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They say let sleeping dogs lie, but it would be hard to resist smooching the sleeping beauty in this sweet post from aestheticamentee. Sometimes it seems like all puppies do is sleep. A newborn pup may sleep as long as 22 hours a day. However, puppies require a lot of sleep because learning and growing can be tough on their developing minds and bodies. This precious Golden Retriever pup is recharging with a well-earned nap in its owner’s jacket, but how much sleep do puppies really need?
Being a Puppy Is Exhausting
Like humans, newborn puppies are altricial. This means they are not fully developed at birth and require a parent’s care. Puppies’ brains, nervous systems, musculoskeletal systems, immune systems, digestive systems, eyesight, and hearing are not completely formed. They experience the fastest growth during their first six months, so pups require a considerable amount of sleep to support their rapid development.
Between 2-4 weeks of age, puppies’ ears and eyes will open and they will begin to walk. Although puppies always seem like they’re raring to go, actively learning and exploring requires a great deal of energy and can be very tiring for them. They need sleep to restore their energy and help them process their new experiences. Some researchers believe that dogs also consolidate memories while sleeping.
How Much Sleep Do Puppies Really Need?
Experts explain that it is common for newborn puppies to sleep as much as 22 hours a day. Puppies between 2-12 weeks old typically sleep around 18-20 hours a day. From 3-6 months of age, puppies generally sleep 14-16 hours per day. Once pups reach around six months old, they start to sleep more like adult dogs. So, they will average around 12-14 hours of sleep a day. However, this can vary depending on your dog’s breed and their specific needs.
It’s crucial puppies get the rest they need as sleeplessness can cause lasting harm. Puppies secrete growth hormones as they sleep, so sleep deprivation can lead to delayed development. Insufficient rest can also result in a weakened immune system, making puppies vulnerable to infection or illness. Puppies suffering from loss of sleep also experience cognitive dysfunction, as well as behavioral issues. If your puppy is not getting enough sleep, establishing a bedtime routine may help.
Any Time Is Nap Time
Like babies, puppies typically nap throughout the day when they feel tired. Also like babies, they wake frequently to eat and use the bathroom. For dogs of all ages, sleep is polyphasic. This means they take multiple naps in a 24-hour day, instead of consolidating their sleep into one long period. Puppies sleep significantly longer than adult dogs during the day, but once they reach around one year old, most of their time is spent sleeping during the night. Around 80% of an indoor dog’s sleep takes place roughly between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Setting a schedule can help get everyone in the household get on the same page. Experts recommend having a set bedtime and firm bedtime habits, including taking your puppy to go to the bathroom right before turning in. It’s also important to give your puppy their own place to sleep. A crate can help your pup feel safe and secure, plus give them a place to rest when they need it. At first, it is best to keep the crate nearby so you can let your pup know they are not alone. Hopefully, once everyone gets into the new routine, both puppies and humans can get more sleep.
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