Dogs sleep through a large part of their day, and that is no sign of laziness. Sleep is just as important for dogs as exercise and good food: while sleeping, your dog processes the impressions of the day, the body recovers and refuels for the next round in the park. Even so, the sleeping spot often gets less attention than the lead, food or toys. In this article we show you how much sleep your dog really needs, which place in the home is suitable and how to recognise a good dog bed.
How much sleep does a dog need?
Adult dogs get around 12 to 14 hours of sleep and rest per day. Puppies, older dogs and any dog after a strenuous day need considerably more, often 18 to 20 hours. That includes not only deep sleep at night but also dozing during the day, when your dog keeps half an ear on what is going on around him.
Unlike us, dogs sleep in many short cycles and wake up repeatedly in between. The restorative deep-sleep phases are correspondingly short. That is exactly why the sleeping spot plays such a big role: if your dog is constantly disturbed there, the missed rest periods add up. A dog that persistently gets too little rest can become unbalanced, overexcited or irritable.
The right place: quiet, but not out of the way
The best sleeping spot is at a quiet edge of the living area. Ideally it is a place that ticks these boxes:
- Draught-free and warm: not right in front of the balcony door, not in a draught, and a little distance from the radiator.
- No through traffic: the hallway, a landing or the spot right next to the front door are unsuitable, someone is always walking past.
- Connected to the family: dogs are pack animals. A sleeping spot in the basement or in a remote room feels like exclusion to many dogs. A quiet corner of the living room with a view of what is going on is usually the best solution.
Several resting places are allowed, by the way, and even make sense: a main bed for the night and a second spot where you spend your time during the day. That way your dog does not have to choose between rest and closeness.
How to recognise a good dog bed
With the bed itself, three things count: size, shape and ease of care. For the size, the best approach is to watch your dog while he sleeps. If he likes to curl up, a round bed with a raised rim he can lean against is a good fit. If he prefers to stretch out, the lying surface should be as long as the dog from nose to the base of the tail.
A raised, soft rim serves many dogs as a headrest and gives a sense of security, much like the backrest of a sofa. The Pawfect dog sofa is exactly that kind of bed, and it is where our Vico spends his midday naps too: a cosy, high paw-shaped rim on the outside, a soft lying surface on the inside that small and medium-sized dogs can curl up in beautifully. It is available in four sizes from S at 50 cm to XL at 90 cm in diameter and in three colours, from CHF 44.95, and it can be washed if sand and soil do end up in the bed after an autumn walk.
In general, make sure that the bed, or at least the cover, is washable. A sleeping spot that stays hygienic prevents unpleasant smells and is quickly fresh again after small mishaps.
Cave or open bed?
Not every dog likes to sleep out in the open. Some dogs, including many dachshunds, prefer to dig and burrow under a blanket to sleep. For dogs like these, a cuddle cave is worth considering: the semi-enclosed shape keeps them warm and conveys a sense of security that an open basket cannot offer. The CozyCave cuddle cave from our range can even be converted into an open bed with press studs, in case your dog prefers to lie somewhere airier in summer.
If you are not sure what your dog prefers, a simple test helps: lay a blanket over part of the existing sleeping spot. If your dog regularly crawls underneath it, he will love a cave. If he prefers to lie on top, an open bed with a rim is the better choice. You will find an overview of both worlds in our Dog beds, mats and blankets collection.
Sleeping spot in winter: think about the cold
With the cold season, it is worth taking a second look at the sleeping spot. Cold from the floor quickly creeps into the body, especially in short-legged and thin-coated dogs. A bed with thick padding or an additional mat under the basket solves the problem. You can read whether your dog needs extra support in winter in our article Is my dog cold? Recognising the signs and what really helps.
One more note on routine: dogs love habits. A fixed sleeping spot that is not constantly moved around helps your dog settle down faster. If your dog gets a new spot, give him a few days and put a familiar blanket in it at first, one that smells of home.
Frequently asked questions
Is my dog allowed to sleep in my bed?
That is a matter of taste and not a training mistake, as long as everyone sleeps well and your dog gets on the bed by invitation. A sleeping spot of his own remains important all the same, so that your dog can retreat during the day and when you are away.
Why does my dog twitch in his sleep?
Twitching, paddling paws or quiet barking in sleep are usually harmless, your dog is simply dreaming. Try not to wake him. If, on the other hand, your dog also seems unusual when awake, is hard to rouse or has convulsions, that needs to be checked by a vet.
How often should I wash the dog bed?
As a rule of thumb: wash the cover or the whole bed roughly every two to four weeks, and more often with heavy shedding, wet autumn weather or sensitive noses in the household. In between, regular vacuuming or shaking out helps.
