Understanding the Importance of Sleep for Dogs

As a dog owner, it's essential to understand that your furry friend needs plenty of sleep to stay healthy and happy. Puppies and senior dogs require at least 22 hours of sleep per day, while adult dogs in their prime should get anywhere from 16-20 hours of rest. Neglecting your dog's sleep needs can lead to a variety of behavioural and health issues that can negatively impact the bond between you and your furry companion. In this post, we'll dive deeper into the importance of sleep for dogs and discuss why it's crucial to ensure they're getting enough rest.

Like us, dogs require sleep to allow their bodies and minds to rest and repair. During sleep, a dog's body can heal and repair damaged tissues, their immune system can recharge, and their minds can process the events of the day. Without adequate rest, dogs can become increasingly nervous and hyper, leading to behavioural issues like restlessness, annoyance, and exhaustion.

Experts recommend providing dogs with comfortable and safe sleeping spaces that are their own and free from distractions. This can help them feel secure and relaxed, leading to deeper and more restful sleep. "Puppies and senior dogs need at least 22 hours of sleep a day. An adult dog in its prime also needs 16-20 hours of sleep. The saying "After tired comes stupid" is justified because if a dog is overtired, he may eventually overcome their tiredness and show restlessness, annoying and exhausting behavior." (1)

Many dog owners are often quick to respond to their dog's demanding behavior, thinking that they're keeping their furry friend content. Some dog owners view overtired behavior as an indication that their dog has excess energy and make them even more tired by trying to drain that energy. This can develop into a vicious cycle that ultimately damages the relationship between man and dog due to an overtired dog. It's important to provide dogs with the right amount of rest and understand when they need to sleep, rather than responding to their every whim.

It's also important to note that certain breeds require more or less sleep than others. For example, larger dog breeds like Great Danes and Mastiffs may require more sleep than smaller breeds. Similarly, breeds bred for high energy activities like hunting or herding may require more sleep to recharge and recuperate.

At Hunter Mill Retrievers, our labs sleep for 18 - 20 hours a day, by their choice, not ours. They get plenty of exercise to meet their activity needs and ensure good health. Every time we turn around they are nestled on a cot, dog bed or chair sound asleep.

Neglecting a dog's need for sufficient sleep can result in long-term behavioral and health issues, including anxiety, aggression, and obesity. It's important to be aware of your dog's sleep patterns and, if necessary, provide them with a comfortable and conducive sleeping environment that promotes better and more restful sleep.

This post is not to imply that every impulse control problem results from sleep deprivation, but a holistic approach to your dogs upbringing includes adequate sleep as much as proper nutrition.

In conclusion, ensuring your dog gets enough rest is critical to their overall health and well-being. Adequate sleep promotes better mental and physical health, leading to better behaviour and a stronger bond between you and your furry companion. As a dog owner, it's important to be aware of your dog's sleep needs and provide them with a comfortable and distraction-free sleeping space that promotes restful sleep. By doing so, you can ensure that your furry friend stays healthy, happy, and well-rested for years to come.

(1) Sommer, Miriam. Dog Training: Impulse Control and Frustration Tolerance - 124 Easy Step-by-Step Games for a Happy and Stress-Free Life with your Dog – incl. 21 Brain Games ... a Happy Everyday Life with Your Dog) (p. 30).