ASAP!
Puppies & Senior Dogs Need Less Rest Than Adult Dogs
It’s not just aging pups who require less rest but puppies too! As we mentioned above, young pups need adequate rest to help them grow and develop. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports puppies require more sleep during their first few months because they are growing . After this period, they should be able to maintain a healthy balance between rest and playtime!
Senior dogs need less sleep than adult dogs as well – especially if they suffer from arthritis or other aches and pains that cause discomfort when sleeping in specific positions. It is important to monitor your dog’s health while also taking into consideration how much exercise he/she gets on a daily basis. If you notice any signs of pain such as limping or acting grumpier than usual, consult with the veterinarian immediately ! They can assess your pup’s condition through various tests then make an appropriate
- Dogs sleep about 16 hours a day, but this can depend on the breed
- Dogs need to be walked for at least 30 minutes each day to stay healthy
- It’s important that dogs have a designated place in your house where they’re allowed to go and lie down when they want.
- Consider getting two smaller dogs instead of one large dog because it will likely make them more active than if they were alone all day.
- Older or larger breeds might require less exercise and sleep than younger or smaller breeds.
- If you don’t want your dog sleeping inside the house, consider covering their crate with something soft like blankets so it feels more comfortable as well as being warmer during colder months.
Final Thought
Dogs need plenty of rest and relaxation to maintain their health. A good night’s sleep will help your pup feel more refreshed in the morning, which can be beneficial for both you (less whining) and them (more energy). Having a well-rested pet means they’ll have less trouble focusing on commands during training sessions or walks around the neighborhood. It also helps minimize behavioral problems like chewing or barking that occur when dogs get bored from being home alone all day without anything else to do.
