Is 16 Hours of Sleep Normal for Dogs?

How Much Do Dogs Normally Sleep?

Dogs naturally spend about 80% of their day sleeping or lounging. On average, they sleep around 8 hours at night and take about 4 hours of naps during the day. This adds up to roughly 12 hours of rest, but many dogs exceed this. A study found that dogs sleeping 14 to 16 hours daily had a stress point average of 24.4—lower than those sleeping fewer hours.

This means that 16 hours of sleep is not only normal but may actually be beneficial. Dogs need time to recover from physical and mental activity, and rest supports their overall health.

Sleep and Stress: What the Research Shows

A survey of dog owners revealed that dogs sleeping fewer than 17 hours per day had higher stress point values. The group sleeping 14 to 16 hours had a stress average of 24.4, which is below the overall average. In contrast, dogs sleeping 10 to 13 hours had a higher stress score of 25.0.

This suggests that lack of rest can be a sign of stress. If a dog is kept active too much without enough downtime, it may show signs of stress. Therefore, allowing your dog to rest for 14 to 16 hours daily supports emotional balance and well-being.

What Your Dog Does When Not Sleeping

When not sleeping, dogs spend about 7 hours lounging—lying around happily without being asleep. They also need about 5 hours of activity each day, including walking, playing, exploring, and socializing with other dogs. This includes 90 minutes of running or play-fighting and 90 minutes of walking and exploring.

Additionally, dogs spend 120 minutes a day watching their owners, sniffing, cleaning, and thinking—activities that are mentally stimulating but not physically demanding.

When to Be Concerned About Excessive Sleep

While 16 hours of sleep is normal, sudden changes in sleep patterns may be a sign of concern. If your dog was previously active but now sleeps much more than usual, or if they seem lethargic, unresponsive, or uninterested in food or play, it could indicate a health issue.

However, the data shows that dogs sleeping 14 to 16 hours daily are not stressed and are likely well-rested. As long as your dog is eating, drinking, and showing normal behavior when awake, 16 hours of sleep is not a red flag.

Creating a Balanced Routine for Your Dog

To support healthy sleep and activity, balance your dog’s day. Ensure they get at least 5 hours of active time—walking, playing, and socializing. Then, allow for ample rest. Dogs that are left alone for 4 to 5 hours daily tend to have lower stress levels, possibly because they have time to sleep and recover.

Make sure your dog has a quiet, comfortable place to rest—like a sunspot, bed, or near you. This helps them feel safe and supports their natural sleep cycles, including both shallow and deep sleep phases.