How Much Sleep Your Dog Really Needs

It's no secret that a good night's sleep is crucial for our mental and physical health, but have you ever thought about how much nap time your dog needs?

Dr Anna Foreman, in-house vet at Everypaw Pet Insurance, reveals how much sleep dogs need to be happy and healthy, and which breeds love a snooze. Spoiler: it's not your hyperactive Border Collie.

Much like humans, the younger your dog is, the more sleep it needs. “As a puppy, a dog will sleep more during the day than an adult due to the amount of energy expended during the day,” says Anna.

This might make you think that the more active your dog is, the more sleep it needs.

However, according to Anna, you would be mistaken. Active dogs need less sleep than those with a reputation for being sluggish.

“There are no breeds specifically prone to sleep issues,” Anna explains. Instead, some breeds are simply more docile and sleep more than working dogs like Labradors and Cocker Spaniels.

The breeds that need the most sleep include the Basset Hound, large dogs like the Great Dane, and brachycephalic breeds – canines with broad, short skulls, like Bulldogs and Pugs.

These dogs are also more prone to snoring. Due to their shorter nose and the same amount of soft tissue as other dogs, the latter obstructs their airways, leading to snoring when they sleep. Anna says that snoring sometimes persists even when they're awake.

Overweight dogs can face similar issues, as fat around their larynx, or voice box, can lead to compression, causing snoring.

Anna advises to help your dog lose weight, where possible. With short-snouted breeds, however, the only solution may be airway surgery.

Always head to your local vet if you need additional advice.