My 8-year-old dog sleeps 20 hours a day – is that normal? 16-18 hours is the baseline, beyond that needs attention

"My senior dog sleeps 20 hours a day – is that normal?" It's one of the most common questions older dog owners ask. The short answer is: probably yes – but if they're still groggy after waking, or if they've suddenly gone from 16 to 20 hours, that's not just "getting old."

In our previous article, we answered "how many hours do dogs sleep by age." This one is written specifically for senior dog owners – digging deeper into: 16-18 hours is the normal baseline, what's happening when it goes over 20 hours, and when it's time to see the vet.

Quick check: How much is your senior dog sleeping?

Here's a direct reference table:

Senior dogs sleeping 14-18 hours is normal – but the key isn't "how many hours"

Royal Canin's veterinary guide notes that 14-18 hours of daily sleep is within the normal range for senior dogs. AKC Chief Veterinarian Dr Jerry Klein also confirms that senior dogs typically need 12-15 hours of sleep per day. Adult dogs sleep around 10-14 hours, meaning seniors sleep about 2-4 hours more than their younger selves.

Dr Klein adds: "Dogs are creatures of habit, and their owners are very aware of their routine. If that routine starts to shift, it's worth paying attention to and consulting your vet to confirm whether it's normal."

In other words: it's not about how many hours they sleep – it's about whether something has changed.

What's the difference between "sleeping 20 hours" and "sleeping 16 hours"?

The key question is: have they always been like this, or is this a sudden change?

Always slept 20 hours – It might just be that your dog naturally needs more sleep than others. As long as they're alert when awake, there's usually no cause for concern.

Suddenly gone from 16 to 20 hours – This change is more significant than the 20-hour number itself. Dr Klein emphasises: "A notable shift in sleeping patterns is often more telling than the total hours alone."

Royal Canin's veterinary guidance also notes that simply sleeping more isn't necessarily alarming – but if that change is accompanied by other changes in condition, it's worth observing more closely.

When to be concerned: 5 key signs to watch for

1、Consistently sleeping over 20 hours a day

Dr Jerry Klein clearly states that senior dogs sleeping more than 20 hours a day, or showing a notable shift in sleeping patterns, could indicate an underlying health issue.

2、 Still groggy after waking

If your dog sleeps a lot but is also lethargic when awake – slow to respond to sounds or food – that's not something you can just put down to old age. One vet notes that if a dog "barely gets up all day, has no interest in food, and barely responds when called," these signs shouldn't be dismissed as just ageing.

3、Day-night reversal – sleeping all day, awake all night

If they sleep all day but pace around at night unable to settle, this could be an early sign of canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) – similar to Alzheimer's in humans. Research shows that over 60% of dogs over 11 years of age show at least one sign of cognitive dysfunction – a higher proportion than many owners realise.

4、Accompanied by other symptoms

If lethargy appears alongside any of the following, it's worth monitoring:

1、Loss of appetite or weight changes

2、Drinking and urinating significantly more

3、Vomiting or diarrhoea

4、Walking slower or difficulty getting up (could be arthritis pain)

5、Coughing or breathing difficulties

5、Can't settle – keeps getting up and lying back down

If your dog seems tired but can't get comfortable – keeps getting up, moving to a new spot, lying down, then getting up again – this type of restlessness often points to pain, particularly from arthritis.

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) – the hidden reason senior dogs "sleep too much"

Over 60% of dogs over 11 years of age show at least one sign of cognitive dysfunction, and this percentage increases with age: about 28% of dogs aged 11-12 show signs, rising to 68% in dogs aged 15-16.

The core symptoms of CCD can be remembered using DISHAAL:

1、Disorientation – getting lost, staring at walls

2、Abnormal Interactions – changes in how they interact with family members

3、Sleep/wake cycle disturbances – sleeping all day, restless at night

4、House soiling – toileting indoors

5、Activity changes – changes in activity levels

6、Anxiety – increased anxiety or fear

7、Learning/memory changes – forgetting commands or routines

If your senior dog sleeps all day and paces around at night, this sleep-wake cycle disruption is one of the most common early signs of CCD.

When to see the vet

Zoetis Pets advises that "one of the first signs of illness is often a change in your dog's usual behaviour." If you notice any of the following, it's worth booking a vet appointment:

1、Your dog has suddenly started sleeping more

2、Their sleep pattern has noticeably changed

3、Lethargy is accompanied by loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhoea

4、They seem tired but can't settle – repeatedly getting up and lying back down

If your dog is consistently sleeping more than 20 hours a day – especially if they're also groggy and lethargic when awake – it's worth getting them checked.

5 ways to improve your senior dog's sleep quality

If your vet has ruled out underlying medical conditions, here are some ways to help your older dog sleep more comfortably:

1、 A supportive orthopaedic bed

Senior dogs commonly experience joint pain and muscle loss. Dr Karwacki recommends an orthopaedic dog bed that provides proper support, with a removable, washable cover.

2、 Maintain a consistent daily routine

Regular feeding times, walk times, and bedtimes help reduce anxiety in senior dogs and give them a greater sense of security.

3、 Continue moderate exercise

Stronger muscles support better sleep quality. While your senior dog may not manage long hikes anymore, short walks, swimming, or food puzzle toys can all help maintain their activity levels.

4、Consider supplements

Ask your vet about:

1、Glucosamine for joint support

2、Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation

3、Melatonin for calming at night (if appropriate)

5、 Provide a quiet sleeping environment

As senior dogs' senses decline, they become more sensitive to noise and disturbances. A quiet sleeping area away from the household's main activity can help them get better quality rest.

Bottom line

Senior dogs sleeping 16-18 hours a day is normal. In most cases, you don't need to worry.

But if you notice them sleeping more than 20 hours a day, or a sudden change in their sleep pattern, or that they're still groggy when awake, with loss of appetite or weight changes – that's worth checking with your vet.

It's not the number of hours that matters most. It's how they are when they're awake.

                                                                                                                                                 

References

1、Chewy. My Senior Dog Sleeps All Day – Is This Normal? 2025.

2、American Kennel Club. Too Much Sleep: Is There Such a Thing for Senior Dogs? 2019.

3、Purina Institute. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome.

4、Royal Canin. Senior dog sleep duration guide. 2026.

5、Purina UK. Understanding Your Senior Dog's Sleeping Habits. 2024.

6、Veterinary Partner. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome in Dogs. 2024.

7、Zoetis Pets. What do behaviour changes in dogs mean?

8、WangMeow Planet. Canine dementia guide. 2021.