Do dogs like to sleep all night?

Top 10 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Sleeping a Lot More Than Usual

Are you thinking your dog is the laziest canine on earth because it sleeps a lot and about ten hours in the whole day? Let me shock you with this. Your dog is probably getting bad sleep. Most normal dogs should sleep even more than that. The average sleep time for a dog is around twelve hours and above it a day — except if the dog is employed as some police dog or for sport, then it can sleep less.

But if your dog used to be very lively and has only changed recently, then there may be something wrong with it, and you should find out the reason why.

There are many possible reasons for this sudden change in habit. The problem can range from stress to more severe problems. It’s crucial to know the signs of possible causes and be able to realize when you should visit the vet.

Here’s is an infographic that you need to know about a dog’s sleeping habits and when to worry about them.

Why Your Dog Is Sleeping a Lot More Than Usual

When a dog exhibits a sleeping routine that is different from what it has always been known for, there are psychological, physical and health reasons for it.

We usually suspect illness to be the cause of a dog’s sudden change in behavior or routine. While it is no doubt the safest thing to visit the vet first, there may be other things to consider if there are no signs of sickness from the dog. Your dog may be reacting to some changes in its environment even in its own self — maybe because it is getting old.

The reasons why your dog is sleeping a lot may be due to the following;

● Stress and anxiety

1. Age of the Dog

Dogs may sleep for more than 12 hours a day, usually 12- 14 hours daily sleep. Large dog breeds, Old dogs and Puppies need more sleep, and puppies may sleep up to 18 hours a day, and all this is completely fine.

Generally, dogs would sleep the most when they are puppies, and when they are old. Puppies around 4 months up to a year old are only playful, and very active when awake. The puppies’ activities make them become easily exhausted and this may be the reason.

2. Breed of Dog

The breed of a dog determines its size, activities, and also how quickly it gets old. All of these factors can affect the dog’s requirement of sleep. A smaller dog breed usually takes longer to reach old age and requires less sleep.

Greyhounds, Bullmastiff, Chow, Saint Bernard, Bassett Hound, Newfoundland are widely known as being “lazy dogs” because of their sleeping habit. They can spend up to 18 hours a day sleeping.

3. Stress, Anxiety, and Boredom

A dog that is going through psychological difficulties such as anxiety, stress, and boredom would sleep a lot. If your dog is stressed or feeling anxious, you will notice them becoming lethargic and they will doze off often. Helping the dog by giving it a routine with activities can to stimulate and enhance it’s a mental and physical condition.

4. Activity Level

Dogs that have tasks to hold their attention will spend most of the day activities, dedicated to completing those tasks. The number of sleep dogs needs also depends on what they are bred to do.

5. Thyroxine Deficiency

This is also called hypothyroidism. The under-secretion of thyroxine normally reduces chemical processes occurring within the cells of the body, especially those related to metabolism, consequently, the dog looks unhealthy. Older dogs are prone to hypothyroidism, in rare cases can be found in younger dogs too. The most susceptible of these breeds are Labradors, Great Danes, dachshunds, Doberman pinschers, among others.

6. Diabetes

The inability of the body to produce insulin in the amount needed by the body can affect the dog greatly due to the risk of hyperglycemia. Certain breeds are more prone to diabetes than others. These breeds include Dachshunds, Australian terriers, and Keeshonds ETC.

7. Bacterial Infection

Leptospirosis

This is an infection caused by bacteria that is highly contagious. Dogs can get leptospirosis through direct contact with urine from other dogs or even human infected. It can also be transmitted easily through water, soil ETC. It’s most common in warm climates.

8. Viral Infection

Parvovirus

This is a highly contagious viral illness. Majorly found in puppies before adolescence — between six weeks and six months old. It’s caused by a virus from the Parvoviridae, which affects the ability to absorb nutrients, and an affected animal will easily become dehydrated and weak from lack of protein and fluid absorption and nutrients essential to the dog body. The best way to nip this fatal infection is early puppy vaccination.

Infectious tracheobronchitis:

It is also called Kennel cough; it is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is airborne It’s highly treatable in most dogs but can be more severe in puppies younger than six months of age. Like the parvovirus, it can be prevented with early vaccination

9. Anemia

Anemia is a medical condition of reduced blood in dogs. The reduction in the red blood cell of a dog is due to the presence of bloodsucking parasites in the dog’s body. Such parasites include;

● Roundworms: Transmitted to a puppy through a mother’s uterus and also when milk is fed to her puppies. These worms are easily detected in dog stool.

● Hookworms: These can be dangerous for a dog because they latch onto the intestine and suck blood. Hookworms can also be transferred from a mother to a puppy. But, dogs can get them from soil that is infested, too.

● Whipworms: These are intestinal parasites that cause severe irritation to the lining of the cecum and colon. They aren’t usually seen in the dog’s stool.

● Tapeworms: These are usually transmitted to dogs when they ingest fleas. In a dog’s intestine, tapeworms can grow anywhere from 4-6 inches in length. They are typically easy to identify and can be seen in the dog stool.

10. Poisoning

An untrained dog would eat anything if it feels is palatable. Also, a dog owner may decide to pamper it with something from the human food that is harmful to it. Avocados, spices, alcohol and even coffee are poisonous. The effect can be fatal. In case your dog eats something poisonous, see the vet immediately.

Here is how your dog usually sleeps. In the picture, you will have a clear idea about it.

Conclusion

Regardless of your dog’s sleeping routine, you can always organize your dog’s daily activities to a routine that you feel is best for them. Your dogs may take some time, but will definitely adjust to the new routine. Also, always go to the veterinary first when you notice a sudden change in the behavior of your dog before making assumptions.

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Contributions

20 comments on “Top 10 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Sleeping a Lot More Than Usual”

July 19, 2019 at 08:54

Chris says:

Thanks for sharing this great tips regarding dog sleeping.

September 27, 2019 at 07:09

Pamela Meldrum says:

Thank you for the information and putting my mind at rest. My Spinone is nearly nine and sleeps a lot since moving to the Yorkshire Dales, but I now suspect he is just tired after a change in his pattern of walking i.e. up the hills etc.

April 03, 2020 at 04:00

Blanca Silva says:

Since the Covid 19. I am home. And stressed My Dog has bern Sleeping to much. Maybe she feels my tension?

April 22, 2020 at 05:48

Bugaboo says:

Blanca Silva, leave them alone and let them sleep.

August 22, 2020 at 10:37

LindA says:

My dogs have been sleeping a lot. They appear to be bored although they get three walks a day. They don’t want to play with toys which one of them always love toys. And one of my dogs does not like the other dog, just Totally ignores him. Always has! I give them a lot of attention I don’t know what’s wrong with them.

January 24, 2021 at 07:34

Rae says:

We also have noticed our dog is sleeping a lot more. We are sitting a lot more since we havnt been able to get out and she loves to curl up and sleep a lot more

April 23, 2020 at 05:29

Dina Watson says:

My dog has been acting extra tired. I’m in nursing running rest home stressed about Covid-19. My 13 year old and husband home all the time. Do you think she is sleepy because of our stress? When we go walking she runs on leash and seems healthy. But she used to lay and sun in front of window and now she sleeps in her little pink dog bed and carries it from room to room were we are. And she puts are clothes in them if she can get them out of clean laundry basket. She is a 1 and a half year old cairn terrier

November 18, 2020 at 07:55

Leah says:

I have a 4 year old cairn terrier Dina Watson, you don’t hear many people with them but that’s probably a comfort thing . Just likes being close to everyone but the constant activity in the house is probably mentally exhausting to them. My cairn is the same way but he just sleeps at my feet and whenever I look at him hell run and grab a toy to play.

April 26, 2020 at 07:44

Kelli says:

I recently rescued a 16 week old puppy. She was extremely active yesterday. We were out and she was running around a lot. Today she is sleeping most of the day. She doesn’t seem distressed at all. Is this normal?

August 02, 2022 at 09:14

Sharrona says:

Kelli, I don’t think my 3 year old Golden sleeps when I’m out (rarely) and is more tired than usual when I return.

May 07, 2020 at 10:32

Chasandra says:

My 3 year old dog slept almost all day today and she has also became very picky with her food. Is that normal??

May 24, 2020 at 10:37

Karen Treliving says:

My 8 year old yorkie is sleeping more and acting out of character . I wish I knew what is wrong with him . He’s on anti inflammatorys for a shoulder that seems to hurt him and I’m doing antibiotic ear drops but he is not improving

November 06, 2021 at 08:40

Hayley Franklin says:

Karen Treliving, did your yorkie get better . Mine is 9 has been on anti inflatories for limping but not herself .

July 09, 2020 at 09:54

Sybil says:

I see my dogs sleeping like crazy and the only time they seem to be awake is first thing when they get up, barking at Fedex guys or whatever. There is nothing for them to do when it is so hot out. They do awaken for their meals which are home cooked.

August 03, 2020 at 08:33

William says:

Thanks for sharing the information, it’s really helpful. Yes, I agree usually there will be changes in the timings of their naps. However, make sure there is nothing going wrong with dog health visiting vets near you.

Why Won’t My Dog Sleep at Night?

Sleep is crucial for growth, healing, and maintaining overall wellness for dogs. Plus, a well-rested dog means a happy dog. Typically, dogs sleep 10-12 hours per day, including leisurely naps. But your dog isn’t the only one who needs the right amount of snoozing. A dog with persistent insomnia or sleeping problems can disrupt your sleep as well — causing irritability, exhaustion, and other health issues in both dog and owner.

So, if you’re lying in bed at night pulling your hair out, wondering “why won’t my dog go to sleep?”, you’re not alone. We’ve been there before and we know how stressful it can be, which is why we wrote this article to help both you and your pup get some well-deserved rest. Here are a few reasons why your dog won’t sleep and what you can do about it.

Why Won’t My Dog Sleep At Night?

Canine insomnia can be caused by a variety of factors. Some are minor and easy to fix, and other factors may require more attention. This list compiles some of the more common causes, so browse through and see if one or more of these possible explanations could apply to your pooch.

Anxiety

Just as anxiety in humans can make sleep elusive, anxiety can cause your dog to lose sleep, too.

• This is especially common with new dogs or puppies as they are not used to being alone while sleeping. Puppies are used to being with their mother and siblings, while newly adopted dogs might not be fully adjusted to their new home. If your dog isn’t a puppy nor did you adopt him or her recently, the anxiety might come in the form of separation anxiety.
• Canine anxiety also may be triggered by an unfamiliar scent or new sounds. Dogs can hear higher frequency sounds than humans can, and can hear things from further away. For example, they might hear or smell mice just outside the door, which can give them anxiety about protecting themselves and you.
• If your dog is adopted, it’s hard to know what he or she may have gone through before coming to your safe and loving home. Previous abuse, exposure to the elements, or aggression from other animals can make your dog skittish — especially at night. Being asleep means your dog is not aware of his or her surroundings, and therefore vulnerable. It may be hard for your pup to feel safe enough to let its guard down and fully relax into slumber.

Health Issues

• Not being able to sleep could be a sign of pain or discomfort in your dog’s body. Is your dog excessively licking, behaving strangely, or favoring a leg? Additionally, persistent snoring or choking while asleep could be a sign of sleep apnea.
• It’s normal for older dogs to sleep more often, and trouble sleeping with your long-time friend could be a sign of a health issue. Older dogs are at risk for canine cognitive dysfunction and sundowning behavior. This is a common reality for many elderly canines and is similar to dementia in humans. It can cause confusion in dogs, so normal behaviors like sleep may suddenly become difficult or feel unnatural to them.
• If your dog is on any medication, check to see if insomnia or trouble sleeping is a side effect and consider changing medication or brands.

Distractions

Indoor dogs spend about 80% of the night asleep. But even indoor dogs are exposed to stimulation such as loud traffic, squirrels running on the roof, crying babies, etc. All this can demand your attention away from your pup, making them abandon their normal bedtime routine. Perhaps they feel the only time they can get your attention is at night, which could be why your dog won’t settle at night.

Excess Energy

If you’re asking “why won’t my dog sleep?”, it may be time to assess your dog’s exercise and playtime routine. Perhaps your dog needs more chances to flex her muscles and blow off steam. Younger dogs and certain breeds have more energy, so be sure to exercise your dog the amount that is appropriate for the breed. For example, herding dogs like Australian Shepherds were traditionally bred for high-energy tasks, so they have the genetic stamina, muscle, and energy-optimized for exercise. Have you ever gone to bed with unspent energy and had a hard time sleeping? Why should your pup be any different?

A Full Bladder

This is definitely something we as humans can relate to. It’s hard to sleep soundly with a full bladder, so make sure you walk your dog before bedtime. Not only will it help your pup sleep, but it will also remove the anxiety of peeing in the bed and the fear of upsetting you. To prevent accidents in especially young and old dogs, it’s okay to remove their water bowl an hour before bedtime.

Nightmares or Sleepwalking

If you’re hearing noises at night and thinking “my dog won’t go to sleep!”, perhaps he actually is sleeping. The noise you hear from your dog at night might be a result of a nightmare or sleepwalking. A dog sleepwalking or experiencing a nightmare may yelp or cause a ruckus while asleep, disturbing your sleep or other pets. Severe cases could be a sign of REM behavior disorder. Talk to your vet if you think your dog is having consistent nightmares.

How to Help Your Dog Sleep Through the Night

It can be incredibly frustrating for both of you when your dog is having trouble sleeping. Luckily, there are steps you can take to ease their minds and get them more settled at night. Here are a few solutions.

Upgrade Their Bed

Get them a bed they’ll sink into. Deluxe dog beds with orthopedic padding, puffs with soft surfaces, and cushions with memory foam will better relax your dog than a stiff rug or flimsy blanket. Older arthritic dogs might especially struggle to get comfortable. In that case, a supportive orthopedic bed is a great solution when it comes to how to help older dogs sleep through the night.

Soothing Sounds

White noise, classical music, or a soundtrack similar to what you would play for an infant may help soothe your dog into slumber. It can also help drown out distracting noises, such as traffic on the street or crickets chirping outside. Additionally, a ticking analog clock to mimic the sound of their mother’s heartbeat can make a puppy feel less lonely.

Aromatherapy

Sometimes, the solution to “my dog won’t sleep” is the same solution you may use for yourself. Spritz your pup’s paws with lavender essential oil mixed with water. Lavender is gentle, non-toxic, natural, and encourages relaxation. Aromatherapy can help soothe both humans and dogs, so it’s a win-win!

CBD

CBD tablets, oils, or chew toys infused with CBD can safely and naturally calm your dog if it is too anxious to sleep. It may relieve a host of other physical symptoms that make sleep elusive for your dog. Check with your vet first to make sure it won’t interfere with other medications.

Create a More Relaxing Environment

Consider moving your dog’s bed to a spot they are more comfortable in. Separate the dog from any distractions, like being close to windows or the front door. Eliminate scary objects from their view, like the vacuum. Avoid loud noises (like playing TV loudly right before bed) or other stimuli to create a serene atmosphere. This might mean moving your dog’s sleeping area to be closer to you, or closer to another pet in the house. Position their bed in or near a little nook or corner — dogs like to feel protected when they are sleeping.

Give Them a Comfort Object

Give your pup a special dog blanket or special toy to comfort them — something they know is theirs. This can make them feel at home and safe, much like a child with their special item. Make sure that this item isn’t used by other animals in the house (or kids) because this object should be theirs and only theirs.

Adjust the Temperature

If you’ve suddenly realized “my dog won’t sleep through the night anymore”, see if anything in their sleeping environment has changed. This often happens when seasons change, as your dog is ultra-sensitive to the change in temperature and humidity in the air, which can make them feel uneasy or uncomfortable. Make sure the temperature is comfortable, hitting the perfect balance — if it’s too hot they’ll need to pant, too cold and they can’t get cozy.

Tips on Helping Dogs Settle at Night

Here are some tips for when your dog won’t settle at night:

• Call the vet if trouble persists, or if you suspect a health issue. Especially when an old dog won’t sleep at night, it could be a sign of a health issue like canine cognitive dysfunction. If you think your dog is suffering physically, or endangering herself while sleepwalking, keep her in a safe place, perhaps with soothing scents and sounds. Consider allowing your dog to sleep within your earshot or using a baby monitor if you fear for your pet’s safety.
• Let puppies and newly adopted dogs sleep near you. Once they get more comfortable at night, you can move them into their own space.
• Give melatonin or CBD to soothe a dog not sleeping at night.
• Don’t get your dog all riled up late at night if you can help it. Feed them dinner, take them on their final walk of the night, and turn off the lights slightly earlier, signaling that it’s time to settle down. Keep their bedtime routine consistent.
• When your dog won’t sleep, make sure they burn off their energy during the day so they’re not restless at night. Research the ideal amount of playtime for your dog’s breed and age. Stimulate their mental energy too, especially if going outside is not an option due to weather.
• Schedule play dates, build a fenced-in dog run in your yard, take your pet to doggie daycare, provide toys that are physically and mentally engaging, and take them on plenty of walks so they are contentedly tuckered out by bedtime.

Conclusion

If you’re asking yourself, “Why won’t my dog sleep?” chances are both you and your pup are starting to get frustrated. This can lead to an unhappy household, which means an unhappy dog. Oftentimes, the first place to start is with a new bed and you may find it’s the only solution you need. Animals Matter offers luxury dog beds and a host of other companion products to relax and pamper your pup. From stylish faux fur dog beds to calming donut dog beds, we’ve got you covered. Browse our collection today and find your dog’s match for a perfect night’s sleep.

What To Give Your Dog To Sleep Through The Night

Is your dog struggling to sleep through the night? Is your new puppy unwilling to settle into a good nightly sleep routine? Sleep is essential for your dog’s growth, adaptation to its environment, and overall health. To ensure that you and your dog get the needed rest, we’ll give some tips on how to get your dog to sleep through the night.

How to Get a Dog to Sleep Through the Night

Some dogs and especially puppies, struggle to sleep through the night. Here are some practical tips and strategies to get your dog to sleep all night:

Get Your Dog on a Predictable Schedule

It’s crucial to establish a nightly routine to train your dog to stay on their bed and sleep all night. Dogs love a predictable behavior because it helps them feel safe, reduces anxiety, and helps with training. Although, you shouldn’t keep the routine too structured, or your dog will struggle to adapt when the schedule changes.

Getting your dog on a sleep schedule is particularly important for puppies to train them to sleep for longer durations at night and learn bladder control. Be patient. It may take time before your puppy can sleep through the night.

Stimulate Your Dog Mentally and Physically

Dogs sleep better when they’ve been mentally and physically challenged during the day. This means taking your dog for walks, training your dog to learn a new trick, and playing with your dog. But don’t rile them up too much at the end of the night, or they may become hyper and over stimulated.

Give Your Dog Lots of Bathroom Breaks

Until your dog is ten months old, it will be pretty difficult for them to go through the night without a potty break. You’ll need to offer your dog a potty break before bed, and then they should be okay until morning. But it’s a good idea to restrict their food and water about an hour or two before bed if your dog struggles with bladder control.

If you have a puppy, you can determine how long a puppy can go before needing a potty break by adding one to how old they are in months. For example, puppies that are three months old will need a potty break every four hours.

Power Down for the Evening

An hour before bedtime, you should create a calm evening routine that helps your dog power down for the evening. If you’re busy and high key, your dog will be too. Create a relaxing atmosphere and chose quiet activities right before bed.

Train Your Dog to Sleep in Its Crate

Training your dog to sleep in its crate is a great way to train your dog to sleep through the night. But you need to make the crate comfortable and a positive experience to help them adjust to crate sleeping. Do not use your dog’s crate as a punishment, or your dog will associate the crate with bad behavior.

To help create a crate sleeping routine, reward your dog with a treat if they go into their crate at night. Then don’t give in to whining or howling to help them know it is time to sleep. If you get them out for a potty break, put them back in immediately after the break so that they know it isn’t playtime.

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Provide Comfort Items for Bedtime

For dogs that need lots of support, place your dog’s favorite toy or blanket in their crate to help create an inviting and safe environment. Some dogs prefer warmth while other dogs prefer cool beds; you’ll want to experiment with lighting, toys, blankets, beds, or areas where they sleep to create the optimal place for your dog to sleep through the night.

Give Your Dog a Calming Treat or Supplement

Dogs that struggle to settle down or suffer from anxiety may need a supplement to help them calm down before bedtime. A CBD oil supplement is an excellent natural option to help them relax and ease off to sleep.

Dope Dog offers high-quality CBD oil products and treats to help calm your dog before bedtime, creating a restful night’s sleep.

Diagnose Any Medical Issues

Sometimes dogs struggle to sleep because they are in pain or they may have an underlying health issue that keeps them up at night. If your dog usually sleeps well at night and this isn’t typical behavior, you’ll need to get your dog into the vet to diagnose any medical issue.

Common Reasons Your Dog Doesn’t Sleep Through the Night

Dogs and puppies can sometimes struggle to sleep through the night. The most common reasons are:

• Bathroom Break: Puppies and older dogs can struggle with bladder control and need a bathroom break at night.
• Too Much Energy: If your dog doesn’t get enough physical or mental stimulation, it may have too much energy and will struggle to settle down.
• Loneliness: Dogs are social animals and love companionship. Your dog may struggle to sleep if they suffer from separation anxiety or just need comfort.

You’ll want to assess if one of these reasons applies to your dog and then make adjustments to their nightly routine to help your dog get to sleep.

How Much Sleep Does Your Dog Need?

Most dogs need 12-14 hours of sleep each day, but some dogs need more rest depending on age:

• Puppies: Need 18 -20 hours to grow and develop.
• Adult dogs: Need 12-14 hours to maintain health.
• Senior dogs: Need 12-14 hours but may sleep 16-18 hours because of mobility issues, obesity, or fatigue from physical activities, especially for dogs over six years old or older larger breeds.

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Why is my Dog so Annoying at Night?

It’s perfectly natural to get cranky when your dog keeps barking, whining, or shuffling around at night. When you work hard throughout the week, all you want is a good night’s rest.

Dogs are very sensitive creatures with a powerful nose and ears. Their sense of smell is a whopping 10,000 times better than a human’s! Our pets often smell and hear things that completely pass us by, which can leave them hyperstimulated at the worst times. There are many additional reasons your dog could be waking up at night, which we’ll explore more below.

Why Isn’t My Dog Sleeping Through the Night?

Dogs also have a complex relationship with the art of sleep. It’s okay if your dog is a little antsy from time-to-time. However, if you notice your dog struggles to fall or stay asleep for weeks in a row, there’s usually a deeper problem.

Common Environmental Allergies

Do you live in a very dusty home? Your dog may constantly be waking up because their sinuses are being irritated.

Other widespread irritants that could be interfering with your dog’s REM cycle include:

• Pollen
• Laundry detergent
• Dyes
• Fragrances
• Perfumes

How Do I Stop My Dog Waking Throughout the Night?

It’s frustrating when your dog constantly gets up and moves about at night. Depending on the dog, you could be dealing with extra noise or chewed up pillows.

Your first order of business is the process of elimination. Let’s take a look at common factors contributing to your dog’s restlessness.

Measure Dog Food Portions: The Ultimate Guide

move to a new place recently? Sometimes pets take a little longer to grow adjusted to a new environment.

Consider giving your dog familiar items to help them settle down, such as toys, blankets, or their bedding.

We want your dog to relax after a hard day’s work playing and exploring. Contact us today to try out CBD oil to soothe your dog’s anxieties, aches, and pains.