Why is My Dog Spending More Time Sleeping?

Is your dog spending more time sleeping than usual? This could be a cause for concern for anyone, but there are plenty of reasons that dogs start to sleep more or less, depending on the circumstances of their lives.

Some causes are serious, while others are completely normal. This article takes a look at the key causes of increased sleep in dogs, so you can sleep easy knowing whether or not you should take your dog to the vet.

Let's take a look. To start, let's see how much healthy dogs should sleep on a daily basis.

How Much Should Healthy Dogs Sleep Each Day?
What Causes Dogs to Sleep More Than Usual?
What Causes Dogs to Sleep Less Than Usual?
- 1. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
- 2. Pain
Conclusion

Is your dog spending more time sleeping than usual? This could be a cause for concern for anyone, but there are plenty of reasons that dogs start to sleep more or less, depending on the circumstances of their lives. 
Some causes are serious, while others are completely normal. This article takes a look at the key causes of increased sleep in dogs, so you can sleep easy knowing whether or not you should take your dog to the vet. 
Let's take a look. To start, let's see how much healthy dogs should sleep on a daily basis.
<h2>How Much Should Healthy Dogs Sleep Each Day?</h2>
All dogs, much like cats, tend to sleep for most of the day. The amount of time that a dog sleeps also depends on its age. Let's work through the life stages and the average amount of sleep a healthy dog needs.
Puppies:
<ul>
<li>Puppies sleep the most, clocking in at around 18-20 hours per day. That's 4-6 hours of activity per day, followed by long, deep slumbers. </li>
<li>Puppies tend to sleep in little slivers, however, with short explosions of cute energy with deep naps sprinkled throughout the day.</li>
<li>This amount of sleep starts to normalize from 3-6 months as they go through their final growth spurts. </li>
</ul>
Puppies can be expected to sleep nearly all the time as their bodies and brains develop and expend tremendous amounts of energy in the process of growing up.
Adult Dogs:
<ul>
<li>Adult dogs tend to sleep around 8 hours per night, just like humans, and an additional 4-6 hours throughout the day in short naps. So, your adult dog should be expected to sleep around 12-14 hours per day.</li>
<li>The daily naps of dogs tend to be light, and this allows them to perk up periodically if they hear or smell something interesting, an advantage for watchdogs and dogs who are tasked with standing guard.</li>
<li>Dogs who are more active on a particular day, or those undergoing dietary or lifestyle changes may also sleep a little more.</li>
</ul>
Dogs tend to find their particular sleep balance, and slight variations are normal as time passes. Sudden changes in sleep or differences in energy levels could be a sign that something unusual is happening.
Senior Dogs:
<ul>
<li>Senior dogs tend to sleep a little more as they age, averaging 14-18 hours per day.</li>
<li>Senior dogs struggle physically, they take longer to recover, and their metabolisms slow down. This, coupled with a reduction in overall energy, leads to more naps throughout the day.</li>
<li>Seniors are also more vulnerable to things like joint disease and cognitive decline that can significantly influence sleep as well.</li>
</ul>
The averages above are general guidelines. Don't be too alarmed if your dog sleeps more or less than they should on a given day. If sleep changes sway outside of these averages for a period of multiple days, that's an indication that there's something at play. 
<h2>What Causes Dogs to Sleep More Than Usual?</h2>
<meta charset="utf-8">If your concerned about your dog sleeping more, the following things are among the most likely causes (apart from normal age-related changes to sleep discussed above). 
Note that there could be other causes, and the information below should only be used to help you zone in on the source of your dog's issue, if they have one. Your veterinarian will help you find the cause and determine a solution.
<h3>1. Reduced Activity, Lack of Stimulation</h3>
If dogs don't have daily activity and stimulation, they may become bored and nap more regularly than usual. This is common in winter, or other during periods that owners are unable to walk their dogs as often.
The same goes for lack of daily enrichment. Dogs who are left home alone or simply aren't played with may start to show the signs of boredom and increased sleep. 
The explanation of increased sleep in these situations may simply be that your dog doesn't have anything better to do than nap. They may also be defeated, and periods of extended boredom can lead to the <a title="A Guide to Depression in Dogs" href="https://lolahemp.com/blogs/dog-health/sad-dog-symptoms-of-canine-depression">symptoms of dog depression</a>, which include sleep increases.
<h3>2. Invisible Health Conditions</h3>
A variety of invisible health conditions cause reduced energy and increased sleep. These conditions are often marked by gradual fatigue rather than sudden changes in sleep. Sudden changes in sleep patterns are more likely caused by infections and pain rather than chronic health issues.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that health conditions are almost always accompanied by other symptoms. Changes in appetite, weight fluctuations, unusual vocalizations or behavior changes are all common in many canine conditions.
Here are some of the most common health conditions that influence a dog's sleep: 
<ul>
<li>
Hypothyroidism: A disorder in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormone, this condition is more common in middle-aged and senior dogs and can cause fatigue. </li>
<li>
Arthritis & Joint Disease: Joint conditions are very common in many dog breeds, and they make movement uncomfortable. Additionally, joint decline creates the need for joint repair, which requires sleep. This combination often leads to increased sleep & rest times in dogs.</li>
<li>
Infections: Bacterial, viral, and tick-borne infections are common in dogs and require increased sleep to fight. These issues may cause a sudden shift in sleep, and should be treated by a veterinarian.</li>
<li>
More: less common issues like kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, and liver disease can lead to increased sleep.</li>
</ul>
If your dog shows symptoms of any of these conditions, it's important to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Changes in sleep may simply be a symptom of the underlying issue your dog is facing. 
<h3>3. Environmental Changes, Stress</h3>
Dogs are extremely sensitive to changes in their surroundings, and even small disruptions can influence how much they sleep. Moving to a new home, adding a new family member or pet, or the loss of a companion can all throw off your dog’s normal rhythm. These shifts often lead to temporary fatigue or what looks like “extra” sleep.
When dogs feel stressed or uncertain, they sometimes cope by withdrawing and sleeping more. This can happen after big household changes, new noises (like nearby construction), or changes in your routine—especially if your schedule affects feeding or walk times. 
In most cases, once your dog adjusts to the new situation, their sleep habits should go back to normal. Keeping their routine predictable, offering calm reassurance, and making sure they have a quiet, familiar space to rest can all help shorten that adjustment period. 
<h2>What Causes Dogs to Sleep Less Than Usual?</h2>
Note: If you're concerned that there's a health issue at play, it's important to contact your veterinarian for advice. The information below is intended for education, not professional guidance. 
<h3>1. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome</h3>
Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome is similar to dementia in humans, and contributes to mental decline and significant changes to a dog's sleep-wake cycle.
Dogs with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) will often do the following things:
<ul>
<li>Wake up frequently at night</li>
<li>Pace</li>
<li>wander</li>
<li>whine</li>
<li>pant</li>
<li>doze, rather than sleep deeply</li>
<li>become confused, especially at night</li>
</ul>
Some of these behaviors fall into a category often called "<a title="Guide to Sundowning in Dogs" href="https://lolahemp.com/blogs/dog-health/sundowners-in-dogs-veterinarian-written-guide">sundowning</a>" which refers to increased odd behaviors at night. Dogs who are sundowning may become confused, aggressive, or restless in the evening, and this is often a side effect of CCD in senior dogs.
While there's no cure for canine cognitive dysfunction, there are methods that can help your dog's quality of life and, potentially, treat symptoms. Talk with your veterinarian about your dog's behaviors and explore treatment options together.
<h3>2. Pain</h3>
Dogs in pain often sleep less because discomfort makes it difficult to rest deeply. They may toss, turn, or get up repeatedly during the night, unable to find a comfortable position. This restlessness leads to light, broken sleep rather than the restorative kind they need.
<ul>
<li>
Arthritis & joint pain: Common in older dogs, joint inflammation makes lying down or getting up uncomfortable. Cold weather can make this worse, and the discomfort often prevents dogs from getting comfortable and resting.</li>
<li>
Injuries or soreness: Strains, bruises, or post-surgery discomfort often cause dogs to wake frequently or avoid sleeping in their normal spots. If this goes untreated, it can lead to substantial changes in sleep and general quality of life.</li>
<li>
Internal pain: Conditions like dental disease or organ discomfort may cause subtle, chronic pain that interrupts rest.</li>
</ul>
When pain interrupts nighttime sleep, many dogs make up for it with short naps throughout the day. You will typically notice other symptoms as well, so be sure to visit your veterinarian if you believe your dog is in pain.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
Increased (or decreased) sleep in dogs should be monitored closely, and a trip to the veterinarian is always a good idea. If your dog has been sleeping more for an extended period of time (i.e. more than a day or two), you should have them looked at by a professional. 
If you can pinpoint the cause, such as an environmental change, odds are that your dog will return to normal. Still, keep an eye on them and seek professional advice if their sleep doesn't balance out within a day or two.

How Much Should Healthy Dogs Sleep Each Day?

All dogs, much like cats, tend to sleep for most of the day. The amount of time that a dog sleeps also depends on its age. Let's work through the life stages and the average amount of sleep a healthy dog needs.

Puppies:

Puppies sleep the most, clocking in at around 18-20 hours per day. That's 4-6 hours of activity per day, followed by long, deep slumbers.
Puppies tend to sleep in little slivers, however, with short explosions of cute energy with deep naps sprinkled throughout the day.
This amount of sleep starts to normalize from 3-6 months as they go through their final growth spurts.

Puppies can be expected to sleep nearly all the time as their bodies and brains develop and expend tremendous amounts of energy in the process of growing up.

Adult Dogs:

Adult dogs tend to sleep around 8 hours per night, just like humans, and an additional 4-6 hours throughout the day in short naps. So, your adult dog should be expected to sleep around 12-14 hours per day.
The daily naps of dogs tend to be light, and this allows them to perk up periodically if they hear or smell something interesting, an advantage for watchdogs and dogs who are tasked with standing guard.
Dogs who are more active on a particular day, or those undergoing dietary or lifestyle changes may also sleep a little more.

Dogs tend to find their particular sleep balance, and slight variations are normal as time passes. Sudden changes in sleep or differences in energy levels could be a sign that something unusual is happening.

Senior Dogs:

Senior dogs tend to sleep a little more as they age, averaging 14-18 hours per day.
Senior dogs struggle physically, they take longer to recover, and their metabolisms slow down. This, coupled with a reduction in overall energy, leads to more naps throughout the day.
Seniors are also more vulnerable to things like joint disease and cognitive decline that can significantly influence sleep as well.

The averages above are general guidelines. Don't be too alarmed if your dog sleeps more or less than they should on a given day. If sleep changes sway outside of these averages for a period of multiple days, that's an indication that there's something at play.

What Causes Dogs to Sleep More Than Usual?

If your concerned about your dog sleeping more, the following things are among the most likely causes (apart from normal age-related changes to sleep discussed above).

Note that there could be other causes, and the information below should only be used to help you zone in on the source of your dog's issue, if they have one. Your veterinarian will help you find the cause and determine a solution.

1. Reduced Activity, Lack of Stimulation

If dogs don't have daily activity and stimulation, they may become bored and nap more regularly than usual. This is common in winter, or other during periods that owners are unable to walk their dogs as often.

The same goes for lack of daily enrichment. Dogs who are left home alone or simply aren't played with may start to show the signs of boredom and increased sleep.

The explanation of increased sleep in these situations may simply be that your dog doesn't have anything better to do than nap. They may also be defeated, and periods of extended boredom can lead to the symptoms of dog depression, which include sleep increases.

2. Invisible Health Conditions

A variety of invisible health conditions cause reduced energy and increased sleep. These conditions are often marked by gradual fatigue rather than sudden changes in sleep. Sudden changes in sleep patterns are more likely caused by infections and pain rather than chronic health issues.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that health conditions are almost always accompanied by other symptoms. Changes in appetite, weight fluctuations, unusual vocalizations or behavior changes are all common in many canine conditions.

Here are some of the most common health conditions that influence a dog's sleep:

Hypothyroidism: A disorder in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormone, this condition is more common in middle-aged and senior dogs and can cause fatigue.
Arthritis & Joint Disease: Joint conditions are very common in many dog breeds, and they make movement uncomfortable. Additionally, joint decline creates the need for joint repair, which requires sleep. This combination often leads to increased sleep & rest times in dogs.
Infections: Bacterial, viral, and tick-borne infections are common in dogs and require increased sleep to fight. These issues may cause a sudden shift in sleep, and should be treated by a veterinarian.
More: less common issues like kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, and liver disease can lead to increased sleep.

If your dog shows symptoms of any of these conditions, it's important to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Changes in sleep may simply be a symptom of the underlying issue your dog is facing.

3. Environmental Changes, Stress

Dogs are extremely sensitive to changes in their surroundings, and even small disruptions can influence how much they sleep. Moving to a new home, adding a new family member or pet, or the loss of a companion can all throw off your dog’s normal rhythm. These shifts often lead to temporary fatigue or what looks like “extra” sleep.

When dogs feel stressed or uncertain, they sometimes cope by withdrawing and sleeping more. This can happen after big household changes, new noises (like nearby construction), or changes in your routine—especially if your schedule affects feeding or walk times.

In most cases, once your dog adjusts to the new situation, their sleep habits should go back to normal. Keeping their routine predictable, offering calm reassurance, and making sure they have a quiet, familiar space to rest can all help shorten that adjustment period.

What Causes Dogs to Sleep Less Than Usual?

Note: If you're concerned that there's a health issue at play, it's important to contact your veterinarian for advice. The information below is intended for education, not professional guidance.

1. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome is similar to dementia in humans, and contributes to mental decline and significant changes to a dog's sleep-wake cycle.

Dogs with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) will often do the following things:

Wake up frequently at night
Pace
wander
whine
pant
doze, rather than sleep deeply
become confused, especially at night

Some of these behaviors fall into a category often called "sundowning" which refers to increased odd behaviors at night. Dogs who are sundowning may become confused, aggressive, or restless in the evening, and this is often a side effect of CCD in senior dogs.

While there's no cure for canine cognitive dysfunction, there are methods that can help your dog's quality of life and, potentially, treat symptoms. Talk with your veterinarian about your dog's behaviors and explore treatment options together.

2. Pain

Dogs in pain often sleep less because discomfort makes it difficult to rest deeply. They may toss, turn, or get up repeatedly during the night, unable to find a comfortable position. This restlessness leads to light, broken sleep rather than the restorative kind they need.

Arthritis & joint pain: Common in older dogs, joint inflammation makes lying down or getting up uncomfortable. Cold weather can make this worse, and the discomfort often prevents dogs from getting comfortable and resting.
Injuries or soreness: Strains, bruises, or post-surgery discomfort often cause dogs to wake frequently or avoid sleeping in their normal spots. If this goes untreated, it can lead to substantial changes in sleep and general quality of life.
Internal pain: Conditions like dental disease or organ discomfort may cause subtle, chronic pain that interrupts rest.

When pain interrupts nighttime sleep, many dogs make up for it with short naps throughout the day. You will typically notice other symptoms as well, so be sure to visit your veterinarian if you believe your dog is in pain.

Conclusion

Increased (or decreased) sleep in dogs should be monitored closely, and a trip to the veterinarian is always a good idea. If your dog has been sleeping more for an extended period of time (i.e. more than a day or two), you should have them looked at by a professional.

If you can pinpoint the cause, such as an environmental change, odds are that your dog will return to normal. Still, keep an eye on them and seek professional advice if their sleep doesn't balance out within a day or two.

References: