Senior dog sleeps all day: Should you be worried?
If your senior dog sleeps all day and you're wondering why, you're not alone!
You might be worried, but in most cases, it's totally normal.
Older dogs get knackered more easily.
They can sleep 18 to 20 hours a day!
That's a proper lot of kip, but it helps them feel better.
Still, there are times when too much sleep could mean something's up.
If your dog suddenly starts sleeping more or seems poorly, it's a good idea to ring the vet.
In this post, we'll chat about what's normal, what's not, and how you can help your senior Fluffy Friend stay happy and healthy.
Table of Contents
How much do senior dogs normally sleep?
The big sleep numbers
Here's the lowdown: Senior dogs naturally sleep way more than younger dogs!
Adult dogs have a kip for 12-14 hours per day, but older dogs can sleep up to 18-20 hours.
That's a proper lot of beauty sleep!
Your dog's age plays a massive role here.
Just like elderly people need more rest, senior pets have different energy levels than young dogs.
It's completely normal for your canine companion to prefer having a snooze over playing fetch all day long.
Why do senior dogs sleep so much?
Think about it—just like us, dogs slow down as they age.
Their metabolism drops, and their joints may ache.
And they simply don't have the same energy they did as puppies.
Big dogs like Great Danes and Mastiffs tend to feel this even earlier—some show signs of ageing by age 5 or 6.
Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas or Shih Tzus might not hit their senior stride until they're 7 or 8.
Every dog ages differently, but most start needing more rest as they grow older.
Even changes in the weather can play a role.
Cold, miserable days often make senior pups want to curl up and nap more.
And hey, who can blame them?
A cosy orthopaedic bed can make a big difference—supporting tired joints and helping your furry friend sleep deeper and wake up feeling better.
💡 Want to learn more about when dogs officially become seniors?
Check out this post: Simple Tips To Improve Your Senior Pet’s Life
When senior dog sleep is just fine
Embrace the slower pace
Here's the flip side—sometimes, all that sleeping is perfectly normal!
Many senior dogs are simply enjoying a well-deserved retirement.
If your dog:
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Wakes up happy and alert
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Still enjoys short walks or play
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Has a normal appetite
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Responds normally to you
Then their increased sleep is probably just part of healthy ageing.
Dogs experience natural changes as they get older.
Their energy levels drop, and their sleep-wake cycles shift—just like with older humans.
Activities that used to be easy now take more effort, so they need extra rest to recharge.
Quality over quantity
Don't worry too much about how much your senior dog sleeps—focus on how well they sleep.
A good night's kip supports:
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Pain management
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Mental clarity
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Immune system function
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Overall quality of life
Some dogs, especially smaller breeds, naturally sleep more, but live perfectly happy lives.
To help your pup get deeper, more restorative sleep, consider an anxiety relieving dog bed.
The extra comfort can ease joint pain, reduce stress, and help them wake up feeling their best.
Normal causes for more sleep
There are also simple, normal reasons why older dogs nap more:
1. Natural Ageing
Older dogs need more sleep.
That's normal—it's just their golden years starting.
2. Mild Health Conditions
Senior dogs often have joint pain or arthritis.
Some may have early heart or kidney problems that make them feel tired.
Certain medicines, like pain tablets, can also make them sleepy.
3. Environmental Factors
Cold weather, a new routine, stress, or a different diet can all change how much your dog sleeps.
Older dogs feel these changes more.
Enjoy the extra cuddles!
One of the best bits of this stage?
More snuggle time!
Your senior pup may not run about like before, but they often become extra sweet and calm.
These quiet moments together are really special—and a lovely part of growing old with your furry friend.
Related: Ultimate Guide: Cooling Mats for Dogs and Cats That Work
When should you be concerned about excessive sleep?
1. Red flags to watch for
Whilst lots of sleep is normal for senior dogs, some signs mean it's time to ring your dog's vet:
Sudden Changes:
If your dog goes from normal sleep to sleeping 22+ hours overnight, that's concerning.
Gradual increases are usually fine, but sudden change in sleep patterns needs attention.
Can't Wake Up:
If your dog is hard to wake or seems confused when awake, this could possibly be health issues like canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (doggy dementia).
Other symptoms:
Watch for these warning signs:
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Weight loss or no appetite
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Difficulty breathing during sleep (sleep apnoea)
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Signs of pain when moving
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Toilet accidents (faecal incontinence or urinary tract infections)
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Complete loss of interest in normal activities
2. Serious health problems to consider
Some underlying medical problems can cause excessive sleeping:
- Brain diseases that affect the sleep schedule
- Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (like dementia)
- Infections that make dogs feel poorly and tired
- Metabolic disorders or when your dog’s body has trouble turning food into energy.
- Chronic pain from arthritis or injuries.
If you notice the following symptoms along with extreme sleepiness, book a thorough examination with your vet right away.
Related: What’s the Best Bed for Senior Dogs? Top-Notch Support
What to do if your senior dog sleeps all day
Keep track of changes
Start a simple log of your dog's sleep behaviour.
Write down:
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How many hours do they sleep
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When they're most active
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Any recent changes in routine
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New behaviours you notice
All this info helps your dog's vet understand what's happening.
This can then help them create the best treatment plan.
Schedule a vet visit
A physical examination is the best way to rule out underlying health conditions. Your vet might suggest:
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Blood tests to check for kidney disease or other issues
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Joint supplements for arthritis pain
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A prescription diet for specific health needs
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Pain management, if needed
Make home life better
Whilst waiting for your vet appointment, you can help your senior dog feel more comfortable:
Upgrade Their Sleep Setup:
Consider an orthopaedic pillow designed specifically for senior dogs.
The extra support can help reduce joint pain and improve sleep quality.
Create a Cosy Space:
A high-quality dog bed gives your elderly dog a comfy spot for their many naps.
Look for beds with extra cushioning and support.
Gentle Mental Stimulation:
Even sleepy senior dogs feel better with fun brain games or short, slow walks.
Body Temperature Control:
Older dogs often get cold more easily, so provide warm, draft-free sleeping areas.
Related: Why Does My Dog Sleep at My Feet?
The bottom line
Senior dogs sleeping more is usually completely normal - it's just part of getting older!
The key is knowing the difference between normal ageing and potential health problems.
Keep an eye out for sudden changes, extreme lethargy, or other warning signs.
When in doubt, a quick vet visit can give you peace of mind and catch any underlying conditions early.
Most importantly, your senior dog's golden years can be full of love, cuddles, and cosy moments.
All those long naps?
Just their way of soaking up the good life—and that's something to celebrate!
Ready to Help Your Senior Dog Sleep Better?
Does your older dog need better sleep support?
Check out our shop for more senior dog comfort products designed specifically for ageing pups.
From orthopaedic dog beds to comfy blankets, we have everything to help your furry friend snooze happily.
Share your story!
We'd love to hear about your senior dog's sleep habits in the comments below.
Every dog is different, and your experience might help other pet parents!
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