Dog Sleeping Habits: What’s Normal and When to Worry
Most dogs sleep an average of 12–14 hours per day, but there’s a wide range of variation among breeds and individual pets. Some dogs prefer snoozing in a crate, while others curl up next to you on the couch. Understanding your dog’s sleeping habits can reveal important clues about their health and well-being.
If your dog suddenly sleeps more or less than usual, it may be a sign of illness, stress, or discomfort.
Normal Sleeping Habits vs. Abnormal Sleeping Habits
Normal Patterns: Puppies and senior dogs often sleep up to 18 hours a day, while healthy adult dogs average around 12–14 hours. Dogs typically sleep in short bursts of 15–45 minutes, with two main sleep periods — a short morning nap and a longer afternoon or evening nap.
Abnormal Patterns: Signs of trouble can include:
- Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep, frequent wake-ups, or restlessness.
- Hypersomnia: Sleeping significantly more than usual, sometimes with loud or labored breathing.
- Sleep Disorders: Conditions like narcolepsy, sleep apnea, or disrupted circadian rhythms caused by obesity, arthritis, kidney disease, or stress.
When to Call the Vet
Changes in your dog’s sleep can signal underlying medical or emotional issues, including separation anxiety, pain, or new stressors at home (such as new pets or household changes). Schedule a veterinary checkup if your dog’s sleep patterns, energy levels, or breathing change noticeably.
Helping Your Dog Sleep Better
- Keep a Consistent Routine: Dogs thrive on regular feeding, exercise, and sleep schedules.
- Provide a Comfortable Sleeping Area: A quiet, cozy bed can make a huge difference.
- Support Joint Health: For older dogs, supplements like Hemp Well Hip & Joint Chews can reduce pain that disrupts sleep.
- Address Anxiety: If stress keeps your dog awake, try Hemp Well Calm Dog Soft Chews for natural relaxation.
Related Articles
- How to Calm Down a Hyper Dog
- 5 Ways to Help an Anxious Dog Sleep Better
- Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language
Article review
How this Hemp Well article is reviewed.
Author bio: Hemp Well’s editorial team writes pet wellness articles using Hemp Well product knowledge, label directions, customer questions, and responsible hemp education.
Reviewer bio: Reviewed for product accuracy, claim discipline, label consistency, and Hemp Well quality standards.
Veterinary note: This article is educational and is not a substitute for diagnosis, treatment, or advice from your veterinarian. Veterinary credentials are listed only when a specific veterinary reviewer is named.
Editorial policy, veterinary note & source citations
Editorial policy: Hemp Well content is written to help pet parents understand pet hemp products, serving-size considerations, product formats, quality standards, and safer shopping decisions. We avoid disease-treatment claims and update articles when product labels, regulations, or available guidance changes.
Veterinary note: Hemp Well educational content is not veterinary medical advice. If your pet has a medical condition, takes medication, is pregnant, intended for breeding, or symptoms worsen, consult your veterinarian before starting or continuing any supplement.
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