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Lesstress for Dogs

Natural Support for Canine Stress and Anxiety

USD $44.95
Lesstress for Dogs USD $44.95 Add to Cart

How long do dogs sleep? 

Pet Care Tips 4 min read
beagle dog sleeping

It is quite common for first-time pet parents to ask themselves “how long do dogs sleep”? This is a valid concern, seeing as too much sleep and lethargy may be a sign that something is wrong. But not enough snooze time can lead to health issues. Know which signs to look out for and how to balance your little one’s energy level!

Dogs sleep more than humans

Have you ever noticed how your pup easily dozes off but can also jump to alertness just as quickly? Instead of one long snooze at night like humans, dogs tend to have a bunch of shorter naps throughout the day. So compared to us, our canine friends seem to spend way more time sleeping or taking naps.

Have you ever noticed how your pup easily dozes off but can also jump to alertness just as quickly?

But that’s okay! Sleep is an essential activity for every animal species, including you and me. Fully resting your body and mind gives you the chance to recharge and start anew the next day. With our furkiddos it’s the same.

However, many factors can influence how much your pup actually needs to sleep. We’ll discuss how age, breed, routine, diet or even health conditions can affect your dog’s energy level. 

How age affects your dog’s sleep

Age is one of the main factors that can affect the duration of your little one’s nap time. Puppies can sleep about 14 hours a day, while an adult dog may sleep on average 8 to 12 hours. Senior dogs usually need to sleep even more, as their bodies have a harder time recovering from daily activities and they can get tired easily, either physically or mentally.  

If your senior dog needs an extra dose of vitality, NHV Old Timer may help improve energy levels. Despite its name, Old Timer can be given to furkiddos of all ages for proactive support, and to help alleviate arthritis, muscle, and joint discomfort. 

How long do dogs sleep? Image of a senior dog laying in a green bed and looking very tired.

Are there lazy dog breeds? 

The breed is another factor that can influence how much your pup may sleep. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Miniature Pinscher, and Pug can be considered “lazy dog breeds”. If you have a low-energy household and are looking for a companion to spend all day in bed with, these breeds might be a great fit.

Kindly know that all dogs, even the less active ones need to spend at least 30 minutes a day playing or going for an outdoor walk to maintain their body and mind healthy. 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are breeds known for being high-energy. Pomeranian and Labrador Retriever, for example, are naturally more active. Dogs like these might spend more time playing or demanding your attention than sleeping, so make sure your family can keep up.

How long do dogs sleep when sick?

Nobody knows your pup’s routine better than yourself. If you notice that your once active dog isn’t interested in playtime or is walking less than usual, speak to your local veterinarian right away for proper examination. Lethargy may be a sign that your little one is in pain, facing discomfort, is suffering from malnutrition or has other underlying conditions like hypothyroidism.

Poor nutrition is one of the main factors that can easily influence how much your dog sleeps. If your little one is not consuming enough nutrients, they will naturally need longer nights as they haven’t ingested enough energy sources to spend. 

Poor nutrition is one of the main factors that can easily influence how much your dog sleeps.

To help address malnutrition, we recommend talking with your veterinarian to discuss the ideal diet for your little one. NHV Multi Essentials natural blend can also help with that. This herbal multivitamin helps fill nutritional voids, aid digestion and enhances nutrient absorption, which should help reduce fatigue and increases energy levels.

Is my dog not sleeping enough? 

Underlying conditions that cause stress and mental distress like anxiety can also affect sleep patterns. In these cases, your dog might sleep less than they should. Not sleeping enough means they aren’t getting the recharge they need to continue to live as active and healthy pups.

Besides addressing the health issues that might be stressing your little one, we recommend adding NHV Lesstress to their regimen. Lesstress is an all-natural supplement that provides anxiety relief and promotes calm behavior, naturally. It is especially recommended for long-term conditions. 

Not sleeping enough can also have a behavioral root cause. If your dog’s natural pattern is to sleep more during the day, you can consider using some strategies to help them be more active when the sun is out. Good methods include enrichment toys, playtime during your lunch break or dog daycare. 

A pup that uses up their energy during the day will most likely have a great night of sleep. But if they are still having trouble sleeping at night, you may need to spend a relaxing time petting them and helping them calm down before bedtime. 


Now that you know that it’s normal for dogs to sleep more than you, you can continue to flood your Social Media with photos of them peacefully resting. Keep a close eye on their sleeping pattern however and please consult your local veterinarian if you notice any change. Our vet team is also here to help! Click on the bottom below and talk to one of our pet experts. 

Dr. Barbara Benitez DVM, MS

Dr. Barbara Benitez DVM, MS

Dr. Barbara is a veterinarian from Brazil with a specialty in pet nutrition. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine in 2006 from the University of Uberaba. In 2010, Dr. Barbara received her Master’s of Science in Pet Nutrition from the Federal University of Minas Gerais. She has over 15 years of experience in research and development in the pet food industry. When Barbara isn’t helping pet parents, you can find her spending time with her family, including her senior dog, Caze.

Published: August 5, 2022

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