You hear it first. The soft snore. Then the little dream twitch. Your dog is out cold on the couch again, and you wonder if this is okay. Most of the time, yes. Dogs sleep a lot. But sometimes a shift in sleep is the first whisper that something else is going on. I think that is why many of us keep an eye on it, even when we pretend we do not.
Sleep tells a story.
In Gloucester, the team at Dogtown sees that story every day. Dogs nap after play, perk up at pickup, then drop into deep sleep at home. The pattern matters. Let’s walk through what is typical, what is not, and when to ask for help.
What normal looks like
Healthy adult dogs often sleep 12 to 14 hours in a 24-hour cycle. Puppies may hit 18 to 20. Seniors can drift back toward puppy levels, though with lighter sleep. Naps stack up during the day, then there is a longer night stretch. This rhythm is flexible, but it is not random.
In a study from North Carolina State University, typical dogs showed two activity peaks, one in the morning around 8 to 10 a.m., and another in the evening from 5 to 11 p.m. Weekends brought more movement too. So if your dog gets the zoomies after dinner, that might be baked in, not a surprise.
Environment plays a role. Research on unfamiliar environments and generalized anxiety shows dogs may sleep less and more lightly when they feel on edge. That can create a loop of poor sleep and even more vigilance. Think of the first night in a hotel. Dogs feel that shift too.
Red flags you should not ignore
You know your dog’s baseline. Changes are what matter. These signs deserve attention:
- Big jumps in total sleep, like an adult dog pushing past 18 to 20 hours, for several days.
- Sudden insomnia, pacing at night, or asking to go out multiple times with no clear need.
- Restless sleep with repeated startle wakes, panting, or whining.
- Loud snoring plus choking or gasping, which can hint at airway issues.
- Frequent night terrors or intense paddling that looks more like distress than a dream.
- New confusion at dusk, getting stuck in corners, or standing and staring.
- Accidents at night in a dog who was house trained.
- Daytime lethargy that does not lift with a walk or play.
If you see two or more of these for a week, talk with your veterinarian. I know, that sounds cautious. Still, sleep is an easy early clue.
Why sleep changes
There is not a single reason, more like a handful that overlap.
- Age and brain changes. A study using functional linear modeling found that older dogs are less active during those typical peak times. That shift ties into cognitive changes. You might see day napping creep up and night wandering begin.
- Pain. Arthritis can make it hard to settle or to get up after sleep. Dogs may circle, sigh, or choose hard floors to avoid sinking beds.
- Anxiety or new places. Studies on dogs in unfamiliar settings and anxiety link reduced sleep to hypervigilance. Some dogs need time and a routine to relax.
- Illness. Infections, endocrine shifts, tummy trouble. Sleep can swing both higher and lower.
- Environment and welfare. In kennel studies, sleep and resting behaviors were useful markers for well-being. At home, noise, temperature, and light do the same.
- Medications. Some sedate, some stimulate. Changes are not always bad, but you should note them.
Simple ways to track sleep
Skip fancy gadgets if you want. Try a two-week log. Each day, jot down:
- Bedtime, first wake time, and total night wakes.
- Three daytime nap blocks with rough start and end.
- Exercise, meals, meds, and any odd events like storms.
Patterns tend to appear by day five. If you prefer support during the day, the daycare program at Dogtown keeps dogs active in small, supervised groups, which can make night sleep smoother. For structured enrichment, the day camp schedule adds training games that work the brain as well as the body.
Set the stage for good sleep
Daytime habits
Sleep pressure builds with use. Most dogs do better with two or three short activity blocks than one huge burst. Mix sniff walks, fetch, and problem-solving. If loose manners or leash pulling add stress, personalized training at Dogtown can calm the day so the night goes well.
Sleep environment
- Bed choice. Supportive, firm enough to get out of, big enough to stretch. Keep a second bed in a cooler spot.
- Sound and light. White noise helps some dogs. Dim the room at least 30 minutes before bed.
- Temperature. A few degrees cooler can help deeper sleep.
- Routine. Last potty break, then water down a touch, then a quiet settle cue.
If coat care bothers your dog at night, like nail clicks on floors or mats that pull, the gentle grooming services at Dogtown can remove that friction. Small things count.
Night plan
Keep bedtime steady if you can. Feed dinner a bit earlier, allow time to digest, then a calm walk. Put high-energy play earlier in the day. If you must travel, try to bring your dog’s bed and scent items. When you need a safe place that feels familiar, Dogtown’s boarding suites follow routines and send updates, which, I think, helps everyone sleep.
When to call the vet
Call soon if sleep changes come with weight loss, thirst shifts, pain, confusion, or bathroom accidents. Keep your log. It speaks for your dog. The goal is not perfect nights. It is steady, restful nights most of the time. That is enough.
Conclusion
Your dog’s sleep is a quiet health check. Small changes are normal. Big swings are a message. Track a little, adjust the day, and make nights calm. If you want help building that rhythm, Dogtown in Gloucester is here. From active days in small groups to kind training and care, we support the habits that lead to better sleep and happier mornings. Schedule a free pre-enrollment assessment, meet the team, and see how a simple routine can change the way your dog rests.
Frequently asked questions
What is normal dog sleep behavior?
Most dogs nap in short bouts through the day, then sleep longer at night. Light dreaming, gentle twitching, and soft snoring can be normal. Dogs are often more active in the morning and evening, which aligns with a study from North Carolina State University that mapped typical peaks. The key is a pattern that repeats for your dog.
How much sleep do dogs need?
Adults often need 12 to 14 hours across 24 hours. Puppies may need 18 to 20. Seniors can edge higher but sleep lighter. Age shifts activity too, as shown by functional linear modeling that found older dogs are less active during peak times.
When should I worry about dog sleep?
Reach out to your veterinarian if your dog suddenly sleeps far more or far less for a week, wakes at night with pacing or whining, has new snoring with choking, shows confusion at dusk, or has night accidents. Pair that with notes from a simple sleep log. If you want daytime structure to support rest, the Dogtown daycare program can help reset the routine.
What causes changes in dog sleep?
Common causes include pain, anxiety, new environments, illness, age-related changes, and some medications. Dogs in unfamiliar places often sleep less, as shown in research on anxiety and sleep. Sleep also reflects welfare, which has been used to assess well-being in studies of shelter dogs that tracked sleep and resting behaviors.
How can I help my dog sleep?
Build a steady day with two or three activity blocks, use a cool, quiet sleep spot, and keep a calm pre-bed routine. Adjust meal timing and include a final potty break. If behavior skills or grooming issues get in the way, Dogtown offers training and grooming. For travel or overnights, the boarding suites maintain routine so rest comes easier.
