Puppies have two speeds: Run and sleep. When a puppy is awake, hes usually going full speed. When he stops, it’s nap time, and in the first few months of his life, naps are frequent. During the first year, it’s typical for puppies to sleep more than they are awake and to spend the majority of the day sleeping. He tends to have short bursts of energy during the day and then take long naps afterward. An adult dog in good health won’t sleep nearly as much as a puppy.
Young puppies can sleep 20 hours each day. Compared to a human baby, their growing bodies are developing much more quickly. A puppy’s body goes through a lot of changes during the first 24 months of his life because depending on his breed, he is considered fully grown by the age of 1 or 2. He uses more energy than his adult counterparts when he is awake because he is exploring and learning about his world, so he needs more sleep.
Allow your puppy to sleep as much as he wants. His growing body will dictate his sleep needs. Avoid waking him to play or walk during nap times. Once you have him on a schedule, he will naturally awaken for feeding, potty breaks, and playtime. If the puppy seems lethargic during his typical waking hours, isn’t interested in food, or isn’t interested in playing at his usual times, consult your veterinarian. A healthy puppy will sleep for the majority of the day, but when he is awake, he will be alert, bright-eyed, and curious about his surroundings.
By getting your puppy used to sleeping through the night, you can help regulate his system during the day. Give your puppy his own space for sleeping. Place a soft bed or towel in his crate or pen so that he can sleep there instead of going potty in your room. When puppies are close to their humans, they feel more secure, and you will be able to hear him if he needs to go outside. A puppy can typically sleep through the night by the time he is 4 months old, but a younger puppy may occasionally cry to go outside.
Adult dogs dont sleep as much as puppies do. A healthy adult dog will nap frequently but not for extended periods of time. Although he may spend most of the time lying down, you’ll notice he’s awake and attentive. Compared to smaller, more active breeds, some large breeds tend to sleep more. Older or sick dogs will sleep more during the day, sometimes for up to 12 hours. Consult your veterinarian if your adult dog sleeps a lot to determine if there is a medical problem at the root of this.
Why is my dog so sleepy? The answer isn’t necessarily concerning
Sleep is extremely important for dogs and humans alike. It is very difficult to perform at our very best in anything we do without getting enough sleep. Because your dog is constantly learning and developing, their sleep is even more crucial. They can refuel themselves while they sleep so they can perform the same tasks tomorrow.
Rest is also important for retaining knowledge and forming memories. Your dog will learn more quickly and you will form a closer bond if you are proactive about training them after they have had ample rest. Even though it’s difficult and impossible to plan every moment around your dog, time spent both with and without you is crucial for their healthy development. It can be difficult to learn how to live a balanced life as a pet owner, but we guarantee that it gets easier the more you do it and the more you learn about what works for your particular pet.
Making the most of naptime will keep your puppy healthy, too
Plan your day around your dog’s nap, playtime, and learning to ensure that they are as healthy and happy as possible. Here are some naptime tips:
Why do puppies sleep so much?
A common misconception among new dog owners is that their puppy sleeps excessively. To ensure that the pet “sleeps better at night,” they purposefully wake it up during the day. ” Others interrupt sleep for playtime and petting. I can also appreciate your desire to spend more time with your adorable puppy. But keep yourself in check.
Puppies sleep so much for a reason. During puppyhood, their bodies develop at a breakneck pace. The proper development of the bones, muscles, brain, and nervous system requires a lot of energy. Dogs who lack sleep may experience stress, anxiety, aggression, and other behavioral issues.
Just think—a dog grows as much in a year as a person does in 18!
FAQ
Should I let my puppy sleep during the day?
Daytime napping is perfectly healthy for your new pup. They will know when and how much sleep they need. A healthy pup should sleep for between 30 and two hours on average. Like babies, puppies will frequently nod off in their current location. Your puppy should be allowed to sleep without being disturbed or awoken.
Why does my puppy sleep so much during the day?
Puppy sleep research At this age, they are developing very quickly, taking in new sounds, sights, and smells, and playing nonstop when awake. They require sleep to replenish their energy, think through the new information they are taking in, and do a variety of other things.
How long should I let my puppy sleep in the day?
The amount of sleep your dog needs will depend on factors like their breed, age, diet, and level of activity, but here is a general overview: at 8 weeks old, puppies typically sleep 20 hours per day. By the time it is 10–12 weeks old, puppies sleep 18–20 hours every day. A puppy will sleep for about 18 hours a day between 14 and 16 weeks.
Should I be worried if my puppy sleeps all day?
The AKC notes that puppies need 15-20 hours of sleep per day to support the proper development of their central nervous system, immune system, and muscles, just like human babies do. Many puppies will take naps throughout the day to get the sleep they require.