How much do dogs sleep? Hours by age
How many hours a day an adult dog, a puppy and a senior dog sleep, what counts as normal and which changes in sleep are worth a call to your vet.
A healthy adult dog sleeps, on average, between 12 and 14 hours a day. If yours spends most of the day dozing, that is usually fine. The exact figure depends on age, breed and how active they are.
Hours of sleep by age
| Age | What we know |
|---|---|
| Puppy | Sleeps a lot: at least 11 hours a day according to one study, though research is limited |
| Adult | Between 8 and 13.5 hours in studies, with an average just under 11; popular summaries quote 12 to 14 |
| Senior | Takes more naps during the day and sleeps later in the morning |
Very active or working dogs also tend to need more rest than a couch potato.
Why it seems like they sleep so much
Dogs don’t sleep like us. They split their sleep into several periods across the day rather than one long night. An adult sleeps for 60% to 80% of the hours between 8 pm and 8 am, and tops up with naps.
That’s why your dog can lie around most of the day and still go wild with joy when you pick up the lead.
What makes them sleep more or less
- Age. This is the biggest factor.
- Activity. A busy day of play and walks usually ends in more rest.
- Surroundings. With noise or movement around, they sleep more lightly.
- Health. This is the one to keep an eye on.
When to ask your vet
Don’t fixate on a number. Look for changes from what is normal for your dog. Ask your vet if:
- They suddenly sleep much more or much less.
- They seem listless, with no interest in play or walks.
- They eat less or their behaviour changes for no clear reason.
Sleep on its own is not a diagnosis. It is one more clue to pass on to your vet.
How to tell whether their routine is the usual one
Note down when they sleep, how much they walk and when they eat for a few days. You will see whether something has changed and have concrete details to mention at the appointment.
A dog who sleeps well has usually had a good day: a walk, play and company. And if they really are short of activity, an extra walk or a game at home often helps.
In Miloop you log their walks with route, km and time, so you can see their activity week by week and share it with your vet.