Why Is My Dog Sleeping More? 9 Reasons and When to Worry
Introduction
If your dog seems to be sleeping more than usual, you're not alone in noticing. Dogs are champion nappers by nature, but a sudden increase in sleep or a noticeable drop in energy can be puzzling—and sometimes concerning. Understanding what's normal for your dog's age, breed, and daily routine is the first step.
Young puppies may sleep about 18 to 20 hours a day, often in frequent naps, while adult dogs typically sleep around 12 to 14 hours a day, and senior dogs often need about 12 to 15 hours of sleep per day, according to Canine Journal. But when extra sleep crosses into lethargy—where your dog seems unusually low in energy even after waking, is reluctant to get up, seems weak, or shows little interest in things they normally enjoy—it's time to pay attention.
This article walks you through the difference between normal rest and true lethargy, how sleep needs change with age, nine common reasons your dog may be sleeping more, when to call your veterinarian, and how you can help.
Is Your Dog Resting or Acting Lethargic?
It's easy to confuse a sleepy dog with a lethargic one, but the distinction matters. A dog who is simply resting will still perk up for a favorite toy, a treat, or a familiar voice. A lethargic dog, by contrast, seems unusually low in energy even after waking, may be reluctant to get up, seem weak, or show little interest in things they normally enjoy, according to Canine Journal. That lack of responsiveness—especially to things that usually spark joy—is a key red flag.
Activity trackers can help you spot patterns. In FitBark's data, dog activity peaked around 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday were the most active days, according to Canine Journal. If your dog's daily rhythm has shifted dramatically from their normal peaks and valleys, that's worth noting.
Breed also plays a role: Greyhounds can sprint at astonishing speed, then spend a good part of the day lounging, according to Canine Journal. So a sighthound who sleeps a lot may be perfectly normal, while a typically busy herding breed who suddenly slows down may not be.
Keep in mind that lethargy is a symptom, not a diagnosis. If your dog is lethargic, call your veterinarian. If they are difficult to wake or cannot get up, seek emergency care, according to Canine Journal. Trust your instincts—you know your dog best.
How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need at Each Age?
Sleep needs vary widely across a dog's lifetime. Young puppies may sleep about 18 to 20 hours a day, often in frequent naps, according to Canine Journal. That's not laziness; it's essential for growth and development. Adult dogs typically sleep around 12 to 14 hours a day, according to Canine Journal. Senior dogs often need about 12 to 15 hours of sleep per day, according to Canine Journal. So a gradual increase in sleep as your dog ages is often completely normal.
Activity levels tell a similar story. According to a Dog Aging Project analysis, estimated daily activity was slightly over 3.5 hours at age 1 and about 2.3 hours at age 17, as reported by Canine Journal. That's a natural decline over a lifetime. FitBark activity tracker data shows substantially more activity in dogs ages 3 to 6 months than in dogs around age 3, according to Canine Journal. In other words, puppies and adolescents tend to be busier, while mature adults settle into a more moderate routine.
Breed can influence sleep patterns too. For example, Greyhounds can sprint at astonishing speed, then spend a good part of the day lounging, according to Canine Journal. So when you're evaluating whether your dog is sleeping too much, compare them to their own baseline first—and consider their age, breed, and typical daily activity. A sudden change from their normal pattern is more meaningful than any absolute number.
9 Reasons Your Dog May Be Sleeping More
1. Age-Related Changes
As dogs mature, their activity naturally declines. According to a Dog Aging Project analysis, estimated daily activity was slightly over 3.5 hours at age 1 and about 2.3 hours at age 17, as reported by Canine Journal. Senior dogs often need about 12 to 15 hours of sleep per day, according to Canine Journal. If your older dog is sleeping more but still enjoys walks and interacts with you, it may simply be part of aging. For more on healthy aging, see Can Science Help Dogs Live Longer And Healthier Lives?.
2. Breed Tendencies
Some breeds are simply more laid-back. Breed can influence sleep patterns; for example, Greyhounds can sprint at astonishing speed, then spend a good part of the day lounging, according to Canine Journal. If you share your home with a naturally docile breed, extra naps may be their default setting.
3. Pain or Mobility Problems
Pain or mobility problems such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, luxating patella, degenerative myelopathy, or injury can make activity harder and lead to more rest, according to Canine Journal. In FitBark's comparison, dogs with osteoarthritis recorded about one-third less activity than other adult and senior dogs, according to Canine Journal. If your dog seems stiff or reluctant to move, pain could be the culprit. Learn to spot the subtle signs in Is Your Dog Hiding Joint Pain?.
4. Medications
Medications can cause drowsiness in dogs; extra napping may start soon after a new medication or dose change, according to Canine Journal. If you've recently started a new prescription or adjusted a dose, review the timing with your veterinarian.
5. Busy Days and Travel
A busy day, travel, daycare, or a weekend full of visitors can wear a dog down more than their regular routine, according to Canine Journal. Just like people, dogs can need a recovery day after a big event.
6. Warm, Humid Weather
Warm, humid weather can make a familiar walk feel like much more work, especially for older dogs, dogs carrying extra weight, and short-nosed breeds, according to Canine Journal. Watch for signs of overheating: heavy panting that doesn't ease with rest, excessive drooling, weakness, stumbling, confusion, vomiting, or diarrhea, according to Canine Journal. If you see these, cool your dog down and seek veterinary advice. For a deeper dive, read 15 Minutes to Tragedy: The Hidden Signs of Heat Stroke in Dogs.
7. Routine or Household Changes
Changes in a dog's routine or household can disrupt sleep and activity patterns, according to Canine Journal. A move, a new baby, a schedule shift, or a new pet can all throw things off temporarily.
8. Normal Daily Rhythm
Dogs have natural daily rhythms. In FitBark's data, dog activity peaked around 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday were the most active days, according to Canine Journal. If your dog is sleeping more during the day but still active at their usual peak times, they may just be following their internal clock.
9. Underlying Health Issues
Lethargy—unusually low energy even after waking, reluctance to get up, weakness, or little interest in normal pleasures—can signal a health problem, according to Canine Journal. If your dog is lethargic, call your veterinarian; if they are difficult to wake or cannot get up, seek emergency care, according to Canine Journal. Only a vet can rule out serious conditions. If your dog is also scratching or uncomfortable, see Why Is My Dog Scratching Constantly?.
When Extra Sleep Needs Veterinary Attention
Not all extra sleep is cause for alarm, but some signs warrant a call to your veterinarian. The clearest red flag is lethargy: a dog who seems unusually low in energy even after waking, may be reluctant to get up, seem weak, or show little interest in things they normally enjoy, according to Canine Journal. If your dog is lethargic, call your veterinarian; if they are difficult to wake or cannot get up, seek emergency care, according to Canine Journal.
Other concerning signs include those related to overheating: heavy panting that doesn't ease with rest, excessive drooling, weakness, stumbling, confusion, vomiting, or diarrhea, according to Canine Journal. These can indicate heat exhaustion or other serious issues, especially in warm, humid weather, which can make a familiar walk feel like much more work, especially for older dogs, dogs carrying extra weight, and short-nosed breeds, according to Canine Journal. If your dog is breathing fast or panting heavily, see The Silent Alarm: Why Is My Dog Breathing Fast Causes And Symptoms Revealed.
Also pay attention to sudden changes in activity. In FitBark's comparison, dogs with osteoarthritis recorded about one-third less activity than other adult and senior dogs, according to Canine Journal. Pain or mobility problems such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, luxating patella, degenerative myelopathy, or injury can make activity harder and lead to more rest, according to Canine Journal. If your dog is sleeping more and moving less, it's worth investigating. And if extra napping started soon after a new medication or dose change, mention it to your vet—medications can cause drowsiness in dogs, according to Canine Journal.
How to Help a Dog Who Is Sleeping More
The first step is to observe and record. Keeping a simple record of your dog's sleep and activity can help you and your veterinarian identify changes, according to Canine Journal. Note when your dog sleeps, when they're active, and how they respond to things they normally enjoy. This log can be invaluable during a vet visit.
Next, consider recent changes. A busy day, travel, daycare, or a weekend full of visitors can wear a dog down more than their regular routine, according to Canine Journal. Changes in a dog's routine or household can disrupt sleep and activity patterns, according to Canine Journal. If you've had a shake-up, give your dog time to adjust—but if things don't improve, check in with your vet.
Weather matters too. Warm, humid weather can make a familiar walk feel like much more work, especially for older dogs, dogs carrying extra weight, and short-nosed breeds, according to Canine Journal. Adjust walk times to cooler parts of the day and watch for signs of overheating: heavy panting that doesn't ease with rest, excessive drooling, weakness, stumbling, confusion, vomiting, or diarrhea, according to Canine Journal. If your dog is a flat-faced breed, see Is My French Bulldog Sick? 7 Silent Warning Signs You Must Never Ignore.
If your dog is on medication, review side effects with your veterinarian. Medications can cause drowsiness in dogs; extra napping may start soon after a new medication or dose change, according to Canine Journal. Never stop or change a dose without veterinary guidance.
Finally, know when to call. If your dog is lethargic, call your veterinarian; if they are difficult to wake or cannot get up, seek emergency care, according to Canine Journal. With careful observation and professional advice, you can help your dog get back to their happy, active self.
FAQ
Q: How many hours a day should a dog sleep? A: Puppies may sleep 18–20 hours, adult dogs typically 12–14 hours, and senior dogs often 12–15 hours per day, according to Canine Journal.
Q: Is it normal for my senior dog to sleep more? A: Yes, activity naturally declines with age. Estimated daily activity was slightly over 3.5 hours at age 1 and about 2.3 hours at age 17, according to a Dog Aging Project analysis reported by Canine Journal. But if your senior seems weak or uninterested in normal pleasures, call your vet.
Q: When should I worry about my dog sleeping more? A: Worry if your dog is lethargic—unusually low energy even after waking, reluctant to get up, weak, or uninterested in things they normally enjoy. Call your veterinarian; if they are difficult to wake or cannot get up, seek emergency care, according to Canine Journal.
Q: Can medication make my dog sleepy? A: Yes. Medications can cause drowsiness in dogs, and extra napping may start soon after a new medication or dose change, according to Canine Journal. Review any changes with your vet.
Q: Could pain be making my dog sleep more? A: Yes. Pain or mobility problems such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, luxating patella, degenerative myelopathy, or injury can make activity harder and lead to more rest, according to Canine Journal. Dogs with osteoarthritis recorded about one-third less activity than other adult and senior dogs in FitBark's comparison.
Q: What if my dog is vomiting or has diarrhea along with sleeping more? A: These can be signs of overheating or other serious issues. If you see heavy panting that doesn't ease with rest, excessive drooling, weakness, stumbling, confusion, vomiting, or diarrhea, cool your dog down and seek veterinary advice, according to Canine Journal. For vomiting specifically, see Why Is My Dog Throwing Up Yellow Bile? The Empty Stomach Secret.
Source: Canine Journal
