Veterinarians Outline Signs of Insufficient Sleep in Dogs and Daily Requirements

Dogs typically spend much of their day resting, but veterinarians note that this does not always equate to quality sleep. Dr. com, explained to Newsweek that genuine sleep involves full cycles, including deeper stages where owners may observe small muscle twitches, soft whimpering, or eye movements under closed lids, indicating REM sleep.

Dogs obtaining restorative rest generally wake alert and responsive. In contrast, those waking groggy, disoriented, or slow to engage may not be achieving sufficient quality sleep.

Excessive daytime sleeping can mask underlying issues, according to Dr. Wailani Sung, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and senior director of animal admissions and wellbeing at Joybound People and Pets. She told Newsweek that frequent napping is common, but heavy daytime sleep may result from inadequate nighttime rest, leading to symptoms like low energy, reduced interest in walks or play, and decreased appetite.

This fatigue affects dogs' overall well-being, similar to humans, and owners may overlook it due to dogs' natural napping habits.

Adult dogs generally need 12 to 14 hours of sleep per 24-hour period, with adjustments based on age, breed, and size, as stated by Rakestraw. Puppies and senior dogs often require up to 18 hours, while larger breeds sleep more than smaller ones. Dogs distribute sleep across multiple naps rather than one continuous period.

Sung cited research showing dogs average 10.1 hours of sleep daily, with 60 to 80 percent of nighttime hours spent sleeping.

Common indicators of sleep deprivation in dogs include yawning, irritability, clumsiness, and slower reactions, according to Rakestraw. Affected dogs may show reduced focus during training or play and less interest in usual activities. In some instances, overtired dogs exhibit hyperactivity or restlessness, akin to behaviors in sleep-deprived children.

Sung added that insufficient rest can lead to increased anxiety, over-arousal, agitation, and difficulty following learned cues.

Poor sleep impacts dogs' mood and behavior by disrupting emotional regulation and brain function, Rakestraw explained to Newsweek. This can result in heightened anxiety, irritability, aggression, reactivity to noises or unfamiliar people, and challenges in learning commands or controlling impulses.

As diurnal animals, dogs align their sleep with owners' routines, but environmental factors like lights or noise at bedtime can hinder deep sleep stages, causing daytime tiredness and lack of focus.

Key disruptors of canine sleep include noise, inconsistent routines, and uncomfortable sleeping areas, per Rakestraw. Stress from separation anxiety or household changes, such as a new pet, baby, or schedule shifts, also contributes. Pain or medical conditions can further prevent settling into deep sleep, affecting dogs' health and owners' ability to maintain harmonious routines.

Owners should seek veterinary advice if sleep changes persist beyond one to two weeks, Rakestraw advised. Concerning signs include excessive sleepiness combined with other symptoms like behavioral shifts or appetite loss. Early intervention can address underlying issues, ensuring dogs receive the rest essential for their physical and mental health, with veterinarians able to evaluate for medical causes or recommend environmental adjustments.