how much sleep do puppies need


The truth about young puppies is that despite their seemingly boundless energy, most of their time is spent having a snooze fest! When your puppy is 2 months old, those little bursts of puppy energy usually only take up around 4 to 6 hours of the day! Now that your puppy is maturing, they shouldn’t be sleeping away the whole day. 

However, it’s completely normal for your dog to regularly nap during the day despite a full night’s sleep. Most dogs still spend at least half of a 24-hour day asleep, even as adults. Your pup might sleep 10 hours a day or they might sleep 14 hours a day. This variation is normal!

However, excessive tiredness or lethargy can be a sign of a medical condition. If your dog has a set routine and you’re noticing changes in their sleep schedule, you can always speak with your VCA care team to rule out medical conditions. Other things to watch for include:

  • Restlessness at night
  • Changes to appetite
  • Changes to potty habits
  • Lack of interest in play or other fun activities
  • Excessive snoring when sleeping

Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds may be at risk of sleep apnea, which can cause them to be tired during the day. If you’re noticing that your flat-faced pup is snoring a lot or seems to sometimes gasp at night, contact your veterinarian.

Does your pup have their own bed? Learn the pros and cons of co-sleeping with your puppy!