GabyWe all hear about the importance of a good night’s sleep — but what about your pet’s? A new study from the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) reveals how much time dogs should spend asleep — and it’s more than many owners expect. Researchers at the international veterinary charity say more than half of pet dogs aren’t getting enough time outdoors, which also affects the quality of their rest.
“We all know the saying ‘waking up on the wrong side of the bed,’ and how a lack of sleep affects our well-being. The same goes for dogs: their well-being is directly linked to how much sleep they get,” said lead researcher Lynn James. The National Health Service recommends adults get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night; dogs need significantly more, James noted. While ideal sleep varies by breed, the study found dogs should sleep between 13 and 16 hours a day — more than half the day for many pets.
Why does it matter? The study found most dogs sleep less than 12 hours a day. Lack of sleep increases the risk of aggressive behavior, which can show up as growling, snapping, or even biting. PDSA veterinarians found that 4% of dogs that sleep less than 10 hours confront other dogs in the household, while 6% have conflicts with familiar dogs outside the home. According to the Daily Mail, this behavior occurs half as often in dogs that sleep more than 13 hours. “Providing dogs with comfortable sleeping conditions helps support their emotional health,” James added.
What helps a dog sleep well? PDSA says a dog needs a comfortable resting place away from noise and commotion. If possible, set up multiple quiet spots around the home. The number of people in a household also matters: vets found dogs in families with more than three people typically sleep less than 10 hours, and most dogs living with children sleep under 8 hours. Conversely, dogs in one- or two-person households are more likely to sleep over 13 hours a day.
The researchers say every family member should respect a dog’s safe sleeping space and avoid disturbing it. Veterinarians urge owners to take steps to lengthen and improve their pets’ sleep: give them time alone when needed, and make sure they get proper exercise when awake — running and playing outdoors is essential. If a dog can’t get enough sleep because of routine changes or a sudden increase in activity, it may show stress. James says early signs include a tense or rigid body, avoiding company, yawning, and refusal to eat. The dog may also have pinned-back ears, a fixed gaze, and rapid breathing even when it’s not hot. “If your dog shows any of these signs, it may be experiencing stress, so give it more attention. If left unaddressed, stress can lead to aggression,” the PDSA team warns.
