Why Your Dog Sleeps 14 Hours a Day (And When to Worry)
Vet Reviewed by Dr. Jacob Klos, DVM
It's 2pm on a Tuesday. You're working. Your dog is... unconscious on the couch for the third time today.
If you've ever wondered whether your dog sleeps too much, you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions pet owners have. And the answer is more nuanced than you might expect.
What's Actually Normal
Adult dogs typically sleep between 12 and 14 hours per day. Puppies and senior dogs often need even more, sometimes up to 18 or 20 hours.
This might sound excessive compared to humans, but it makes sense when you consider canine biology. Dogs don't sleep as deeply as humans do. They spend more time in light sleep, which means they need more total hours to get adequate rest.
Their sleep is also more fragmented. While humans consolidate sleep into one long stretch, dogs cycle between sleep and wakefulness throughout the day and night. Those frequent naps add up.
Age Makes a Big Difference
Puppies are basically sleep machines. Their bodies are growing rapidly, and sleep is when much of that growth and development happens. It's completely normal for a puppy to sleep 18 to 20 hours per day.
Adult dogs in their prime years typically settle into the 12 to 14 hour range. They're more alert during waking hours and more consistent in their patterns.
Senior dogs often need more sleep again. As dogs age, their bodies work harder to perform basic functions. Extra rest helps them recover from the exertion of daily activities.
Breed and Size Factors
Large and giant breeds tend to sleep more than smaller dogs. A Great Dane might easily sleep 16 to 18 hours, while a Jack Russell Terrier might seem like they never stop moving.
Working breeds and high-energy dogs may sleep less during the day but crash hard when they finally rest. Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs like Bulldogs and Pugs) sometimes sleep more due to the extra effort required for breathing.
When to Pay Attention
Sleep changes can signal health issues. Here's what warrants a closer look:
- A sudden increase in sleep that wasn't there before.
- Difficulty waking up or appearing groggy when awake.
- Changes in sleep quality, like more restlessness or frequent position changes.
- Sleep increases paired with reduced appetite or less interest in activities.
- Lethargy during waking hours that feels different from normal tiredness.
Any of these shifts, especially if they happen suddenly, deserve attention. They could indicate pain, infection, metabolic issues, or other conditions that benefit from early intervention.
Supporting Healthy Sleep
Good sleep hygiene applies to dogs too. A comfortable sleeping space, consistent routines, and adequate physical and mental activity during waking hours all contribute to better rest.
Nutrition also plays a role. Dogs who aren't getting adequate nutrients may feel more fatigued. A balanced diet with appropriate supplementation supports the energy production that keeps your dog active when they're awake.
The Bottom Line
Your dog probably isn't sleeping too much. They're sleeping dog-appropriate amounts. But knowing your individual dog's baseline matters. When you understand what's normal for them, you can spot changes that might signal something worth investigating.
