My Older Dog Sleeps a Lot: Is He OK?

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As your dog ages, things will change. He might slow down, sleep more, and have less energy. Of course, conditions and illnesses can cause new behaviors too, and it can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference.

How Much Do Senior Dogs Sleep?

Dogs do sleep more as they age. But dogs age at different rates. For instance, a giant breed dog like an Irish wolfhound is considered a senior at 6 or 7 years of age while a Chihuahua might not be regarded as a senior until closer to 9 or 10.

Depending on the dog, a senior might sleep between 14 and 20 hours a day.

So How Do I Know if My Senior Sleeps Too Much?

The best way to evaluate whether your dog is sleeping more because of age or due to a health condition is to know his normal behavior and watch for changes. If your dog is usually active and following you around during the day but suddenly begins sleeping most of that time instead, there might be a problem.

Additionally, if other behavior or health signs appear at the same time as an increase in sleep, it's more likely to be a health problem. For instance, if your dog's appetite decreases simultaneously with a significant increase in sleep, he might be sick.

Here are some signs of illness to watch for in your senior pet:

• Change in appetite
• Weight loss
• Increased thirst
• Urinary accidents
• Increased urination
• Decreased activity
• Limping

If you're not sure, schedule a veterinary visit. The doctor will do a thorough exam, ask you questions, and possibly run lab work that might help reveal whether your dog is experiencing normal age-related tiredness or has an illness.

Provide Good Sleeping Arrangements for Your Senior

Your senior dog might have arthritis that can cause stiffness and pain. And if he's spending more time sleeping, in general, you'll want to be sure he has a nice, comfortable bed.

Look for something with lots of cushioning for older joints, but keep your dog's sleeping preferences in mind. Does he usually stretch out or curl up? A shallow bed might help him get in and out better, but if he prefers high sides like a den has, he might not use a shallow bed.

Do what you can to increase the cushion and softness of your senior dog's bed without giving him something he won't like.

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