Puppies need a lot of sleep, with some breeds requiring up to 18-20 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period.
As they grow and develop, puppies' sleep needs change, with most needing 12-14 hours of sleep at 3-6 months old.
Puppies' brains are still developing, and sleep plays a crucial role in this process, with some research suggesting that sleep deprivation can affect a puppy's ability to learn and remember new things.
In the first few months of a puppy's life, they need to sleep a lot to help their brains and bodies grow and develop properly.
If this caught your attention, see: Why Do Chihuahuas Sleep so Much
Puppy Sleep Basics
Puppies sleep a lot, with newborns clocking in at about 22 hours per day.
Their brains are hard at work processing new information and cleaning out toxins during sleep, which helps develop cognitive stability and a happier disposition.
Newborn puppies sleep so much because their bodies are growing rapidly, and they need energy to build bones, strengthen muscles, and mature systems.
As puppies grow, they sleep less and explore their world more, typically sleeping 20 hours a day at 8 weeks and 18-20 hours per day at 10-12 weeks.
Puppies take multiple naps throughout the day and night, with very young pups napping every hour and older dogs settling into 12-14 hours of sleep per day.
Dogs are polyphasic sleepers, meaning they nap or sleep for short periods throughout the day and night, and as they age, they become diurnal sleepers.
With crate training, you can help your puppy establish a sleeping routine and even sleep through the night, but be prepared for lots of barking at first.
A crate provides a calm, safe, consistent environment for sleep, and it's also a great way to help with potty training since young puppies have no bladder or bowel control.
You might enjoy: Bird Sleeping
Routine
Establishing a routine is crucial for your puppy's sleep schedule. Puppies thrive on routine and structure, which helps them adjust to living with you.
Having a consistent sleep schedule will help your puppy learn to sleep through the night. Most puppies will wake up to pee every two hours, so set an alarm to take them outside for a potty break. This will help them associate nighttime with sleep.
A good sleeping environment is also essential. Create a quiet and distraction-free space for your puppy to relax and be comfortable. Line the bottom of their crate with soft, felted blankets or two, and consider adding a soft toy or baby blanket that smells like their mom.
To prevent accidents in the house, establish a bedtime routine that includes a potty break right before bedtime. You can also try giving your puppy a treat before bed to help them associate the crate with a positive experience.
Here's a sample schedule to get you started:
Remember, every puppy is different, so be patient and adjust the schedule as needed. Keep a sleep diary to track your puppy's sleeping cycles and adjust the schedule accordingly.
Understanding Puppy Sleep Patterns
Puppies require a lot of sleep, with newborns sleeping about 90% of the time, or 22 hours per day.
As they grow, puppies sleep less and explore their world more, with 8-week-old puppies sleeping about 20 hours per day and older dogs and puppies settling into 12-14 hours of sleep per day.
Puppies spread their naps out throughout the day and night into 30-minute to two-hour naps, with very young pups napping at a higher frequency, often every hour.
Your Needs
Your puppy will sleep a lot - as much as 16 to 20 hours each day. This is because their little bodies have a lot of growing to do in a short amount of time.
Puppies require more sleep than adult dogs because their brains need to process all the new information they receive while awake. Brain development is crucial during sleep, when the brain cleans itself of toxins and develops cognitive stability.
Newborn puppies sleep about 90% of the time, which is around 22 hours per day. As they grow, they sleep less and explore their world more.
A typical puppy's sleep schedule is as follows: 8 weeks - 20 hours per day, 10-12 weeks - 18-20 hours per day, 14-16 weeks - 18 hours per day, and 16-18 weeks - 18 hours per day.
Puppies spread their naps out throughout the day and night into 30-minute to two-hour naps. Very young pups will nap at a higher frequency, often every hour.
Training your puppy to sleep in a crate helps establish a sleeping routine and provides a calm, safe environment for sleep. Crates also help with potty training since young puppies have no bladder or bowel control.
For every month in your puppy's age, they can go one hour between potty breaks. So, a two-month-old puppy needs a bathroom break every two hours, a three-month-old puppy needs a bathroom break every three hours, and so on.
Keep in mind that every puppy is different, so monitor their needs closely.
Is My Sleeping?
If you think your puppy is sleeping too much, it's a good idea to consult with your vet. More than 20 hours of sleep per day is a red flag.
Your vet will be able to identify if there's an issue, such as illness, lack of food, or lack of water, and help resolve it.
Sample Schedules
A puppy's sleep schedule is crucial for establishing a good routine for both you and your furry friend. Puppies thrive on routine and structure, which includes a sleep schedule.
Puppies need regular potty breaks, which should be done every 2-3 hours, day and night. This is especially true for 8-week-old puppies, who are still adjusting to their new environment.
A typical morning for a puppy might include a wake-up potty break, 15 minutes of play, breakfast, and another potty break. Afternoon naps are also essential for puppies, who need to sleep in the late afternoon.
Here's a simple sleep schedule to get you started:
Puppies also need regular breaks for exercise and play, which can help tire them out for their afternoon naps. Avoid stimulating activities before bedtime, and instead opt for gentle playtime or cuddles.
Sources
- How much do puppies sleep? (dogo.app)
- How Long Do Puppies Sleep? (agriapet.co.uk)
- How Much Do Puppies Sleep? Here's What to Know (akc.org)
- diurnal sleepers (foundanimals.org)
- Puppy Sleep Routines for 8 Weeks and Beyond (embracepetinsurance.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com