Quality rest for a longer, healthier life.
Sleep
Canine Sleep Health: The Silent Pillar of Longevity
Sleep may not be as visible as diet or exercise, but it is just as essential to your dog’s health, happiness, and longevity. Quality sleep is the body’s time to repair, regenerate, and reset—and this applies just as much to our canine companions as it does to us. When sleep is disrupted, everything from immunity and metabolism to mood and cognitive function can be affected. Prioritizing healthy sleep patterns is a powerful, often overlooked way to enhance your dog’s well-being and extend their healthy years.
Why Sleep Matters for Dogs
Sleep plays a critical role in nearly every physiological system. During sleep, your dog’s body restores immune function, clears waste from the brain, balances hormones, and supports tissue repair. Puppies need extra sleep to fuel growth and development, while senior dogs rely on restful sleep to maintain physical and mental health as their systems slow with age.
Chronic sleep disruption has been linked to increased inflammation, cognitive decline, stress sensitivity, and a greater risk of chronic illness. Good sleep hygiene isn't just about helping your dog feel rested—it's foundational for long-term health and resilience.
How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?
The amount of sleep a dog needs varies by age, breed, and lifestyle:
Puppies: 18–20 hours per day
Adult dogs: 12–14 hours per day
Senior dogs: 14–16+ hours per day
Dogs sleep in short cycles rather than one long stretch, alternating between light sleep and short periods of REM (dream) sleep. Unlike humans, they nap frequently during the day, especially when their environment is calm and predictable.
Signs Your Dog Isn’t Sleeping Well
Disrupted sleep can manifest in subtle or obvious ways. Signs to watch for include:
Pacing or restlessness at night
Increased vocalization, especially in senior dogs
Daytime lethargy despite plenty of rest time
Irritability or behavioral changes
Difficulty settling down at bedtime
Frequent waking or changes in sleep location
For senior dogs, sleep disturbances are often linked to cognitive dysfunction, pain, or anxiety. For younger dogs, poor sleep may result from overstimulation, lack of routine, or physical discomfort.
Veterinary Evaluation of Sleep Problems
If your dog consistently struggles with sleep, your veterinarian can help identify the root cause. Common contributors include:
Pain from arthritis, GI discomfort, or dental disease
Urinary issues (e.g., incontinence, increased frequency)
Cognitive decline in senior dogs
Sleep apnea or upper airway obstruction (especially in brachycephalic breeds)
Behavioral or anxiety disorders
Bloodwork and a physical exam can help rule out systemic conditions affecting sleep, while behavioral assessments may reveal stress-related patterns.
Labs to Consider for Sleep-Related Issues
While there isn’t a “sleep panel” for dogs, several lab tests can provide insight when sleep issues are chronic or worsening:
CBC and Chemistry Panel: Screens for inflammation, infection, kidney/liver disease
Thyroid Panel (Total T4, Free T4, TSH): Low thyroid function can cause fatigue, restlessness, and mood changes
Urinalysis: Identifies urinary infections or kidney-related changes that may disrupt sleep
CRP (C-reactive protein): Assesses systemic inflammation, which can affect comfort and circadian rhythm
Serum hyaluronic acid (sHA) is a blood test for the early detection of degenerative joint disease (DJD) which may assess for potential pain conditions that can impact comfort and sleep.
Cortisol (ACTH stimulation or dexamethasone suppression test): Screens for Cushing’s disease, which may cause nighttime restlessness and increased urination
Sleep as a Cornerstone of Longevity
Sleep is far more than just downtime—it is essential recovery time for your dog’s body and brain. A well-rested dog is more resilient, better behaved, and more likely to age gracefully. By establishing healthy routines, addressing discomfort, and supporting emotional and neurological balance, you give your dog one of the most valuable gifts for longevity: deep, restorative sleep.
At Canine Longevity, we view sleep as a cornerstone of whole-body wellness. Whether your dog is a restless puppy or a senior navigating nighttime changes, we’re here to help you build the habits and support systems they need to sleep soundly—and thrive.