Is my dog sleeping too much? Expert advises how much sleep is normal, does it change in winter, and when to see a vet 🐶
Ever felt like your dogs barely wakes up some days?
The clocks recently went back, signalling the days getting colder and shorter as we approach the winter months.
At this time of year many pet parents notice their dogs sleeping more and showing less enthusiasm for walks.
But what’s normal, when is it worth a call to the vet, and what part does diet play?
To help out Lucy Howell’s, Vet Nurse at Butternut Box, has explained how daylight, age and activity levels shape a dog’s winter routine, and why feeding a complete, fresh diet and adjusting portions to match activity matters more at this time of year.
She explained: “Seasonal changes often alter a dog’s routine. Shorter days, colder temperatures and wet weather mean fewer and shorter walks, so many dogs naturally rest more indoors. There’s no single ‘right’ amount of sleep, so what matters is knowing your own dog’s baseline and noticing when it shifts.”
Here’s everything you need to know.
How much sleep is normal for a dog?
Adult dogs typically sleep around 12 to 14 hours a day, while puppies can need as much as 18 to 20 hours, and senior dogs often need more rest, too. Dogs may also sleep more after exercise or mental stimulation. Colder weather doesn’t automatically increase a dog’s need for sleep. More often, it’s reduced activity doing the work. If your dog is eating well, alert and engaging with you as usual, extra time curled up on the sofa is rarely a concern.
Why diet deserves attention in winter
A complete, balanced diet is the foundation here. Fresh food, which is gently cooked and made with recognisable ingredients like real meat and vegetables, is one way to provide that. It’s typically highly palatable and made to meet a dog’s nutritional needs when it’s complete and appropriate for their life stage. I’d encourage owners to monitor body condition rather than just the scales. You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs easily without them being prominent, and see a visible waist from above. If that’s changing, adjust portions with guidance from your vet or the feeding guide.
Fresh food and appetite as a health indicator
Appetite can be one of the first signs that something isn’t quite right with your dog. If they usually tuck into their meals but suddenly start leaving food behind, eating less or refusing meals altogether, it’s worth paying attention, particularly if they’re also sleeping more than usual or seem less interested in walks and play. These changes shouldn’t automatically be put down to the colder weather or shorter days, and it’s important to speak to your vet if they persist or happen alongside other symptoms.
Feeding a complete, balanced diet can help owners keep a closer eye on their dog’s usual eating habits. Fresh food can be useful here because you can see the ingredients and measure out portions, making it easier to monitor how much your dog is actually eating. I’d recommend following the feeding guide, weighing meals rather than estimating portions, and reviewing how much you feed as your dog’s activity levels change throughout the winter.
Keeping track of appetite, portion sizes and body condition gives you a clearer picture of what’s normal for your dog. That way, if their eating habits change, you’re more likely to spot it early rather than assuming they’re simply less hungry because they’re spending more time indoors.
Keeping dogs active and engaged
Where conditions are safe, shorter walks at sensible times of day help maintain muscle tone and routine. On wet days, bring stimulation indoors with scent games, scatter feeding, food puzzles or revisiting familiar training cues. Using part of your dog’s daily fresh food allowance for these activities is a practical way to enrich mealtimes without adding extra calories.”
Tailor activity to age and mobility. Younger dogs may need more outlets for energy, while older dogs often do better with gentle, shorter, more frequent outings.
When to contact your vet
Sleep alone is rarely the issue. It’s the change from normal that matters. Contact your vet if your dog is suddenly sleeping significantly more, struggles to rise, has lost interest in walks or play, is eating less, or seems withdrawn. These signs can point to underlying problems including pain, joint disease, infection or endocrine conditions, which are best assessed by a veterinary professional. If your dog is difficult to rouse, collapses or has trouble breathing, seek urgent veterinary attention.
Owners know their dogs better than anyone. Tracking sleep, appetite, weight and energy over time is one of the most useful things you can do to protect their health through winter.
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