How Long Do Golden Retrievers Sleep? Puppies, Adults, & Seniors

Golden Retriever puppies sleep pretty long hours. As a dog parent, the worry and concern will come naturally. But is this cause for alarm?

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How much sleep should a Golden Retriever get?

Golden Retriever puppies sleep approximately 18 to 20 hours per day, adult puppies sleep for around 12 to 14 hours, and senior dogs sleep for 16 to 18 hours per day. However, each dog’s sleep pattern may differ since each is unique.

After owning a Golden Retriever for over a decade, I am confident about the knowledge concerning this breed. Thanks to my vet and extensive research, the content in this post is tried, tested, and approved. Read on to learn more about the golden retriever’s sleeping patterns.

Being a dog parent demands that you learn everything about the dog breed of your choice. That way, you will be able to provide them with optimal care. You may find your dog sleeping all the time and get worried.

Since wolves are the ancestors of dogs and are known to be long sleepers, it’s fair to assume that our furry buddies borrowed their sleeping traits from them. In addition, while dogs are naturally heavy and quick sleepers, how long a Golden Retriever sleeps is primarily based on age.

Here is an in-depth breakdown:

Puppy

Golden puppies sleep between 18 and 20 hours. The pups can sleep this long because, during the first two or three weeks of their life, their eyes have not yet opened, and they spend most of their day sleeping and only waking up to feed.

The puppies also sleep a lot because they are still adjusting to life outside their mother’s womb, where all they did was sleep. This is comparable to how newborns tend to sleep a lot.

Adult

Golden adults sleep for approximately 12 to 14 hours. While this may look like a lot of time, adult puppies take naps throughout the day instead of continuously sleeping for the entire time. 

The naps are necessary because the furry-pawed animals expend much energy quickly. Thus to restore it and grow stronger, they must nap more frequently during the day.

Sleep during this age is also paramount because they are experiencing new things, from new sounds to sights and odors, not forgetting they are constantly engaged in play; the naps are crucial. They require sleep to replenish their energy, assimilate the new information they are seeing and learning, and for other functions.

Older dog

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Senior Golden Retrievers, similar to their newborn or younger counterparts, need as much sleep as possible. Additionally, when dogs approach their age years, they, like humans, like to take it a little easier.

This results in more daytime naps, longer sleep, and more resting time. They simply lack the same amount of energy as when they were puppies.

The senior dogs no longer spend hours playing; instead, they prefer to take a short walk before dozing off. In addition, they will not have as much energy as they did when they were younger, so regular trips to the dog park will not be required. Typically, they will be content to sleep snuggled up on the sofa or at your feet.

Signs Your Golden Is Not Getting Enough Sleep

If your dog is not getting enough sleep, this is detrimental to its health. Therefore, your dog’s sleep deprivation warning signs are important because they convey vital information. Here are some classic symptoms of canine insomnia. If they ring true, it may be time to consult a veterinarian.

  • Abnormal Aggression or Unprompted Rage
  • Weakness and Low Vitality
  • Howling or aggressively barking
  • Interest in Recreation Wanes
  • Having Trouble Sleeping

Diseases Associated With Sleep Deprivation In Dogs

A little extra sleep now and then is generally nothing to worry about, but if your dog is sleeping too much and also exhibiting odd thirst, excessive urine, or changes in feeding habits, it’s time to take them to the vet. This combo may be a sign that your dog has health concerns such as:

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a condition of the nervous system that mostly affects young dogs. A narcolepsy episode is characterized by a sudden fall and immobility. The animal nods asleep, frequently during vigorous activity, then awakens abruptly and continues as if nothing happened.

A narcoleptic animal may lose consciousness, drop on their side or stomach, and lie motionless, as if asleep. Like a human in a deep sleep, a dog may experience rapid eye movement (REM) and slackened muscles while remaining aware of their surroundings. The episode frequently terminates promptly when a dog is physically or aurally stimulated during an episode.

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Insomnia

While insomnia may be uncommon in dogs, it typically tends to suggest another medical condition once it occurs. 

Uncomfortable medical conditions may trigger insomnia. Worry, anxiety, and pent-up energy are additional causes of insomnia. For example, cognitive impairment brought on by brain deterioration in elderly dogs can disrupt typical sleep cycles and cause insomnia.

A veterinarian will be able to identify the core problem and prescribe the best course of action. By reducing anxiety and pain, acupuncture can enhance sleep. Omega-3 fatty acid-rich meals can enhance brain activity in older dogs with cognitive dysfunction, and melatonin helps control the sleep-wake cycle, promoting better sleep.

Sleep Apnea

Dogs also undergo apneas when their bodies abruptly wake them up to take a breath, as humans do. And similar to humans, this nighttime vigilance leads to sleep deprivation and all of its negative short- and long-term health implications.

While it is known that sleep apnea increases the risk of secondary-cause death in humans over time, there have been numerous episodes of unexpected death in young pups while sleeping. Sleep apnea is also more fatal for animals in the short term.

How to Improve Your Golden Retriever’s Sleep

Goldens benefit from sleep for their physical and mental development. Your dog may develop signs of weariness if they do not receive sufficient rest. Here’s how to ensure that your animal companion gets the best possible rest:

Create A Schedule

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When you develop a routine for your Golden Retriever, it will be easier for them to fall asleep. Dogs thrive on routine and are happier when they anticipate retiring for the evening. As a result, they are more likely to sleep through the night.

Establish a way for your dog’s daily activities by feeding and walking them to ensure they are worn out. Wearing them out ensures they sleep longer.

Pick a Sleeping Area for Your Pup.

Establishing a comfortable resting space for your best friend should be one of your top considerations while caring for a Golden Retriever puppy. This place can be a bed, kennel, or crate for the dog.

Ensure your dog is comfortable in this spot and provide them with blankets or other sleeping aids.

Train Your Golden

Ensure your dog is sufficiently active throughout the day to enjoy the best possible night’s sleep. Remember to cognitively challenge your dog with training, puzzles, and physical activity. Training a pup goes beyond physical training.

Factors That Alter The Normal Sleeping Patterns Of Puppies

If your dog normally sleeps between 12 and 14 hours per day, you likely need not worry. However, if your dog sleeps more than 15 hours daily, you should pay close attention to their behavior when they are up. Taking your pet to the veterinarian if they appear listless or distant from humans and other animals is essential.

When it appears that your dog is sleeping more than usual, environmental variables should be considered. Modifications to your dog’s lifestyle could significantly impact how they sleep. These includes:

A New Pet Added To The Family

If you add a new pet to the family, it will take time for your Golden retriever to adjust to them. Most of the time, they may choose to isolate themselves and sleep. Alternatively, they may bond with the new pup perfectly and play a lot, so they get exhausted and sleep.

Hot Weather

If your dog becomes drowsy in the summer, observe signs of heat exhaustion, such as lethargy, excessive drooling, and vomiting. You can adjust the house temperature to provide a conducive environment.

Nutrition

Nutrition can significantly affect your dog’s behavior, including the amount of daytime sleep required. If they are not obtaining sufficient nutrients, their bodies cannot have the energy of a typical dog. 

A Change In the Schedule

There are some activities that may interfere with your dog’s daily routine. Some may include traveling, visitors in your home or moving to a new house. These changes can affect how your golden retriever sleeps. 

If something has come up that interferes with your dog’s schedule, give them time to adjust to the new schedule or return to their former schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • It’s normal for golden retrievers to sleep for long hours daily.
  • Golden Retrievers typically sleep between 12 and 14 hours every day.
  • New puppies and old age puppies tend to sleep longer than adult puppies.
  •  Call your vet when you notice something strange about the dog’s sleeping

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