How many hours a day should a dog sleep?

Most adult dogs sleep around 12 to 14 hours in a 24-hour period, spread across the day and night rather than all at once. Puppies and senior dogs typically sleep more, and giant breeds tend to sleep more than small, high-energy ones.

Is it normal for older dogs to sleep more?

Yes, a gradual increase in sleep is one of the most common and expected changes as a dog ages, reflecting slower joints, less energy use and a naturally lower activity level. It becomes worth mentioning to your vet if it happens suddenly, or comes with reduced appetite, stiffness or reluctance to move.

My dog suddenly started sleeping much more than usual — should I worry?

A sudden change over days, rather than a gradual drift over months, is the pattern worth acting on, especially alongside reduced appetite, being hard to wake, or general dullness. Ring your vet to describe what you have noticed rather than waiting to see if it passes.

Can boredom make a dog sleep more?

Yes. A dog with little to do through the day, especially one left alone for long stretches, will often sleep simply to pass the time. Adding a short walk, some proper sniffing time or a puzzle feeder into the day can noticeably reduce daytime napping in an otherwise healthy dog.

Should I wake my dog up during the day?

There is no need to deliberately interrupt normal, restful sleep. It is more useful to notice how easily they wake on their own when something happens — the door, their lead, their name — since a dog who is genuinely difficult to rouse is a different concern from one who is simply in a deep nap.

Why is my dog sleeping so much?

Most dogs sleep for around 12 to 14 hours in every 24, and puppies, seniors and giant breeds often sleep more than that. A high total on its own is rarely a problem. What matters far more is change — a dog who has started sleeping noticeably more than they used to, or who is hard to rouse, is worth paying attention to.

Usually not urgent

This is common and often manageable at home — but see a vet if it persists, gets worse, or comes with other changes.

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How much sleep is actually normal

An adult dog sleeping 12 to 14 hours a day, broken up across day and night rather than in one block, is within the ordinary range. Puppies can sleep 18 to 20 hours as their bodies and brains do the work of growing, and it is not unusual for a young dog to seem to switch from full speed to flat out asleep within minutes.

Breed and size matter too. Giant breeds such as mastiffs and great danes tend to sleep more than small, wiry terriers, and working or sporting breeds that get plenty of exercise often sleep hard afterwards simply because they have earned it. A quiet, low-stimulation day at home will also produce more napping than a day full of visitors, walks and new smells.

Why dogs sleep more as they get older

Sleep increases gradually through a dog's senior years, and it is one of the most consistent changes owners notice. Older joints and muscles simply need more recovery time, and a slower metabolism means less energy is burned during the day, so more of it goes on rest.

This is usually a gentle drift rather than a sudden switch. A senior dog sleeping visibly more than they did a year or two ago, while still eating, drinking, greeting you and enjoying short walks, is showing an ordinary part of ageing rather than a symptom on its own.

When extra sleep is a sign of something else

A change that happens over days rather than months is the one to take seriously, particularly if it comes with anything else out of character: reduced appetite, reluctance to get up, stiffness, weight change, laboured breathing, or a dog who seems dull and hard to engage even when you try. Pain, an underlying illness, and low mood can all show up first as 'sleeping more than usual'.

A dog who is genuinely difficult to wake, who does not respond normally to their name or a favourite noise, or who seems disoriented when they do wake, needs a vet the same day rather than a wait-and-see approach. That is a different picture from a dog who is simply having a lazy afternoon.

What to watch alongside the sleeping

Keep half an eye on the things that usually move together with a genuine problem: appetite, thirst, toileting, mobility getting up and down, and general mood when they are awake. A dog who sleeps more but is otherwise themselves in the hours they are up is a very different case from one who is quiet, off their food and reluctant to move even when awake.

It is worth noting roughly when the change started and whether anything else changed at the same time — a new medication, a recent injury, a change of food, or a stretch of hot weather. That timeline is genuinely useful to a vet if you do need to describe it.

Making rest, and activity, work better

For most dogs whose extra sleep is age or lifestyle rather than illness, the practical side is about the quality of both ends of the day: a supportive bed that keeps an older dog off a cold, hard floor, and enough mental and physical activity while they are awake that the sleep that follows is well earned rather than a way of filling an under-stimulated day.

For a senior dog, an orthopaedic or supportive bed and a joint supplement are worth discussing with your vet if stiffness on rising is part of the picture. For a younger dog sleeping through boredom, a short burst of enrichment — a puzzle feeder or a proper sniffing walk — often does more than a longer, dull one.

What can help

Things we stock that owners commonly use alongside a vet’s advice — not a substitute for it.

Ice-Silk Cooling Dog Bed with Bolster Edge

A breathable ice-silk cooling bed with a soft bolster edge and a cool-touch centre panel that helps your dog stay comfortable through warm weather. No need to freeze or refrigerate, it cools naturally on contact.

From£12.99

L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed

A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.

From£44.99

Plush Checkered Dog Car Back Seat Bed

A quilted checkered car bed that turns the back seat into one flat, cosy platform for your dog.

From£11.99

Inflatable Herding Ball with Handles for Dogs

A large, tough inflatable herding ball that taps into your dog's natural chase-and-nudge instinct. Reinforced bite-resistant fabric and grab handles make it great for active outdoor play with medium and large breeds.

£29.99

Common questions

How many hours a day should a dog sleep?: Most adult dogs sleep around 12 to 14 hours in a 24-hour period, spread across the day and night rather than all at once. Puppies and senior dogs typically sleep more, and giant breeds tend to sleep more than small, high-energy ones.
Is it normal for older dogs to sleep more?: Yes, a gradual increase in sleep is one of the most common and expected changes as a dog ages, reflecting slower joints, less energy use and a naturally lower activity level. It becomes worth mentioning to your vet if it happens suddenly, or comes with reduced appetite, stiffness or reluctance to move.
My dog suddenly started sleeping much more than usual — should I worry?: A sudden change over days, rather than a gradual drift over months, is the pattern worth acting on, especially alongside reduced appetite, being hard to wake, or general dullness. Ring your vet to describe what you have noticed rather than waiting to see if it passes.
Can boredom make a dog sleep more?: Yes. A dog with little to do through the day, especially one left alone for long stretches, will often sleep simply to pass the time. Adding a short walk, some proper sniffing time or a puzzle feeder into the day can noticeably reduce daytime napping in an otherwise healthy dog.
Should I wake my dog up during the day?: There is no need to deliberately interrupt normal, restful sleep. It is more useful to notice how easily they wake on their own when something happens — the door, their lead, their name — since a dog who is genuinely difficult to rouse is a different concern from one who is simply in a deep nap.

Sources

Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.