Is it normal for puppies to sleep all day?

Nothing is cuter than a sleeping puppy, and if you’ve been using one of the best puppy sleep aids to help your little one drift off, chances are you’ve spent many a wonderful moment taking in their serene and tranquil beauty.

Puppies naturally need to sleep a lot – on average, about 16 hours per day – to support their growth and development, but what about a puppy who sleeps too much? How much sleep is normal for a puppy and when does sleep become excessive? Lethargy, which many illnesses in puppies can cause, can make your puppy sleep more than usual.

Knowing the difference between regular sleep and lethargy will help you identify any issues with your puppy and seek immediate veterinary care. Continue reading to find out more about what constitutes normal and abnormal puppy sleep.

Puppies sleep a lot, but here’s what’s normal and when to be concerned

Do puppies sleep a lot? You tell us! Contents

Puppies typically need a lot of sleep, 6 to 10 hours per day. Every pup is different, though. Most dog breeds can sleep through the night by the time they are 16 weeks old, although some puppies need to sleep for 20 hours a day to maintain their high energy levels.

Sleep is an essential element of human and canine development. It can be challenging to get a new puppy into a regular sleeping schedule at first, as anyone who has owned one can attest. However, you should make sure that both you and your new dog are rested and prepared for everything that life has to offer. What you need to know about when your new puppy should start sleeping through the night is provided below.

Creating sleep schedules for your puppy

Sticking to established sleep schedules is the best way to make sure your puppy gets the proper amount of sleep, especially during their first few months at your house. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a healthy routine:

Designate an area for your puppy that is comfortable and calm. Make sure the whole family, especially children, understand that your puppy should not be disturbed in this area. A dog crate with a comfy bed inside and blankets draped over the top to stop light from getting in is ideal.

Familiarise your puppy with this area. Give them treats whilst there to make sure they have positive associations with it.

Have set times for waking up in the morning and going to bed at night, and avoid letting your puppy sleep too much in the hours before bedtime.

Allocate time for naps throughout the day – such as after a vigorous play session or a walk. Your puppy will begin to expect the quiet time and gladly bed down.

As your puppy gets older, adjust your routine to suit them. They’ll have more energy and need less sleep so that naps won’t be needed so regularly – they’ll also become good at taking themselves off to their quiet place when they are tired without you having to step in at all.

Is my puppy sick or just tired?

Unfortunately, some causes of sleeping more aren’t so benign. Numerous diseases can make you feel lethargic, which will make your dog sleep more. This is usually more than just being a little tired. Additionally, your puppy’s energy level will likely decline, and he might be reluctant to engage in his usual routine. He might play less or not at all, and he might get tired more easily while walking. Other signs of illness that your puppy may display include altered appetite, altered urination and defecation patterns, vomiting, diarrhea, or other alterations in health or behavior. Visit a veterinarian for a checkup if you think your puppy is lethargic or if you notice any other changes in their health.

FAQ

Is it okay to let my puppy sleep all day?

For healthy mental and physical development, puppies require 18 to 20 hours of sleep per day. Therefore, you should not interrupt their sleep. The puppy must be trained to go to sleep at the same time, which is the second main goal. To do this, try crate training.

Should I be worried if my puppy sleeps all day?

Your dog is perfectly normal to sleep all day, even up to 18 to 20 hours, as their bodies are developing quickly and they require rest, especially given how active they can be when awake. Consider a puppy as a human baby that is rapidly growing and changing.

Why is my puppy wanting to sleep all the time?

Sleep is crucial to your puppy’s development. They are developing incredibly quickly at this age, taking in new sounds, sights, and smells, and spending all of their waking hours playing. They require sleep to replenish their energy, think through the new information they are taking in, and do a variety of other things.

Is my puppy sick or just tired?

Observe Your Puppy If Your Puppy Is Simply Tired, They Should Recover After Some Rest This could be a short nap or a restful night’s sleep. Tiredness alone isn’t typically a sign that you should worry. But if your puppy appears exhausted for several days in a row, that could be a problem.