The Mayo Clinic recommends that adults should aim for seven or more hours of sleep each night. Are you concerned that you might not be reaching that goal? If so, you’re likely not alone!

Other animals, such as giraffes and horses, average around 3 to 4.5 hours of sleep daily, according to the University of Washington. But what about our furry friends, the dogs?

If you own a dog, you’ve probably noticed their love for sleep is just as strong as their love for playtime. So, how many hours of sleep do they actually get, and how many hours do they need?

Why do dogs sleep so much?

Dogs typically sleep from 12 to 14 hours each day, as noted by Purina.

The reason dogs sleep so much is that they tend to listen to their body’s cues, unlike humans who often ignore these signals. PetMD mentions that in addition to their sleep, dogs spend about 30% of their day in a relaxed state. Even when they’re not fully sleeping, they are likely resting or lounging around.

Older dogs, puppies, and large breeds generally require more sleep than others. Larger dogs expend more energy than their smaller counterparts, while puppies constantly burn energy, according to PetMD. Senior dogs also need additional sleep to help them recover from their daily activities.

Other elements influencing your dog’s sleep patterns include their environment, health conditions, and diet, as highlighted by Purina.

Is it normal for my dog to sleep a lot?

On an average day, your dog’s activities might break down as follows: 50% sleeping, 30% relaxing, and 20% being active, according to the American Kennel Club.

So, is it typical for your dog to spend a large portion of the day resting or sleeping?

How much sleep is considered too much for a dog?

As a pet owner, excessive sleep in your dog may raise some concerns.

However, dogs can typically sleep up to 15 hours a day without it being a cause for alarm, according to Purina. If your dog exceeds this amount, you might want to consult a veterinarian.

If your dog is sleeping excessively, it could point to health issues such as canine depression, diabetes, or hypothyroidism, as stated by the American Kennel Club.