Colin Snow
Puppies are known to sleep a lot, and this is completely normal. In fact, puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep a day for normal mental and physical development. As they grow older, they sleep less, and by the time they are six months old, puppies will start to move to a more adult-like sleep schedule of around 12-14 hours each day. A 5-month-old puppy will likely still be sleeping a lot, and it is important to establish a consistent routine that incorporates playtime, mental stimulation, potty breaks, and meal times to help them have restful and adequate sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average sleep duration | 10-11 hours |
| Daytime sleep | Shorter naps |
| Nighttime sleep | Longer sleep |
| Sleep environment | Quiet, safe, comfortable, and dim |
| Sleep habits | Consistent routine, no interruptions, bathroom breaks before sleep |
| Sleep patterns | May vary depending on breed and individual puppy |
| Sleep and growth | Sleep is essential for growth and development |
| Energy levels | High energy when awake, requiring rest |
| Age impact | Sleep duration decreases with age |
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What You'll Learn
Puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep a day for normal development
The amount of sleep puppies need varies as they get older. Newborn puppies sleep almost all day, around 90% of the time. As their eyes begin to open, they start becoming more active, but they still need 18-20 hours of sleep each day. As puppies grow older, they sleep less, and by the time they are four months old, they sleep a little over 11 hours every day. By the time they are five months old, puppies require 10-11 hours of sleep.
It is important to establish a daily routine for your puppy, including feeding, walking, playing, and sleeping schedules. This helps them get into a rhythm and understand that there is a time and place for everything. It is also important to show your puppy where to sleep. Provide them with a cosy corner that is quiet, safe, and comfortable. If your puppy seems drowsy, encourage them to nap in a safe place, such as a crate, a dog bed, or a quiet place in the house where they can nap undisturbed.
You can also help your puppy sleep by following some simple guidelines for daytime naps and nightly bedtimes. For example, you should leave your puppy alone when they are sleeping and avoid interrupting their sleep. It is also a good idea to restrict their intake of food and water for several hours before bedtime and take them outside to go to the bathroom before settling them down for the night.
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How to establish a bedtime routine for your puppy
Puppies require a lot of sleep, especially when they are very young. Newborn puppies sleep almost all day, around 90% of the time, and as they get older, they still need 18-20 hours of sleep per day. Puppies that are 5 months old may need slightly less sleep, perhaps around 16 hours per day.
Establishing a bedtime routine for your puppy is important for their development and will help them to adjust to their new family. Here are some tips on how to establish a bedtime routine for your puppy:
Set a bedtime
Choose a bedtime for your puppy and stick to it. It doesn't matter if it's 8 pm or midnight, as long as it becomes a consistent routine. Take your puppy to their crate or designated sleeping area and help them settle down for the night.
Establish a pre-bedtime routine
Before bedtime, take your puppy out for a potty break and some gentle playtime. Avoid activities that are too stimulating, so your puppy isn't full of energy when it's time for bed. You can also give them a calming treat, such as a belly rub or a cuddly toy to snuggle with.
Make the crate comfortable
If your puppy sleeps in a crate, make sure it is comfortable and cosy. You can provide warm (not hot) water bottles and cozy blankets to nest in, and play some music to help them relax.
Be consistent
Consistency is key when establishing a bedtime routine for your puppy. Stick to the same schedule every day, including mealtimes, playtimes, and potty breaks. This will help your puppy understand the routine and adjust to their new family.
Start early
The first few weeks with your new puppy are the best time to start establishing good behaviours and a bedtime routine. Puppies that are 10 weeks old or older will be better adjusted to a household schedule if they've had a few weeks of established consistency.
Tailor the routine to your puppy
Every puppy is unique, and their sleep needs may vary. Some puppies may need more sleep than others, especially larger breeds. Observe your puppy's behaviour and adjust the routine as needed to ensure they are getting enough rest.
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The importance of a quiet, safe space for your puppy to sleep
Puppies need a lot of sleep, especially in their first six months. Newborn puppies sleep almost all day, around 90% of the time. As they start becoming more active, they still need 18-20 hours of sleep each day. A 5-month-old puppy will still need a lot of sleep, around 16 hours, including 3 naps.
Sleep is essential for a puppy's development. Deep sleep is good for growing puppies, as this is when growth hormone is released, an essential part of their physical development.
Therefore, it is important to provide a quiet, safe, and comfortable space for your puppy to sleep. This space should be away from outside noise, such as windows, and should be calm and peaceful. You can use a fan, white noise machine, or music to mask any outside noises.
The space should be large enough for your puppy to stretch out and sleep comfortably, with suitable bedding, blankets, and toys. It should be cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and you can use calming scents like coconut or chamomile to create a relaxing atmosphere.
You can set up more than one safe space in your home, and it is a good idea to feed your puppy in this area to create positive associations. Encourage your puppy to use their safe space with treats and praise, and ensure that no one disturbs them when they are there.
By providing a quiet, safe space for your puppy to sleep, you are helping them get the rest they need to grow and develop, as well as teaching them to self-soothe and providing a retreat from the chaos of daily life.
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Why you shouldn't interrupt your puppy's sleep
Puppies require a lot of sleep, especially during the early months of their lives. A 5-month-old puppy, for instance, may need up to 16 hours of sleep per day, including 8-9 hours of overnight sleep and 2-3 daytime naps. This is because puppies undergo rapid growth and development, and sleep is essential for their physical development and overall health. Interrupting a puppy's sleep can be detrimental for several reasons:
First, sleep is vital for a puppy's physical development. During deep sleep, growth hormones are released, aiding in their rapid growth and development. Interrupting this process can potentially hinder their physical growth.
Second, puppies need uninterrupted sleep to recharge their energy. Puppies are energetic when awake, constantly playing, exploring, and running around. Sleep allows them to restore their energy levels, ensuring they stay active and healthy.
Third, interrupting a puppy's sleep can disrupt their overall sleep routine and quality of sleep. Puppies, like human babies, benefit from a consistent sleep schedule. Interrupting their sleep can make it difficult for them to establish a healthy sleep pattern, which may lead to restlessness and sleep deprivation.
Additionally, it is important to let sleeping puppies lie to avoid behavioural issues. A well-rested puppy is generally calmer and easier to manage. Waking them up abruptly or frequently interrupting their sleep can lead to irritability and erratic behaviour.
Lastly, it is worth noting that puppies will eventually adjust to the normal sounds and movements of your household. They will learn to sleep through everyday noises, so there is no need to tiptoe around or maintain an unusually quiet environment while they sleep.
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How to recognise if your puppy is getting too much or too little sleep
Puppies are known to sleep a lot, and the amount of sleep they need varies as they get older. Newborn puppies sleep for around 90% of the day, while puppies with open eyes still need 18-20 hours of sleep each day. Puppies over six months old will start to sleep for fewer hours, more similar to adult dogs, who sleep for 12-14 hours per day.
A 5-month-old puppy, therefore, still needs a significant amount of sleep. One source describes a 5-month-old puppy that sleeps for 8-9 hours overnight, with 1.5-4 hours in the morning, 1.5-2 hours in the afternoon, and 1.5 hours in the evening, totalling 16-17 hours of sleep per day. Another source describes a 5-month-old puppy that still takes three naps per day.
If your puppy is getting enough rest, you may notice some common behaviours, including snoring, twitching or moving their legs during sleep (indicating the REM phase), and yipping or barking during sleep (indicating dreams). If your puppy wakes up on their own feeling alert and refreshed, this is also a good indication that they are getting quality sleep.
- Your puppy seems excessively tired.
- Your puppy is refusing to sleep.
- Your puppy is displaying restlessness or trouble settling down, even when they ought to be sleeping.
- Your puppy is displaying signs of anxiety, such as separation anxiety or noise phobias, which may be caused by a lack of sleep.
- Your puppy is displaying signs of illness or discomfort, such as pain, which may be interfering with their sleep.
- Create a consistent bedtime routine and stick to it.
- Make sure your puppy has a comfortable sleeping environment that is quiet, dim, and at a comfortable temperature.
- Block out excess noise or light, as these can be disruptive to your puppy's sleep.
- Show your puppy where to sleep by encouraging them to nap in a safe, cosy, and quiet place, such as a crate or dog bed.
- Ensure your puppy has had a chance to go to the bathroom and has plenty of physical and mental exercise during the day.
- Be prepared for interruptions, as your puppy may need a potty break during the night.
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Frequently asked questions
Puppies that are 5 months and older require 10-11 hours of sleep. They have a more settled routine, with longer nighttime sleep and shorter daytime naps.
Sleep is essential to healthy growth, contributing to the necessary development of the central nervous system, brain, immune system, and muscles. All of that sleep also helps them rest up during growth spurts.
By 4-5 months, most puppies are able to get a good night's sleep without having to use the bathroom. To encourage your puppy to sleep through the night, you can create a bedtime routine and establish a consistent sleep schedule. You should also provide a quiet, safe, and comfortable space for your puppy to sleep.
You can start by setting a daily routine that includes feeding, walking, playing, and sleeping schedules. This will help your puppy understand that there is a time and place for everything. You can also crate train your puppy, which involves teaching them to fall asleep in a crate at the same time every night.
If your puppy seems excessively tired or is refusing to sleep, it may be a sign that they are not getting enough sleep. Other signs include restlessness and sudden changes in their sleep patterns.
