Whether it’s dreams, snoring, or the diligent search for the perfect sleeping position, dogs, as fellow mammals, have a lot in common with us when it comes to sleep. Yet, there are also a whole range of important and interesting differences. Want to know what they are? Then sit back and cuddle up with your dozing dog because in this article, you’ll learn everything there is to know about your loyal friend’s sleep behavior. Get ready for a journey into Morpheus’ dog meadow.

How much sleep does a dog need?

When you see your dog frolicking with their canine pals or zooming across the field at what feels like the speed of light, it’s hard to believe, but sleeping and relaxing are not only among dogs’ absolute favorite activities but are also essential for their health.

Sleep needs: How much should dogs sleep?

Age	Rest needs (including “dozing”)
Puppies (up to approximately 18 weeks)	20-22 hours
Young dogs (up to approximately 2-3 years)	18-20 hours
Adult dogs	17-18 hours
Old and sick dogs (approximately from 7-8 years)	20-22 hours

Dogs sleep, doze, and relax for a total of at least ten, often up to twenty hours per day. This is not uncommon for furry friends, and as our table shows, especially puppies and old dogs are true champions of rest. This extended period is also because dogs don’t sleep deeply and soundly the whole time but spend many hours in a light sleep. During this time, they can be just as quickly wide awake as they can fall asleep.

With an average sleep duration of 10.7 hours, our sofa wolves fall into the golden middle of the animal kingdom. Giraffes, horses, and cows sleep only about two to a maximum of four hours per day, while a koala slumbers deeply and soundly for 22 hours. By the way, humans have a sleep range of six to nine and a half hours, not too far from our four-legged friends, except that we don’t doze as much.

Consequences of sleep deprivation in dogs

Sleep deprivation weakens the immune system in both two- and four-legged beings. Studies have shown that dogs, when deprived of sleep, initially exhibit hyperactive behavior like toddlers, then become inattentive and clumsy, with a nervous and easily irritable demeanor.

The first signs of aggression can be a warning signal that the body lacks sleep. In addition to acute issues, chronic illnesses can also be the result. It is important to recognize this before irreparable physical damage occurs.

Of course, you can wake up your dog in an emergency, such as if they are having breathing problems or exhibiting unusual behavior. But if you do, always do it gently, with a soft voice and petting, and never abruptly. Dogs can handle hunger and thirst better than sleep deprivation. It is very important to introduce a ritual of calmness. Many dogs need to get used to the fact that they don’t have to be on high alert all the time. Feel free to lie down with them and practice these phases.

It doesn’t always have to be sleep deprivation that favors illnesses. Prolonged general stress leads not only to weakened overall health in dogs but also in us humans. Is your dog appearing more restless and nervous than usual? Don’t let it rub off on you; instead, consult your veterinarian right away. With dog health insurance, you can also stay much more relaxed and save a lot of money.

Sleep Rhythm in Dogs

Dogs not only sleep in different positions, but they also sleep varying amounts and exhibit different sleep behavior than us humans. In the phases of slumber and rest, we share similarities with our four-legged companions. Light and deep sleep phases are present in dogs, much like in us bipeds. However, their sleep phases are shorter and sometimes more intense, and dogs have the enviable ability to doze off within a short time and wake up just as quickly if necessary.

Our four-legged friends can surprisingly well synchronize their sleep and wake rhythm with us humans. This means that when we go to bed, our canine companion also goes to sleep. We humans are responsible for this adaptation, as dogs fundamentally have a healthy and innate rest rhythm.

In wild animals, the recognition of the need for rest is still innate, but in our domestic dogs, this “insistence” is no longer apparent. On the contrary, we need to teach them the need for rest that has been lost through breeding and their relationship with humans. Especially the life of a guard dog had nothing to do with “I’ll get some sleep when I need it.” They should always be ready and willing to defend the house and property.

How dogs can quickly and restfully fall asleep

It is crucial that your four-legged friend receives sufficient rest, relaxation, and deep sleep. As a dog owner, you are responsible for the high sleep quality of your dog. You should recognize when it’s time for them to take a break from expending their energy. To help your furry friend fall asleep quickly, here are some tips for a peaceful dog sleep:

Physical and mental stimulation:

In addition to physical activity through sufficient movement, mental stimulation also plays a role in good dog sleep. Clicker training, agility, dog dancing, or tracking not only challenge the muscles but also the mind.

Stress avoidance:

Stress also negatively affects the sleep of dogs. A stranger visiting the household, loud voices, and hustle and bustle can prevent them from getting tired in the evening. If your four-legged friend is susceptible to such situations and tends to sleep poorly or little, it’s advisable for them to have a fixed sleeping spot in a quiet corner.

Establish an evening routine:

Do not feed the last meal of the day too late. Allow some time for digestion before taking your furry friend for a final walk to attend to their needs, around the same time every evening.

Rule out health problems:

If you follow all these tips, but your furry companion still sleeps restlessly, you should rule out health problems. Are there any other noticeable symptoms? Consult a veterinarian you trust, have your dog examined, and preferably take out dog health insurance beforehand to protect yourself from high veterinary costs and unnecessary worries in case of emergencies.

Setting up a Suitable Sleeping Area:

The right sleeping place is immensely important for your dog to truly relax. We’ll explain what you should consider for your dog’s resting place in the following section.

The Ideal Dog Sleeping Area

The individual needs of your dog should always play a central role when choosing their sleeping place: Does your beloved companion prefer a slightly firmer or softer bed? Does he prefer to curl up or stretch out comfortably? Would he rather sleep elevated or at ground level? Does he have physical vulnerabilities due to his breed or pre-existing conditions that need to be considered? Is he older and, therefore, in need of a particularly joint-friendly sleeping place, such as a (chew-resistant) water bed or a memory foam mattress?

In any case, the first step is to create optimal conditions for healthy dog sleep. This means that there shouldn’t be constant hustle and bustle near the sleeping place so that the curious four-legged friend is not constantly kept awake by new stimuli. A noisy environment is unsuitable. However, you shouldn’t banish your dog to a secluded room and exclude them from family life. Especially with puppies, it’s important for them to have close contact with their owner, but adult dogs also don’t want to be completely isolated. Furthermore, there should be the option to darken the room in the evening or at night.

On the floor, drafts and cold can bother your dog. If possible, it’s better to place the dog bed or dog basket on an elevated spot.

If the surface is too hard, the dog may suffer from uncomfortable pressure points or skin irritations. If it’s too soft and he can’t find support when getting up and sinks in, he will need too many compensatory movements to maintain balance, putting a strain on the joints. Especially older dogs should be spared this balancing act. By the way, elevated sleeping places and dog beds with raised sides often provide a stronger sense of security and thus a more restful sleep for your furry friend.

If your dog has short fur with little undercoat (e.g., Boxer, Dalmatian, or various sighthound breeds), he needs a cozy spot to help retain body heat, either with a fluffy blanket or a dog cave – a special bed where the blanket is directly integrated. Also, a place near a heater or an electric blanket can be very practical, especially for older dogs and in winter. On the other hand, if your beloved belongs to long-haired breeds with a lot of undercoat (Australian Shepherd, Shiba Inu, Longhaired Collie, etc.), he usually needs a simple, smooth surface that does not overheat him.

Multiple sleeping places in different locations and “climate conditions” are best so that your dog can choose freely. An open dog crate can also serve as a secure retreat for your furry friend and provide the necessary peace.

Tip: Take some time to choose the dog bed and compare the price-performance ratio in the offerings.

Can My Dog Sleep in Bed?

You can surely relate to this. You already have such a cute, cuddly canine companion by your side, and now you’re expected to crawl under the blanket at night without them? That almost feels like torture. Yet, some dog owners deny themselves the living hot water bottle at their feet because they fear spoiling their dog or losing authority in their eyes.

However, the opposite is true: Dogs – especially puppies – that sleep with their owner build an even more intense relationship than those who sleep in a basket. They form a stronger bond through this basis of trust and are better behaved and trained as a result. There are good reasons for this. As pack animals, dogs appreciate the so-called “contact lying” and practice it among themselves. When your dog cuddles with you or another canine companion, the cuddle and love hormone “oxytocin” is released, not only in the dog but also in you. This makes both of you feel comfortable and enjoy health benefits. Sleeping together not only creates a sense of security but also improves sleep quality, and the relaxation has positive effects on psyche, nerves, and muscles.

However, you can still choose to let your dog sleep in their basket for hygienic or health reasons. For example, if you are an allergy sufferer or asthmatic or fear mud stains on the fitted sheet. In this case, you just need to use the day to strengthen the bond with your dog and provide both of you with a relaxed and secure sleep.

Sleeping Position

Depending on how big your furry friend is and how much space they need, you must choose the sleeping corner where you want to place the dog bed accordingly. Some four-legged friends need a lot of space because they stretch out all four legs, while others curl up in the basket and make themselves small. But the sleeping position depends not only on personal preference but also on the outside temperature. In high temperatures, our four-legged favorites like to lie stretched out or on their back, while in the colder seasons, they often sleep curled up to better retain their body heat.

Sleeping positions in dogs are very diverse. Sometimes it’s truly amusing to see how our four-legged companions lie when sleeping. We want to show you some sleeping positions. And? Do you recognize your four-legged favorite somewhere?

Sleep Problems in Dogs

Not every dog sleeps peacefully and quietly through the night. Sometimes, they exhibit behavior during sleep that worries and alarms us. Although it’s not always a cause for concern, you should also observe your dog with a watchful eye during sleep, as their nocturnal behavior can be a good indicator of their health. In the following, we want to introduce you to three of the most common sleep problems in dogs:

My dog snores

Not only are we good at sawing through half the forest while sleeping and driving our bed neighbors crazy, dogs are familiar with snoring too. Unlike us, they usually snore during inhalation, and their snores, which can manifest in whistling, grunting, and rattling sounds, are not as loud and sleep-stealing as those of a human.

If your dog snores occasionally, it is usually not a cause for concern and is quite natural. Some of the less worrisome reasons for dog snoring include:

Even though snoring in dogs is often harmless and, at worst, a bit annoying, you should consider the following more serious causes and, if in doubt, consult with your veterinarian:

If your dog belongs to one of these breeds and is experiencing severe snoring problems or even difficulty breathing, a visit to the vet is highly recommended. Often, relief can be provided through a surgical intervention.

My dog breathes quickly in sleep

The normal breathing rate of a dog is around ten to 30 breaths per minute. If your dog breathes faster and pants during sleep, there’s no need to panic right away. This is completely normal, especially in puppies up to eight weeks old, as they have very lively dream activity, and these dream adventures can manifest in an increased breathing rate.

Even in adult dogs, dreaming can be the cause of a temporary, faster breathing rate. However, if this condition persists or if additional symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, increased salivation, trembling, coughing, seizures, lethargy, or weakness occur, it’s high time to consult a veterinarian. Besides dream phases, the following triggers can also be responsible for rapid breathing in dogs:

My dog sleeps with open eyes

It can be a bit eerie when your dog looks at you with open eyes, even though it seems to be sound asleep. Most of the time, this impression is deceptive, and even if not, it may or may not be a bad omen for your pet’s health. Some harmless reasons for this phenomenon include:

Apart from these natural processes, there are unfortunately pathological reasons why your dog sleeps with open eyes. These include:

If your dog belongs to one of these breeds and suffers from this problem, only a veterinarian can help with eye drops or surgery.

Dogs and Dreams

“When dogs sleep, they dream!” This statement is entirely true. All mammals dream, and dogs also experience REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase, during which they often twitch, have rapid eye movements, and make sounds. This phase involves intense dream activities. It is not scientifically confirmed whether dogs remember their dreams or can differentiate between dream and reality.

What do dogs dream about?

Similar to humans, dogs dream about their daily experiences, which, for a dog, primarily involve running, playing, eating, and social interaction. Recent research suggests that what a dog experiences in its dreams also depends on its breed. For example, a hunting dog may often chase rabbits, while a guard or herding dog may bark at threats in its dreams. However, dogs also frequently dream about experiences with their owners. These nocturnal behaviors often manifest as twitching, barking, licking, or running, depending on what the dog is doing in its dreamland.

Dogs can also have nightmares about stressful situations or things that scare them. Waking them up out of sympathy, however, is counterproductive as it may startle them even more. Gentle physical contact may help calm your furry friend.

As you can see, your dog’s sleep is just as individual and exciting as when they are playing and running with you. To ensure both of you can always sleep soundly and not be bothered by potential veterinary bills, we would recommend considering pet health insurance or dog surgery insurance.

Do you have any more questions about your four-legged friend’s sleep behavior or any amusing or insightful anecdotes to share? Feel free to let us know in the comments.