Most dog breeds will be able to sleep through the night by the age of 16 weeks. Puppies, on average, need 6 to 10 hours of sleep a day to sustain their high energy levels. Sleep is an important part of human and dog growth.
However, the amount of time it takes a puppy to sleep through the night can vary depending on the breed, their personality, sex, diet, and lifestyle. When dogs are young, they’ll wake up three or four times in the middle of the night, wanting to be let outside to do their business. They will wake up less frequently during the night as they get older, up until they are four months old. Around the four-month point, you’ll notice that they will begin sleeping through the whole night without waking up.
Sleep is critical for your puppy’s healthy development. It may take some time for everyone in your new family to adjust, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
In the meantime, here are some top tips for helping your puppy sleep through the night:
- Use a crate and cover it with a blanket – While the use of dog crates is controversial, it can help some dogs feel safe and snug, therefore settling them down for bed and encouraging them to sleep through the night. Throw in an extra fluffy blanket for comfort.
- Provide your dog with a warm water bottle to sleep with – Puppies find heat reassuring as it reminds them of their mama. Aww! So a nice warm hot water bottle can comfort your puppy and promote better, longer sleep.
- Before going to bed, let the puppy out to pee – Letting your pup out to pee should be the very last thing you do at night to lessen the chances of him waking up in the middle of the night.
- Try to ignore any whining – You must ignore any whimpering from your puppy once you’ve placed him in his crate for the night. Yes, it’s difficult, but it’s one of the most beneficial things you can do for the puppy; they call it tough love for a reason.
- Before going to bed, make sure your pup is tired – Give your dog plenty of exercise and stimulation early in the evening. Try to tire him out by letting him roam free in open spaces, then do your best to settle him down before putting him to bed for the night.
- Give your dog something to eat – Give your dog a small snack around an hour before bedtime, nothing too substantial, just one or two small nibbles to keep the hunger pains at bay during the night.
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine – As your furry friend adjusts to their new home, it is critical to establish and stick to a strict nighttime regimen. Crate, sleep, and toilet training will be much more effective and efficient as a result of the consistent routine.
- Make sure that the dog’s sleeping space is dark and quiet – Try to make sure that your puppy rests in a dark, quiet environment. This type of environment provides the best opportunity for the puppy to sleep through the night.
How long should a 5 month old puppy sleep at night?
Depending on your dog’s level of activity and development progress- at 5 months old they usually require 10-15 hours of sleep every day. By 20 weeks, your dog should begin to concentrate most of their sleeping during the night and they’ll start to nap less during the day.
As long as you stick to your bedtime routine and give your dog enough exercise and attention during the day, they should sleep for at least 8 hours every night. If you notice any significant changes in your dog’s sleep that persist for more than a few days, talk to your veterinarian.
How much does a 7 month old puppy sleep?
By the time your puppy reaches 7 months old, he should be sleeping for around 14-16 hours per day. To maintain their developing bodies and brains, some younger puppies may require 18 to 20 hours of sleep every day. Puppies settle into a standard dog’s sleep habit by the time they reach the age of a year. They require less sleep overall and begin to sleep for longer periods of time during the night.
If your dog is 7 months old and still isn’t able to sleep through the whole night without waking up, you can make a few changes to speed up this process. Firstly, allow your dog to relieve themselves one last time before going to bed so that they can sleep through the night without wanting to go to the bathroom. Also, try to feed your dog their last meal earlier in the evening as well, to avoid digestive problems after bedtime.
Should puppies sleep in the dark?
This will depend on your puppy, and each dog is different. Some puppies sleep better in the dark thanks to the lack of distractions and stimulation. However, some puppies may suffer from separation anxiety or even have a phobia of the dark.
In these instances, you should consider leaving a light on for your puppy at night or invest in a plug-in night light to help him feel more at ease. Consider speaking to the breeder you got your puppy from and ask them about what the sleeping arrangements were like at their house.
What time should puppies go to bed?
While there’s no specific set time a puppy should go to bed, you’ll need to keep in mind that they require 14-18 hours of sleep every day, so your home and lifestyle needs to accommodate this.
The time in which your puppy sleeps isn’t important, it is routine that really matters. As long as your bedtime is roughly the same time every night, your dog will adapt to it and soon follow suit.
