Contents:
- How Many Hours Does A Golden Retriever Sleep?
- But My Golden Retriever Sleeps All Day?
- Other Reasons Why Your Golden Retriever Sleeps All Day
- What If My Dog Is Restless at Night And Won’t Sleep?
Have you ever thought “my dog sleeps all day, how lucky! I wish I could too!” Dogs do sleep more than humans, and even though we may get a little jealous of our golden retriever pups luxurious 5-hour napping habits, it’s important to understand why your dog sleeps so much and know what excessive sleeping in dogs really is.
How Many Hours Does A Golden Retriever Sleep?
When hanging with other doggy parents, you may be curious if their dog sleeps all day as well. Unfortunately, comparing how much your dog sleeps to another dog’s sleeping habits may not be the best way to gauge what is “normal”. How much sleep your dog should get depends on many factors, i.e. age, activity level, and environmental conditions. If your dog typically sleeps between 12-14 hours a day, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about, according to the American Kennel Club.
But My Golden Retriever Sleeps All Day?
Larger to medium sized dog breeds tend to sleep more often than their smaller counterparts. Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, mastiffs, and Great Pyrenees are especially known for being loving and loyal floor mats, but what about your golden receiver? It could be that a golden retriever that sleeps all day could simply have some seriously relaxed ancestors.
A little extra shut-eye here and there probably isn’t something you should be too concerned about, but if your golden retriever is sleeping excessively accompanied by a change in their eating patterns, unusual thirst, or excess urination, then it’s time to seek medical attention. A combination of some of these symptoms can sometimes point to canine diabetes or kidney disease.
It may be a good idea to watch how your golden retriever acts while they’re sleeping as well. Although most dog parents have seen their dog running in their sleep, other movements could be a potential red flag for an underlying issue. A dog that snores or stops breathing may be at risk for respiratory issues. If, on the other hand, your golden retriever sleeps so soundly that they don’t even hear a doorbell ring, then this could be a sign of a loss of hearing.
Nutrition can also play a big role in your dog’s overall sleeping behavior. If your golden retriever isn’t getting the adequate nutrition they need, then their body may not have the energy to stay awake compared to an average dog. Talk to your local vet to see if they’re getting the proper nutrition to keep them fueled for more activity.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s sleep patterns, track their eating, play, and bathroom behaviors along with any uncharacteristic sleep behaviors. Saying “my dog sleeps all day” isn’t enough to figure out the potential problem, so make sure that you give your vet enough information to find out what’s going on.
If your dog is sleeping over 15 hours a day, then you should pay close attention to how your dog behaves while they’re awake. If they seem lethargic or disconnected from people or other pets, then it’s time to visit your veterinarian.
Other Reasons Why Your Golden Retriever Sleeps All Day
Environmental changes
You should always take environmental changes into consideration when it seems like your golden reliever is sleeping more than normal. Minor changes to your dog’s life could lead to big changes in their sleep habits.
New pets
If all of a sudden there’s a rambunctious kitten in the house, then your dog may be simply looking for their own quiet spot to rest.
Hot weather
Keep a lookout for signs of heat exhaustion like lethargy, vomiting or excessive drooling when your dog gets sleepy in the summer.
A schedule change
Have you recently gotten a new job or have changed your work schedule? A dog that’s home alone for long periods may become depressed or bored.
Playtime has increased
Has your golden retriever recently started attending a new doggy daycare? Are you and your dog training for a 5K together? Increases in playtime or exercise could just have your dog tuckered out, and it may take some time for them to adjust to a new level of exercise before they’re back to their normal sleeping pattern.
What If My Dog Is Restless At Night And Won’t Sleep?
Age is another important factor when it comes to sleep disruptions— an older dog can sometimes have more trouble falling asleep than puppies or younger adult dogs.
Like many older people, some senior dogs (especially those diagnosed with canine cognitive dysfunction, a condition similar to Alzheimer’s disease) will go through sundowning. This means that your dog may get confused or restless as night falls. The dog may pace around a lot and may have trouble falling asleep.
This can be controlled with medication in the majority of cases. Some animals can sleep better when there’s a night light placed near their favorite sleeping spots, as well as leaving a TV or radio on for them at low volume.
