Why is my dog so sleepy?

Is your dog often drowsy? While most dogs enjoy stretching out on the sofa for a good long nap, if your canine chum seems to be constantly tired and lacking in energy, showing little interest in things they usually enjoy, it could mean something’s not right. Dr Suzanne Moyes MVB, MRCVS explains what normal sleep levels in dogs look like and the red flags that signal you need to contact your vet.

Q: What’s lethargy in dogs?

A: Lethargy is defined as having low energy and it can be indicative of several different problems. When a dog is lethargic, it means they sleep a lot more than usual, move about slowly and often lose interest in playing favourite games and going for walks.

Sometimes lethargy in dogs can be down to something as simple as the weather, for example, if it’s been very hot, it’s quite natural for them to be a little sluggish. Or, if you’ve been on a really long, exciting hike together, it’s not a surprise that all they want to do is curl up in their bed for an undisturbed, lengthy snooze once they get home. However, a constantly dozy dog can be a sign that something’s not as it should be.

Q: How much time do dogs normally spend sleeping? 

A: Sleeping patterns vary through a dog’s different life stages. Puppies need loads of sleep as they have so much growing to do and may nod off for 15 to 20 hours a day. Senior dogs also like lots of shut eye as their energy levels naturally decline as they age. Adult dogs will often happily sleep for 12 to 16 hours a day, especially if all their emotional and physical needs are met. 

In fact, it’s natural for dogs to take several naps throughout the day, particularly if there’s not much going on to pique their interest. But, if there’s a sudden rustle of a food bag or clink of their lead being taken off a hook, a healthy dog will quickly rouse themselves from their slumber to check if it’s dinner time or walkies is imminent!

Different breeds also have varying sleep patterns. Some breeds such as Greyhounds, French Bulldogs, Bassett Hounds and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are renowned couch potatoes who adore snoozing marathons on a comfy sofa. 

With high energy breeds, such as Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, Jack Russell Terriers, Dalmatians and Labradoodles, lengthy periods of sleepiness are more unusual and worth keeping a close eye on, particularly if they appear woozy and bewildered when they wake up. 

As long as your four-legged friend is eating and drinking normally, enjoying their walks and playing games when they’re awake, sleeping a lot is generally nothing to be worried about.

Q: What can cause excess sleepiness in dogs? 

A: An unusually sleepy dog could be a sign of an underlying health issue. In fact, many medical conditions can cause lethargy. These include infections, heart, kidney or liver disease, anaemia (low numbers of red blood cells) or hormone problems such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, and hypothyroidism, which can all make a dog extremely tired. If your dog has pale gums, a bloated-looking tummy, difficulty breathing, is shaking or experiencing seizures, they need to see a vet immediately.

Emotional issues can affect dogs, too. Major changes in your home such as the arrival of a new baby or pet, the loss of a companion animal or moving house can be really stressful for anxious dogs. This can lead to depression, which can reveal itself in loss of appetite, being less playful, and becoming extremely lethargic. 

Because low energy can be caused by many different conditions – some of which are serious – if your dog has lost their usual bounce and love of life, always contact your vet for advice. 

Q: If I’m worried about my dog’s sleeping habits, what will the vet do?

A: If your dog’s sleeping pattern suddenly changes, it’s well worth getting a health check with your vet to make sure there’s no physical reason for them to be more tired than usual.

If your vet feels that further investigation is required, this could include blood and urine tests, x-rays and CT scans to locate the cause of the problem. They will then be able to provide your dog with a treatment plan.

Q: What can I do to help my dog to have a healthy sleep pattern? 

A: There are four key things that can help your dog keep happy and healthy and enjoy the right balance of fun and activity and rest and recovery:

• Provide a safe, cosy sleeping area with a supportive bed where your dog can sleep in comfort without being disturbed.
• Ensure your dog gets regular exercise that’s suitable for their breed and age, along with fun training sessions and plenty of rewarding scent and puzzle games to keep both body and brain energised.
• Feed them well. Good nutrition is the foundation of good overall canine health. Always choose a life stage appropriate, complete food that provides your best friend with all the protein, carbohydrates, fats, fibre, vitamins and minerals they need in the correct balance. Always feed the recommended amount shown on the back of the dog food pack. This will help to ensure the correct amount of nutrients are delivered to your dog and that they maintain an ideal weight. 
• Visit the vet regularly for check-ups or if you have any health concerns and consider taking out pet insurance to cover the cost of any treatments that may be required. Prevention is always better than cure and can go a long way to ensuring your canine companion enjoys a long, happy and healthy life. 

SOMETHING TASTY FOR EVERY DOG – PREMIUM DOG FOOD WITHOUT THE PREMIUM PRICE! 

Every dog deserves a first-class dinner from puppy to adult and senior. Burgess Pet Care is a British, family-owned company, and all our dog foods are made using only ingredients that meet our stringent specifications. We’ve also developed foods to meet the specific nutritional needs of sporting and working dogs, Greyhounds and Lurchers and dogs with sensitivities. 

GOOD TO KNOW 

• COMPLETE NUTRITION Each of the recipes in the Burgess Dog Food range are complete, providing all the nutrients dogs require in the right proportions.
• PORTION CONTROL With dry food, it’s easy to measure out the right-sized portion to help your dog maintain a healthy weight. 
• HEALTHY AND SAFE The thorough cooking process ensures that any harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, and viruses are destroyed, and the dry food stays fresh inside the pack.
• TEETH FRIENDLY Dry dog food has the added benefit of exercising your dog’s chewing muscles and provides a mild cleaning effect on the teeth.
• MADE IN BRITAIN Crafted at Burgess Pet Care’s own factory in the heart of Yorkshire, Burgess Dog Food contains high-quality ingredients that meet stringent specifications, locally sourced wherever possible to support British farmers.

With a whole host of *5-STAR REVIEWS*, our customers have told us:

* “This has really settled my puppy's stomach down as she has such a sensitive tummy... have just ordered more.” * “I’m absolutely over the moon with this dog food. My dogs are so much happier on this food. Thank you.” * “This food has really helped firm up my puppy’s poop!!! Plus, she loves it!!!” * “Very happy, puppy enjoys the kibble and is always excited at mealtimes.” * “Works well for my puppy and has made a great difference to his digestive system.” * My 12-year-old Border Collie, Aston, loves Burgess food. I have tried other kibble, but he has been reluctant to eat it, so I go straight back to Burgess.” * “Our Labrador loves this! It's the only food he doesn't get fed up of”. * “Perfect purchase, delivery and product. Very impressed.” * “Stopped the soft poo and made it much easier to clean up!” *“An excellent dog food, definitely a market-leading brand. My dog thrives on it, no upset stomach ever.” * “A leader amongst dog foods.” *

NEED MORE ADVICE?

If you’re at all unsure about the best way of feeding your dog or have any concerns about specific nutritional requirements, ask your local veterinary practice for advice. You can also call our expert team, available 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, on +44 (0)1405 862241 who’ll be happy to help. Alternatively, use our online contact form to get in touch.

CARE MORE Find lots of useful advice on caring for your dog from Burgess, the pet experts >> 

Is your dog a Burgess dog? Join the Burgess Pet Club for exclusive offers, competitions and expert advice from our in-house vet, Dr Suzanne Moyes.