Just How Much Time Should Your Dog Go To Sleep Per Day?

Dogs go to sleep about 13 hrs per day, though some breeds may sleep as much as 18 hours per day. It is important to note that dogs wake up more frequently than we do. Therefore even though it appears your dog is sleeping excessively, there are far more interruptions to their sleep than you assume.

Dogs experience sleep states comparable to humans with slow wave sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The first sleep phase is the slow wave sleep that occurs for the first 10 or so minutes of sleep. During this time your dog's breathing slows and blood pressure and heart rate reduces. Following this first stage your dog enters the REM stage of sleep. During REM you may discover your dog quietly barking or whining and jerking their legs. Your dog's brain activity at this point is very similar to the activity observed when humans dream. Perhaps this why we instinctively say that our dogs do dream.

Several factors have an effect on the amount of time your dog sleeps.

1. Your dog's breed - Different breeds need different quantities of sleep

2. Physical exercise levels - highly active dogs such as a working dog will sleep less than a dog who lives as the family pet at home.

3. Boredom - If a dog is bored it is more likely to sleep than one who is involved in something going on. Interestingly they know when to be alert and be aware of their surrounding area. They seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to this but also respond to certain auditory stimulus such as the family car arriving home.

4. Age - Older canines will sleep more that younger dogs.

5. Medication/Bad Health - If a dog is ill, depressed or on medication, they will tend to sleep so much more.

6. Environment - noisy and uncomfortable environments will result in the dog sleeping less than if the conditions are peaceful and comfy

The most important thing relating to your dog's sleep patterns, is to determine what is normal for your dog. Once you are aware of what constitutes ordinary, you can become aware of any alterations to length of sleep, time of sleep and lack of response to motivation that normally wakes your dog. If you become mindful of any changes it may be prudent to make an appointment with your neighborhood vet, to eliminate the chance of any underlying health factors that may require treating.

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