Many dog owners wonder if their furry friends sleep soundly through the entire night or if they tend to wake up periodically like humans do. This is an important question for pet owners since disturbances during the night could indicate underlying health issues or needs in their dog. Understanding a dog’s natural sleep patterns and habits can help owners provide the best care.
Do dogs sleep through the night?
The short answer is yes, most dogs can and do sleep through the night without interruption. However, there are some caveats and exceptions to this general rule.
On average, adult dogs spend 12-14 hours per day sleeping. Puppies and older dogs tend to sleep even more, up to 18-20 hours a day. Dogs go through several sleep cycles at night just like humans experience REM and deep sleep.
During a normal night’s sleep, a healthy adult dog will fall quickly into a deep sleep for about 45 minutes. Then they will have a lighter sleep for a short period before going into REM sleep. In REM sleep, their breathing becomes more irregular and you may see their eyes moving behind their eyelids as they dream.
After the first sleep cycle, the pattern repeats several times during the night. Each cycle lasts around 90 minutes. Adult dogs typically have around 6-8 sleep cycles over the course of 12 hours at night.
So in an ideal situation, your dog can sleep soundly through each natural sleep cycle without waking. Their body is able to get all the deep rest it needs to function properly the next day.
Why might dogs wake up at night?
While most dogs are capable of snoozing straight through the night, some factors can disrupt their sleep:
Age
Puppies under 3 months may need to go outside during the night since they cannot hold their bladder for long periods yet. Senior dogs may wake up disoriented or need to relieve themselves more frequently.
Health Issues
Underlying medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, cognitive dysfunction syndrome, arthritis, or gastrointestinal upset can cause dogs to wake up overnight. They may need to go outside, drink water, or just get relief from discomfort or pain.
Nocturnal Instincts
Some dogs have more alertness programmed into their genes from ancestral breeds meant to stay awake at night for hunting or guarding duties. These dogs may be more likely to wake their owners up.
Noise
Dogs have sensitive hearing so any disturbances in the home at night can potentially wake them up. Noise from inside or outside the home including other pets, wildlife activity, or humans up at night may lead to interrupted sleep.
Needing to Relieve Themselves
Dogs need bathroom breaks overnight too. If you restrict their water intake late at night, take them outside right before bedtime, and make sure your puppy can hold their bladder for 6-8 hours, accidents overnight are less likely.
separation anxiety
Dogs with separation anxiety may panic if left alone at night away from their people. This stress can prevent them from settling down and sleeping peacefully.
Changes in Schedule
With their built-in sense of timing, dogs appreciate regular schedules. Changes to their owner’s work shift, bedtime, or household patterns can throw off their circadian rhythms and sleep cycles at night.
How much sleep do dogs need?
The amount of sleep a dog needs depends on several factors including age, breed, activity level, and overall health. Here are some general guidelines:
Puppies
Newborn puppies up to 3 weeks spend 90% of their time sleeping. They need 18-20 hours of sleep per day to support their rapid growth and development. At 3-6 weeks, puppies still need about 18 hours of sleep.
From 6 weeks to 6 months, puppy sleep needs taper to 14-18 hours per day. They take frequent naps ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours besides nighttime sleep.
Adult Dogs
Adult dogs aged 1-7 years old spend about 50% of the day sleeping, equaling 12-14 hours. They have their longest uninterrupted sleep at night and take short naps during the day.
Senior Dogs
As dogs reach their golden years over age 7, their sleep needs increase again back to the 18-20 hours range. Longer napping during the day helps support their aging bodies and brains. Nighttime sleep may become more easily disrupted.
High Energy Dogs
Higher energy breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Jack Russell Terriers need more daily exercise and mental stimulation. However, they still require around 14 hours of sleep to prevent exhaustion.
Low Energy Dogs
Lower energy breeds like Pugs, Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are satisfied with shorter exercise sessions. They typically sleep over 50% of the time, even up to 20 hours a day.
As long as your dog is sleeping enough overall based on their age, breed tendencies, and activity level, they should be getting sufficient rest. If they seem overtired, stressed, or hyperactive, experiment with adjusting their sleep and waking routines.
Do puppies sleep through the night?
Puppies have to learn to sleep through the night just like human babies. When they first come home, they will likely wake you up frequently overnight for potty breaks or comfort. Beginning around 3-4 months old, puppies can begin sleeping through the night.
Here are some tips to help your puppy learn to snooze from bedtime to wake-up time:
– Take them outside right before bedtime so their bladder is empty
– Choose an appropriately sized crate for them to sleep in
– Place the crate in your bedroom nearby so they feel safe and settled
– Avoid giving them food or water for 2-3 hours before bedtime
– Be patient and respond calmly when they fuss overnight to reinforce self-soothing skills
– Stick to a consistent bedtime and wake up time
– Praise successful nights of uninterrupted sleep
With consistency, puppies can learn to sleep peacefully through the night by about 6 months old. If frequent night waking persists past this age or seems anxiety-driven, check with your vet about solutions.
What are signs of healthy sleep in dogs?
Dogs sleeping soundly should display relaxed body language and behaviors:
– Laying comfortably curled up or sprawled out
– Eyes closed or partially open if lightly sleeping
– Steady, even breathing with no distress
– Occasional twitches, sniffs, or paw movements
– Ability to mostly sleep through normal ambient nighttime noises
Waking up easily or displaying restless behavior could indicate issues:
– Pacing, getting up and changing positions frequently
– Trouble settling down and falling asleep in their bed or crate
– Irregular breathing patterns including panting
– Whining or barking through the night
– Trembling while sleeping
If you notice any signs of distressed or disrupted sleep, consult your veterinarian about potential causes and solutions to help your dog rest easy.
Tips to improve dogs’ sleep
Here are some tips for setting up a sleep environment and schedule that meets your dog’s nighttime needs:
Provide a Cozy Bed
Select a dog bed that allows them to sleep comfortably in their preferred position. Place it in a quiet spot in your bedroom for security. Use cushions and bolsters for nesting. Wash the bed regularly.
Stick to a Routine
Dogs thrive on consistency. Feed meals, walk, play, train, and conduct nighttime routines at similar times daily.
Limit Daytime Naps
While pups need naptime, letting them sleep too much during the day can disrupt their nighttime sleep patterns. Limit daytime snoozing to 1-2 naps.
Get Plenty of Exercise
Make sure your dog gets adequate physical and mental exercise every day. Tired pups fall into deep REM sleep more easily.
Create a Restful Environment
Provide a quiet, comfortable sleeping area away from distractions, noise, and bright lights. Use a crate covered with a blanket to block stimulation. Play calming music or turn on a fan to mask noises.
Ask Your Vet About Supplements
If anxiety or pain is affecting your dog’s sleep, your vet may recommend anti-anxiety medications, natural calming aids, or joint supplements to help them rest easy.
With some adjustments to set up ideal sleeping conditions, most healthy dogs can sleep soundly through the night. Pay attention to your dog’s sleep signals and consult your vet if you have any concerns about their nighttime habits.
How much deep sleep do dogs need?
During a normal night’s sleep, dogs cycle through phases of light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. Deep sleep is the most physically restorative, while REM sleep is critical for brain function, memory consolidation, and learning.
Puppies need about twice as much deep sleep as adult dogs to support growth and development. Adult dogs spend about 10-15% of the night in deep sleep, which equals around 1-2 hours per night. Seniors need about the same amount of deep sleep but tend to get it in shorter increments.
Deep sleep is critical for:
– Tissue growth and repair
– Muscle recovery after exercise
– Hormone regulation
– Healing from injury or illness
– Coat health
– Maintaining a healthy immune system
Dogs typically enter deep sleep early in the nightly sleep cycle. Signs your dog is in deep restorative sleep include:
– Rhythmic, heavy breathing
– Lack of body movement
– Being difficult to awaken
– Whimpering, leg twitches, or tail wagging
If you notice your adult dog displaying restless sleep, only sleeping short stints, or waking up frequently at night, they may not be getting adequate deep sleep. Stress, underlying medical issues, and environmental factors can prevent dogs from cycling normally through each sleep stage.
Make sure your dog has a comfortable sleeping area free from disruptions to help them log quality deep sleep time each night. If restless or disrupted sleep persists, consult your veterinarian.
Why is my older dog suddenly waking up at night?
It can be worrying when a previously sound sleeper starts waking up frequently at night. There are several potential causes for this behavior in senior dogs:
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
This condition shares similarities with Alzheimer’s disease in humans. It causes memory problems, confusion, anxiety, and disrupted circadian rhythms. Your dog may pace, seem lost, or vocalize at night.
Pain from Arthritis
Joint pain and stiffness from arthritis can worsen at night and prevent your dog from getting comfortable. They may have trouble standing up, moving stiff limbs, or getting down steps to go outside.
Increased Urination
Conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and bladder stones cause dogs to urinate more often. Senior dogs also lose bladder control and may need to relieve themselves more urgently at night.
Vision or Hearing Loss
Sensory decline can disorient dogs at night. Not being able to see or hear well may cause them to be startled, anxious, or unsure of their surroundings, leading to night waking.
Medication Side Effects
Some medications like diuretics or steroids cause increased nighttime thirst and urination. Talk to your vet if this is a new problem after starting new meds.
To help your senior dog sleep through the night again, have your vet examine them to diagnose and treat any underlying condition. Adjust their environment and schedule to meet their needs. Additional affection and reassurance can also ease anxiety. With patience and care, restful nights can return.
How to help dogs sleep at night
Here are some tips to help prepare your dog for peaceful nighttime sleep:
Bedtime Routine
Establish an evening routine to relax your dog before bed. Take them outside then engage in calm activities like gentle brushing, massage, or reading together.
Limit Food and Water Before Bed
Pick up water and stop feeding 2-3 hours before bedtime so your dog isn’t disturbed by the need to relieve themselves overnight.
Cozy Bedding
Provide an orthopedic dog bed, especially for senior dogs. Place it in your room for comfort and security. Cover with a blanket and add favorite toys or an unwashed shirt carrying your scent.
Soothing Background Noise
Try turning on a fan, white noise machine, or calming music to mask any disruptive nighttime noises and lull your dog to sleep.
Shut Out Light
Make sure your dog’s sleeping area is away from any outdoor or indoor lighting that might disturb them. Close blinds and curtains at night.
Daytime Exercise
Take your dog on a long walk, play fetch, or engage in training games before bed so they release pent-up mental and physical energy during the day instead of at night.
Talk to Your Vet
If your dog struggles with nighttime anxiety, pain, or frequent potty breaks, your vet can provide medication or supplements to improve sleep.
With preparation for peaceful slumber tailored to your dog’s needs, you can both get a good night’s rest and wake up refreshed.
Conclusion
While most healthy adult dogs are capable of sleeping soundly through the night, many factors can disrupt their sleep. Puppies, older dogs, anxious dogs, and those with medical conditions may need potty breaks or comfort overnight. Even dogs without issues can be woken by noises, schedule changes, or discomfort. Understanding your dog’s sleep cycles and patterns allows you to set up their schedule and environment for maximum rest. Have patience with pups and seniors who need nighttime attention. If sleeplessness, fussing, or pacing occur regularly or without obvious causes, consult your vet to identify and address the underlying issue. With care and preparation, you can ensure your furry friend gets uninterrupted sleep to stay happy and healthy.