Understanding your pet’s sleep habits

Sleep is as important for pets as it is for people. It’s how their bodies repair, their brains consolidate memories, and their immune systems restock. As a pet owner, learning what “normal” sleep looks like for your animal makes it easier to spot when something’s off — and to help them sleep better. This guide explains typical sleep patterns, common disruptions, and practical steps you can take tonight to improve your pet’s rest.

How pets sleep: the basics

Think of sleep as a phone battery recharge: how long it takes and how often depends on the device.

• Dogs: Most adult dogs sleep about 12–14 hours a day, but that can range widely with age, breed, and activity level. Puppies and large breeds often need 18–20 hours. Dogs tend to nap throughout the day and sleep more deeply at night.
• Cats: Cats are polyphasic sleepers — they take many short naps. Adult cats commonly sleep 12–16 hours a day, and elderly or very young cats may snooze up to 20 hours. They’re crepuscular by nature, often most active at dawn and dusk.
• Rabbits, ferrets, and small mammals: These species sleep in short bursts and may be awake during low-light hours. They often prefer safe, sheltered spots to rest.
• Birds: Many birds are diurnal and will sleep mostly at night, often requiring a dark, quiet space.

Sleep quality matters as much as quantity. Pets cycle through lighter and deeper sleep; disturbances that prevent deep restorative sleep can leave them irritable, less coordinated, or more prone to illness.

Signs of healthy sleep vs. a problem

Normal sleep

• Regular naps and a long stretch of sleep at night (for dogs and humans)
• Comfortable, relaxed posture
• Easy to wake but returns to sleep quickly
• Clear, rhythmic breathing

When to be concerned

• Sudden changes in sleep: sleeping a lot more or a lot less
• Restlessness at night: pacing, whining, vocalizing, or inability to settle
• Increased daytime sleepiness with disorientation when awake
• Snoring with noisy breathing, pauses in breathing, or labored breaths
• Nighttime elimination changes (accidents) or excessive thirst
• Pain signs when moving from bed or stiff after rest

If you notice concerning changes, especially sudden ones, schedule a vet visit. These signs can indicate pain, hormonal disease, urinary problems, cognitive dysfunction in older pets, or respiratory issues.

Common causes of sleep disruption

• Pain: Arthritis, dental pain, or injuries can wake pets repeatedly.
• Age-related changes: Senior pets may experience cognitive decline (dog/cat “dementia”) and become confused or restless at night.
• Medical conditions: Hyperthyroidism in cats, heart or respiratory disease, and urinary issues can change sleep.
• Environment: Noise, temperature extremes, or a lack of a comfortable sleeping spot can make sleep poor.
• Routine and activity: Under-exercised pets may have pent-up energy at night; overexercised or stressed pets may also struggle to relax.
• Medications: Some drugs (e.g., steroids) can increase restlessness; others may make pets sleepy.

Practical steps to help your pet sleep better

1. Check the basics
   • Offer a comfortable bed in a quiet, draft-free area.
   • Control temperature — not too hot, not too cold.
   • Reduce nighttime noise: white noise machines or a fan can help mask disruptive sounds.
2. Create a predictable routine
   • Feed, exercise, and bedtime at regular times. Predictability helps pets wind down.
   • For dogs, a calm walk and quiet play in the evening can use up energy and encourage sleep.
   • For cats, schedule play sessions during the evening to tap into their crepuscular energy, then a small meal afterwards to promote napping.
3. Provide physical and mental exercise
   • A tired pet sleeps better. Mix physical exercise with mental challenges — puzzle toys, scent games, or training sessions.
   • For indoor pets, rotate toys and offer climbing or hiding spaces to reduce boredom.
4. Manage pain and medical issues
   • If your pet seems stiff getting up or avoids jumping, ask your vet about pain control and joint support.
   • Address medical problems that can affect sleep: dental disease, urinary issues, or endocrine disorders.
5. Make nights special
   • A comfortable, familiar blanket or clothing with your scent can soothe nervous pets.
   • For anxious dogs, a snug crate or a pet-safe calming wrap can provide security.
   • Consider a night light for older pets who may be disoriented in the dark.
6. Behaviorally treat nighttime activity
   • For separation anxiety: gradually increase alone time and use counterconditioning. Short departures and returns help retrain calm behavior.
   • For cats that wake you at night: avoid rewarding the behavior (no play or attention). Move the water/food bowls away from bedrooms if needed. Provide late-night play and meal to reset their schedule.

Keeping track: a simple sleep log

If sleep problems persist, a short sleep diary can be invaluable for your vet. Over 1–2 weeks, note:

• Times asleep and awake (rough estimates are fine)
• Any nighttime vocalizing, pacing, or accidents
• Medications and feeding times
• Activity levels during the day

Video recordings of nighttime behavior are especially helpful — they show breathing, movement, and vocalizations that words might miss.

When to call the vet right away

Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet:

• Has trouble breathing, gasps, or shows blue/pale gums
• Collapses or can’t stand
• Shows sudden disorientation or major changes in behavior
• Has a seizure
• Has persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, or is very lethargic

Otherwise, bring your sleep log and observations to your regular vet appointment so they can guide diagnostics — bloodwork, pain assessments, or imaging may be recommended.

A few real-life examples

• Maya, a 2-year-old Lab: She began waking at night and chewing the furniture. Her owner added an evening long walk and a short training session before bed; Maya slept through the night after a week because her mental and physical needs were met.
• Whiskers, a 12-year-old cat: He started pacing and meowing at 3 a.m. A vet check showed early kidney disease and some discomfort. Treating the underlying condition and giving a small late-night meal helped reduce his nighttime restlessness.

Final thoughts

Sleep is personal — and individual pets will have different patterns. Your goal is to know your pet’s normal, so you can notice changes early. Most sleep problems can be improved with environment adjustments, routine, and medical care when needed. If you’re worried, your veterinarian is your best partner: they can help sort out medical causes and build a practical sleep plan that fits your life and your pet’s needs.

If you’d like, tell me a little about your pet’s usual day and nighttime habits and I can suggest a tailored sleep checklist to try for two weeks.