Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much? A Vet Explains What’s Normal (and What’s Not)
Wondering if it’s normal for dogs to sleep all day? Dr Joanna Woodnutt MRCVS explores normal dog sleep, why dogs sleep so much, and when to worry!
Ever looked at your dog sprawled out for the tenth time that day and thought, “Seriously? Again?” You’re not alone. Lots of dog owners wonder why their pets seem to snooze the day away. And the truth is — it’s usually completely normal. In fact, most dogs sleep a lot more than we do. But how much is too much? Why do dogs sleep so much? And when should you worry that something more serious is going on?
I’ve been a vet for eight years and I’m often asked this very question — why do dogs sleep so much? The truth is, there’s not one simple answer, and the first thing to determine is what is ‘too much’ and whether that’s abnormal. Let’s break it down.
Oh, and while we’re at it — if your dog’s going to be racking up the hours in dreamland, it might be worth treating them to one of the best dog beds. After all, if they’re going to spend half their life in bed, they deserve a good one.
How much sleep do dogs need?
At least 10 hours of deep sleep, with plenty of periods of lighter sleep.
Like people, dogs are individuals — and that means their sleep needs vary. But on average, adult dogs sleep around 10 hours in a 24-hour period. Puppies and seniors? They’ll often need more. However, this number only looks at deep, ‘true’ sleep — scientists are yet to agree whether the drowsy, dozing dog is actually asleep or not. If you count that in, some dogs are hitting 18 hours a day without breaking a sweat.
So yes — dogs really do sleep a lot. And in many cases, it’s nothing to worry about.
How to tell if your dog’s sleep is healthy
A healthy dog sleep pattern involves naps in the afternoon and most of their sleep overnight. In between, they’re alert and active.
Healthy dog sleep tends to follow a pattern — a decent block overnight, with naps scattered throughout the day. Dogs are pretty good at regulating their own sleep, so if they’re tired, they’ll rest. If they’re not, they won’t. Even overnight, healthy dogs sleep in shorter bursts than their human counterparts – about an hour and a half, followed by a 40 minute more wakeful period before they settle back down again.
What matters more than the hours is how your dog behaves when they’re awake. A healthy, well-rested dog should be alert, active, and interested in the world around them — at least for parts of the day. But if your dog seems lethargic all the time, struggles to wake up, or doesn’t respond when you call them — that’s when you might want to take a closer look.
Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much? 6 Common Reasons
Let’s explore the main reasons your dog might be clocking up the zzz’s — and when it’s totally fine vs when it might be worth checking in with your vet.
1. Breed
Some breeds are simply more laid-back than others. Greyhounds, for example, are famously lazy once they’re off the racetrack — they’re built for sprinting, not stamina.
Other notoriously sleepy breeds include:
- Bulldogs
- Basset Hounds
- Great Danes
- Shih Tzus
If you have a dog that’s bred for bursts of energy rather than all-day activity, don’t be surprised if they spend more time snoring than sprinting.
2. Age
Puppies and senior dogs both sleep more than adult dogs — but for different reasons.
Puppies need plenty of sleep to help their bodies and brains develop. You might notice them crashing hard after a walk or a play session — that’s perfectly normal. In fact, it’s important to make sure puppies get enough sleep during the day, as chronic sleep deprivation during development can lead to later behavioural problems.
Older dogs, on the other hand, often slow down naturally. Arthritis, muscle loss and general fatigue all mean they need more downtime. They may also take shorter, more frequent naps throughout the day.
If your older dog is sleeping more but seems happy and comfortable when awake, chances are it’s just part of getting older. You might want to consider one of the best dog beds for dogs with arthritis — older bones need more cushioning.
3. Pain or Illness
When dogs don’t feel well, they tend to withdraw — and that often looks like sleeping.
If your dog is suddenly sleeping more than usual, and seems reluctant to get up even for things they normally love (walks, food, cuddles), pain or illness could be the reason. Common culprits include arthritis, mitral valve disease, anaemia, or chronic kidney disease.
Watch out for:
- Limping or stiffness, especially on waking
- Not wanting to exercise or unusual breathing
- Changes in thirst or appetite
- Confusion or forgetfulness
If anything feels “off”, it’s best to speak to your vet.
4. Boredom
Sometimes, dogs sleep because there’s nothing better to do. If your dog’s daily routine lacks stimulation, they may start snoozing out of sheer boredom. This is particularly true for intelligent or high-energy breeds like Border Collies, Spaniels, and Labradors. These dogs thrive on having a job to do — and when they don’t, they nap.
Other signs of boredom include:
- Chewing things they shouldn’t
- Pacing or attention-seeking behaviour
- Barking for no clear reason
Try adding puzzle feeders, training games, or new walking routes to their day. A mentally tired dog is a happy one — and they’ll sleep well for all the right reasons.
Psst – we’ve reviewed our favourite dog puzzle feeders here!
5. Obesity
Overweight dogs often sleep more than normal — partly because moving around feels like hard work, and partly because they may not have the stamina they used to. The trouble is, this creates a vicious cycle — less movement means fewer calories burned, which leads to more weight gain.
If you’re not sure whether your dog’s sleepiness is related to their weight, try feeling for their ribs. You should be able to feel them easily, without pressing down through fat. If not, check in with your vet or nurse, who will be able to examine your pet, give them a ‘body condition score’ and help you make a diet plan to get back into shape. These appointments are often free of charge, so check with your vet and make the most of them!
6. Tiredness or Poor-Quality Sleep
If your dog’s been particularly active, learning new things, or going through a change in routine, they may simply be more tired than usual.
But not all rest is equal. If your dog isn’t getting good quality sleep — say, because they’re not comfortable, or they’re being disturbed — they may need to nap more to catch up. That’s where having one of the best dog beds can make a real difference. A well-supported, quiet sleeping area can help your dog rest properly — so they feel more refreshed when they wake up.
When to Worry About Your Dog’s Sleep
Dogs all have individual variations in the sleep they need, and this changes over time, too. However, a sudden change in your dog’s sleep pattern is worth keeping an eye on — especially if it comes with other symptoms.
Here’s when you should get in touch with your vet:
- Your dog’s sleep pattern has changed suddenly
- Your dog is hard to wake, even with food or familiar sounds
- They seem lethargic or “off” even when awake
- There are other signs like vomiting, limping, or breathing changes
- You just have a gut feeling that something’s not right
You know your dog best — so trust your instincts.
FAQs about why dogs sleep so much
Are dogs happy if they sleep a lot?
Sleeping a lot can be a sign of boredom, so it’s worth increasing your dog’s mental stimulation and seeing if that changes anything. If you’re confident your dog has enough mental and physical exercise but they still sleep a lot, it might just be normal for them.
Is it normal for my dog to sleep all day?
It can be normal for dogs to sleep all day, especially for older dogs or low-energy breeds. But if your dog is always asleep and not showing much interest in food, play or walks, it’s worth checking in with your vet.
Should I let my dog sleep as much as he wants?
Generally, yes, you can let your dog get as much sleep as they want — dogs are good at self-regulating. But make sure they’re still getting the mental and physical activity they need during their waking hours.
Should I be worried if my dog wants to sleep all day?
If your dog has suddenly started sleeping all day, or you’re noticing other changes in appetite, behaviour or mobility, it’s best to get them checked over.
Conclusion: When Sleepy Dogs Are Happy Dogs
So — why do dogs sleep so much? For the most part, because they can. Whether it’s age, breed, or just a chill personality, many dogs happily doze their way through the day.
But if something’s changed, or your dog seems tired in a not quite right way, don’t ignore it. A quick vet visit can give you peace of mind — and make sure your dog’s not hiding something more serious.
And if they’re just sleeping because life is good? Well — make sure they’ve got one of the best dog beds to enjoy it properly.
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