How much sleep does your dog need?

Just like we need to sleep a certain number of hours every day to stay healthy, our dogs also need plenty of time to sleep and rest.  How much?  That depends upon your dog’s age and health.

Generally speaking:

·        Puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep

·        Adult dogs need 8-14 hours of sleep

·        Senior dogs need about 18-20 hours of sleep

What happens if your dog isn’t getting enough rest?  You may see:

·        Increased mouth/nipping

·        Overstimulation or irritability

·        More intense reactions to triggers or stressful situations

·        Decreased ability to learn

What can you do to encourage more rest?  Try:

·        Giving your dog a quiet, comfortable place to sleep/rest.  You can use a crate, playpen or baby gates if your pup needs a separate space.

·        Provide enough physical exercise and mental stimulation during the day - walks, playing in the backyard or puzzles/frozen Kong’s.

·        As much as possible, keep a consistent schedule for waking, sleeping, eating and exercising.