- Puppies: 18–22 hours of sleep per day
- Adult dogs: 12–14 hours (nighttime sleep + naps)
- Older/sick dogs: 16–20 hours
- REM phase: deep sleep with dream processing
- Resting phase: light sleep, dozing, taking it easy
- A lack of sleep leads to irritability, susceptibility to illness, and aggression
| Age/Condition | Sleep needed per day | What's special |
|---|---|---|
| Puppies | 18–22 hours | Growth hormones are released during sleep |
| Adult dogs | 12–14 hours | 7–9 hours at night + naps during the day |
| Large breeds | 14–18 hours | Higher energy expenditure |
| Older dogs | 16–20 hours | General slowing down and need to recover |
| Sick dogs | 16–20 hours | The immune system is working harder |
How Much Sleep Dogs Need
Adult dogs need 12 to 14 hours of sleep per 24 hours: 7 to 9 hours of nighttime sleep plus naps spread across the day. The exact amount varies depending on activity and individual needs.
Puppies need the most sleep. At 18 to 22 hours, they sleep almost the entire day. During sleep, growth hormones are released that are important for bone growth, muscle development, and physical maturation. While asleep, the brain processes the day's experiences and impressions: crucial for learning and forming memories. The intense activity during their short waking phases burns a lot of energy, which is only replenished by enough sleep.
Older dogs or sick dogs need 16 to 20 hours of sleep. As dogs age, health issues and a general slowing down often go hand in hand.
The Two Sleep Phases
Dogs go through the same two sleep phases as humans: deep sleep (REM) and light sleep. A single sleep cycle in dogs lasts only about 20 minutes: that's why dogs sleep often, but only for short stretches each time.
1. The REM Phase (Deep Sleep)
The REM phase (Rapid Eye Movement) serves to process the day's events. Dogs dream during this phase. You can spot it from the twitching of the paws, the movement of the eyelids, quiet whimpering, or even barking in their sleep. The more exciting the day was, the more restless their sleep becomes.
These twitches and noises are normal. The processing time lets the dog recover and regenerate. In young or older dogs, the dream phase is especially easy to observe. Don't wake a dog in the deep sleep phase: even calm dogs can react with a start in this state.
2. The Resting Phase (Light Sleep)
The resting phase can be split into taking it easy and dozing. When taking it easy, the eyes don't have to be closed: the dog lies there relaxed or snuggles up. When dozing, the eyes are closed, but hearing and sense of smell stay active. The dog can get up at any moment. Both states are important and shouldn't be disturbed.
Sleep Quality
What matters is the duration and the quality. Deep sleep is only reached when the dog is fully relaxed. During short naps in the light sleep phase, it usually sleeps on its belly or curled up: muscles tense, no deep sleep. Lying on the side or back shows relaxation. Enough movement and stimulation during the day promote deep, restful sleep.
Lack of Sleep and Its Consequences
A lack of sleep has serious consequences for dogs too. These five stages can appear one after another:
- Overstimulation and restlessness
- Drop in focus and coordination
- Increasing irritability and nervousness
- Susceptibility to illness and growing aggression
- Serious and chronic illnesses
Dogs with short snouts (bulldogs, pugs) are especially prone to sleep problems. This so-called sleep apnea has an anatomical cause. Too much noise or distraction at the sleeping spot can disrupt sleep as well.
My Dog Sleeps Too Much
If a dog does nothing but sleep, it can point to boredom or depression. A lack of mental and physical stimulation often leads to more sleep just to pass the time. Changes in the weather, especially cold or rainy days, can also influence sleep behavior.
Older dogs generally need more rest. If you notice sudden changes in sleep behavior combined with loss of appetite, lethargy, or behavioral changes, see your vet. An unbalanced diet or new medications can also be the cause.
How Your Dog Settles Down
Between activities, a dog needs enough resting phases. Constant activity is harmful. Not every dog settles down on its own: the fear of missing something keeps it awake. It's best to teach as early as puppyhood that rest periods are part of life: lie down with your dog and encourage it to sleep.
A regular daily routine with set times for eating and playing has a positive effect on the sleep rhythm. A long walk or a play session in the evening burns off excess energy. A consistent evening routine (feeding, a short walk, quiet time) signals that it's time to sleep.
The Sleeping Spot
The sleeping spot should meet these criteria:
- No drafts
- No direct sunlight or strong light
- Quietly located
- Near you
- Enough space
- Not right next to the heater
- A wall behind it (a sense of safety)
Dogs most like to sleep close to their people. If you're in the home office or the kitchen during the day, there should be a bed there.
Sleeping Positions and What They Mean
A dog's sleeping position reveals something about its well-being and its trust in the surroundings.
On the side: The dog feels safe and relaxed. This enables deep sleep and shows trust in the surroundings.
Curled up (donut): A natural protective position from the wild. It stores warmth and protects the organs. Common in unfamiliar surroundings.
On the back, paws in the air: Shows complete trust. The most vulnerable spot (the belly) is exposed. It helps with cooling down, since the uncovered belly releases heat.
On the belly: Allows getting up quickly. Preferred by active dogs or puppies that want to be ready to play right away. Not deep sleep.
Superman (on the belly, all four legs stretched out): Especially popular with puppies. A nap with a ready-to-go stance. A good position for cooling down.
Snoring in Dogs
Some breeds with short snouts (pug, bulldog, Shih Tzu) tend to snore. These so-called brachycephalic breeds have shorter heads with narrower airways. The sleeping position can trigger snoring too: lying on the back relaxes the palate tissue and partly blocks the airways.
Excess weight makes the problem worse through fat buildup around the neck. Allergies, colds, or respiratory infections can also cause snoring. See the vet if: snoring sets in suddenly or gets noticeably louder, there are accompanying symptoms like breathing difficulty or loss of appetite, or you suspect excess weight or a respiratory illness.
Twitching in Sleep
Twitching in sleep is normal and a sign of active dream processing during the REM phase. Dogs have been shown to dream: the brain is very active during this phase. The twitches are physical reactions to dreams (running, playing, hunting). In puppies, twitches can also be part of the growth process as the nervous system develops.
Don't wake a dog while it's twitching: it could react in a confused or disoriented way. See your vet if: the twitches are very intense or persistent, there are signs of pain, or the dog has trouble calming down after waking up.
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