It’s very common for older dogs to sleep more as they age. Excessive sleeping or lethargy in senior dogs is often caused by the natural aging process, but there can also be underlying medical conditions contributing to their restlessness as well. Understanding the reasons behind your older dog’s increased sleep needs can help you provide the best care.
Quick Answers
– Older dogs tend to sleep 12-14 hours per day on average. Increased sleep needs are a natural part of the aging process.
– Medical conditions like arthritis, cognitive dysfunction, and organ disease can also cause senior dogs to sleep more and be less active.
– Providing a comfortable, warm sleeping area away from drafts and noise can help senior dogs sleep better.
– Stick to a consistent daily routine with familiar walks and playtime to keep their mind and body engaged.
– Monitor for other symptoms like appetite changes, weight loss, or house training accidents which could indicate illness.
– Annual vet exams and bloodwork allow early detection and treatment of age-related diseases to improve quality of life.
Why Do Senior Dogs Sleep More?
The aging process affects dogs similarly to humans. As your dog reaches their senior years, around age 7-10 depending on breed size, their sleep-wake cycles begin to change. It’s common for older dogs to sleep 12-14 hours per day on average, compared to the 10-12 hours younger adult dogs sleep. There are several reasons senior dogs tend to sleep more:
Decreased Physical Activity
As dogs age, they typically become less active and playful. Joint stiffness from arthritis often limits their mobility and enthusiasm for exercise. Senior dogs may still enjoy short leashed walks but have less energy for active playtime. With less daytime activity tiring them out, older dogs are more inclined to nap and rest. Providing ramps, orthopedic beds, and avoiding overexertion can help manage arthritis pain. But some decreased activity is inevitable. Adapting their routine to include more resting periods can help accommodate senior dogs’ decreased stamina.
Changes in Sleep Architecture
Sleep architecture refers to the cyclic patterns of sleep stages. As dogs reach old age, their sleep stages and brain wave patterns change. The deepest stages of sleep diminish. Senior dogs spend more time in light sleep and tend to wake frequently or sleep restlessly. Their circadian rhythms may also become disrupted, leading to night waking or daytime drowsiness. These senior sleep changes mean older dogs need more rest overall even though their sleep is less deep and more fragmented.
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
This canine version of dementia causes behavioral changes similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Affected dogs may seem confused, anxious, or disoriented and begin pacing restlessly. They often sleep more during the day but wake frequently at night. Providing consistency and schedules can help ease this age-related decline in canine cognition and memory. Natural supplements like fish oil, coconut oil, and antioxidants may also help support cognitive health.
Decreased Organ Function
As part of the aging process, dogs’ kidney, liver, heart, and endocrine functions gradually become less efficient. Their organs have lower reserves and work harder to maintain normal bodily processes. This natural decline in organ function can leave senior dogs feeling tired, weak, or sleepy. Regular veterinary care including bloodwork helps monitor organ function and detect any disease early.
Pain and Illness
Excessive lethargy or restlessness in senior dogs should not be dismissed simply as normal aging. It can also signal an underlying medical condition requiring veterinary attention. Arthritis, dental disease, cancer, organ failure, and cognitive dysfunction often worsen with age. These painful or debilitating conditions can dramatically increase sleep needs if left undiagnosed and untreated.
Common Medical Causes of Excessive Sleep in Senior Dogs
While increased napping is generally normal in older dogs, certain diseases also lead to lethargy, low energy, and excessive sleep. Frequent vet exams to identify and manage age-related illness are key to your senior dog’s quality of life. Here are some common medical reasons for excessive sleeping:
Arthritis
Over 90% of dogs over age 7 have some degree of arthritis. Joint inflammation and stiffness from chronic arthritis leaves senior dogs reluctant to move, making them sleep more. Providing orthopedic beds, ramps, NSAID pain medication, and gentle exercise can help manage arthritis discomfort.
Cancer
Cancer becomes increasingly common in older dogs. Tumors sap energy reserves causing fatigue. Certain cancers like leukemia also disrupt blood cell counts leading to anemia and tiredness. Unexplained weight loss with increased sleeping often warrants cancer screening.
Kidney Disease
Aging kidneys become less efficient at removing waste from the bloodstream. Toxins build up making dogs feel constantly fatigued and weak. Bloodwork helps diagnose kidney issues before exhaustion sets in. IV fluids, diet changes, and medications can help manage kidney disease.
Heart Disease
Senior dogs may develop heart valve problems or weakened heart muscle function. Reduced heart output leaves them chronically tired. Coughing, panting and trouble exercising are other signs of canine heart disease. Medications can improve heart function and quality of life.
Cushing’s Disease
This endocrine disorder leads to excessive cortisol. Affected dogs display increased thirst, urination, appetite and panting along with lethargy from muscle wasting. Bloodwork detects elevated cortisol levels and guides treatment.
Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes makes dogs constantly exhausted from high blood sugar levels. Warning signs include increased thirst, urination, hunger and weight loss. Insulin injections, diet and exercise help manage diabetes to improve energy levels.
Dental Disease
Infected or painful teeth and gums can make eating uncomfortable. Senior dogs may avoid chewing hard kibble leading to poor nutrition and low energy. Dental cleanings and extracted infected teeth provide pain relief and brighten up older dogs.
Cognitive Dysfunction
This gradual decline in cognitive function leaves senior dogs confused, anxious and restless. Pacing, forgetting house training, and night waking are common symptoms. Prescription medications and mental stimulation can help manage canine dementia.
Urinary Incontinence
Weakened bladder sphincters in spayed females and enlarged prostates in intact males often lead to urine leakage and accidents. The constant urge to urinate and discomfort from skin irritation results in listlessness. Veterinary treatment includes hormone therapy, medications, or neutering surgery for prostate enlargement.
| Medical Condition | Symptoms | Diagnostics | Treatment Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis | Stiffness, limping, difficulty standing | Radiographs, palpation | NSAIDs, joint supplements, pain medication |
| Cancer | Unexplained weight loss, enlarged lymph nodes | Blood tests, imaging, biopsy | Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, pain control |
| Kidney Disease | Increased thirst, bad breath, vomiting | Bloodwork, urinalysis, imaging | IV fluids, diet change, medications |
| Heart Disease | Coughing, exercise intolerance, weakness | Chest x-rays, ECG, echocardiogram | Heart medications, diet, activity restriction |
| Cushing’s Disease | Increased thirst and urination, panting, muscle wasting | Bloodwork, urine tests, imaging | Medication, radiation, adrenal surgery |
| Diabetes | Increased thirst, hunger and urination | Bloodwork, glucose curves | Insulin therapy, diet, glucose monitoring |
| Dental Disease | Bad breath, mouth pain, loose teeth | Oral exam, dental radiographs | Professional cleaning, extractions, antibiotics |
| Cognitive Dysfunction | Disorientation, confusion, anxiety | Neurological exam, imaging, bloodwork | Prescription medications, mental stimulation |
| Urinary Incontinence | Dribbling urine, skin irritation | Urinalysis, ultrasound, hormone tests | Hormone therapy, medications, surgery |
Tips for Managing Your Senior Dog’s Sleep Needs
While you shouldn’t discourage an older dog from resting as needed, there are ways to make them more comfortable and improve their sleep:
Provide a Cozy Bed
Choose an orthopedic foam bed to cushion painful joints. Place it in a draft-free spot away from high traffic areas to prevent disturbances. Wash the bed frequently as older dogs are more prone to accidents.
Adjust Their Schedule
Stick to a regular daily routine of feeding, walking and playtime. But build in more nap periods to accommodate their energy lulls. Keeping older dogs mentally and physically engaged will encourage good sleep at night.
Manage Pain and Illness
Annual vet exams with bloodwork and diagnostics allow early intervention for age-related diseases to optimize your dog’s health and comfort. Follow prescribed treatment plans. Keep up with medications and mobility aids.
Try Supplements
Glucosamine helps cushion stiff joints. Fish oil supports cognitive function. Melatonin can help regulate sleep-wake cycles. Always check with your vet before starting any supplements.
Maintain a Quiet Home Environment
Dogs’ hearing becomes more sensitive with age. Limit loud music, TVs, children’s playtime, and other disruptive noises to avoid waking a napping senior dog. Calm activities support better rest.
Exercise the Mind
Physical limitations shouldn’t mean the end of playtime. Adapted games and interactive toys keep older dogs mentally stimulated. Feed puzzles, sniff walks, learning tricks, and hide-and-seek are great low key activities.
Monitor for Changes
Note any major differences in sleeping habits, energy levels or behavior that could indicate pain or illness. Track symptoms to discuss with your vet. Don’t assume changes are just due to being senior.
When to Seek Veterinary Advice
While it’s generally normal for senior dogs to sleep more, certain symptoms warrant medical attention:
- Sudden onset of excessive sleeping
- Resistance to getting up or inability to stand
- Anxious pacing or restless sleep
- Loss of interest in walks, play or affection
- Accidents or forgetting house training
- Significant change in appetite or weight
- Excessive panting, coughing or straining to urinate
- Whimpering or crying out when touched or moved
Schedule a vet exam promptly if you notice any of these red flags to identify and treat any underlying illness. Pain management is key to ensuring your senior dog’s golden years are comfortable and happy. Don’t write off sleeping all day as just old age. With attentive veterinary care and a few adjustments at home, senior dogs can continue to live active, fulfilling lives with their cherished humans.