Puppy sleep is a vital process without which proper development, training and immunity are impossible. In the first few months of life, a puppy is like a baby: his entire body, nervous system, brain and behavior are formed during deep, long sleep. So a lack of sleep can be just as harmful to a puppy as a lack of food or water.
How long puppies should sleep
On average, puppies sleep 18-20 hours a day, especially in the first 2-3 months of life. Their “wake – eat – play – sleep again” routine may seem excessive, but it’s perfectly natural. A puppy’s brain is not yet able to handle long periods of activity, so frequent and quality sleep is the only way to promote healthy development. The number of hours of sleep gradually decreases with age, but even at 6 months of age, a puppy still needs 16 hours of rest a day.
Why puppies sleep so much
The reasons for this deep sleep are both physiological and neuropsychological:
1. Brain development. Sleep activates the hippocampus, the area responsible for memory and assimilation of new information. This is why puppies remember training commands and new habits better after a nap.
2. Growth and Recovery. Growth hormone is released during deep sleep, which means the body is actively growing and repairing itself at this time.
3. Emotional stabilization. Puppies get excited very quickly, their nervous system is not yet mature, and it is sleep that avoids overload and stress.
4. Immunity strengthening. Sleep directly affects the body’s ability to fight viruses and bacteria. This is especially important during the vaccination period.
Puppy sleep chart by age
| Puppy’s age | Approximate sleep duration per day | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 weeks | 22-23 hours | Sleeps almost constantly, wakes up only for feeding |
| 2-4 weeks | 20-22 hours | Start to move a little and open their eyes |
| 1-3 months | 18-20 hours | Activity is short, resting most of the time |
| 4-6 months | 16-18 hours | A more stable day-night rhythm emerges |
| 6-12 months | 14-16 hours | Deeper sleep, puppy is already forming his own routine. |
| From 1 year of age | 12-14 hours | Transition to an adult dog’s routine |
When puppies can sleep through the night
You can’t expect a puppy to sleep through the night from day one without interruption. In the first few months, babies wake up often – they may be scared, lonely or just want to go to the toilet. However, from as early as 4 months of age, most puppies are able to sleep for 6-8 hours straight if their daily routine is right.
What affects nighttime sleep:
A walk before bedtime. The puppy needs to go to the bathroom and expend any remaining energy.
A clear feeding schedule. Not too late in the day – and not too many meals.
Quiet and cozy. A quiet environment with no lights or extraneous sounds.
A place of one’s own. A safe lie-down, cage or cushion – comfortable and familiar.
Contact with the owner. If the puppy is afraid of being alone, leave an item with your scent nearby or let him sleep closer to you for the first time.
If conditions are favorable, most puppies will sleep through the night without interruption at 5-6 months of age – a great sign that they’re starting to mature.
Conclusion
Puppies need plenty of sleep. It’s not a whim, it’s a basic need that determines their quality of life. Don’t interfere with their rest, don’t wake them up for no reason and don’t try to make them more active than their nature tells them to be. Sleep is the foundation of your dog’s future health, behavior, and energy. And it is through good rest that you will get a balanced, intelligent and happy friend later on.
