Guide
How Much Sleep Does a Dog Need?
More than you'd think, and a tired-but-wired puppy usually needs a nap, not more play.
By Pawfessor Editorial TeamUpdated 3 min read
Dogs sleep a lot more than people: around 12 to 14 hours for adults, more for puppies and seniors. Sleep isn’t laziness. It’s when the body recovers and the brain sorts out what it learned. A dog who doesn’t get enough rest can be irritable, bitey or “wired”.
For puppies, see how much should a puppy sleep.
Typical daily sleep
- Puppies: 18–20 hours
- Adults: 12–14 hours
- Seniors: 14–18 hours
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