A vet has settled the debate on how much sleep your dog actually needs. It’s actually quite a lot, according to experts, especially for pups and older dogs. Dogs are vastly different creatures to humans, and a lot of things vary when it comes to diet and sleep. For example, there are many foods that are perfectly safe for humans to eat that can be lethal for dogs. When it comes to sleep, dogs are also incredibly different from us and have quite different requirements.
Dog experts at NutraVet, a pet health company, have broken down exactly how much sleep your dog needs, depending on its age. That way, dog owners need not be concerned when they notice their dogs lounging around and falling asleep throughout the day. In fact, dogs need a lot more sleep than humans, so it’s quite normal for them to fall asleep at various points throughout the day, and it’s not a cause for concern. “The amount of sleep a dog needs can vary depending on their age, breed, activity level, and overall health,” the experts explained in a recent blog post.
Puppies tend to need the most amount of sleep, they revealed. After that, older dogs need a significant amount of sleep time throughout the day.
Even standard adult dogs need a lot more sleep than humans. NutraVert breaks it down based on a dog’s age. Generally, the following applies:
- Puppies need between 18 and 20 hours of sleep per day.
- Adult dogs need between 12 and 14 hours of sleep per day.
- Older dogs need between 14 and 16 hours of sleep per day.
Of course, there are more details to be considered, but the above is a good starter guide. For example, when it comes to adult dogs, smaller breeds tend to be more active and only need around 12 hours of sleep per day.
Meanwhile, larger breeds can have more laid-back temperaments and require closer to 14 hours of sleep per day.
‘Senior dogs’ refers to dogs over 7 years old, who tend to need more sleep. While 14 to 16 hours of sleep per day tends to be the norm, some might need even more.
“Their energy levels decrease, and they may experience joint pain or other health issues that require additional rest,” the vet experts explain. “Senior dogs may also have disrupted sleep patterns, waking up more frequently during the night.”
Plus, sleeping areas should be warm and cosy, and their bed should be soft and cushioned to make sure they can sleep comfortably.
