If you have a dog, you know that they love to sleep. But exactly how much sleep do dogs need to stay healthy?

Sleeping in the dog bed at night, taking a nap after dinner, or dozing off after a walk. You might ask yourself: Why do dogs sleep so much? Are my pooch's sleep habits normal?

If your dog naps throughout the day, it is generally a sign that they are balanced and happy.

A lack of sleep, on the other hand, can be a sign of stress or illness – as is excessive rest.

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If you are unsure, take the time to observe your dog's sleep habits over a few days and take note. If you feel something isn't quite right, contact a veterinarian to clarify whether the amount of sleep your dog is getting falls within a healthy range.

How much do dogs sleep a day? In order to be able to better understand your dog's habits, we've put together a few helpful tips. Keep reading to find out how much Fido should be snoozing each day.

And since it's summer, check out our guide on how to help your fur baby beat the heat, especially on a trip to the beach.

How many hours a day do dogs sleep?

Adult dogs will usually sleep around 16 hours in total each day, but less than half of that time is dedicated to deep slumber.

Puppies can even sleep more than 20 hours a day. The same is true for older or sick animals.

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A dog's breed is a deciding factor in how much sleep they'll need to get. Larger dogs usually sleep or rest more than smaller breeds, and between 12 and 18 hours of sleep is considered perfectly normal for nearly all types of dogs.

How long do dogs sleep at night?

Whether a dog will sleep through the night really depends on the animal.

In general, however, dogs tend to sleep in several shorter phases rather than in one long phase, as people do. Since dogs need more sleep than humans, it is also possible that your dog will actually sleep through the whole night in addition to taking naps throughout the day.

The American Kennel Club took a survey of dog owners and found that 45% preferred to have their dog sleep in their beds with them.

In second place were those who put their dogs in crates at night, and coming in third were those who had dedicated dog beds for their best friends.

Dog owners should keep an eye on how active their fur baby is on any given day.

Ensuring your pal gets plenty of exercise and playtime is key to keeping them fit, managing their metabolism, and keeping their mind active.

But four-legged friends also need plenty of rest to recharge their batteries - both physically and mentally. If you overtax your dog with training and exertion, you risk making them more prone to stress, illness, and injury.

Regular exercise can also help ensure a healthy sleep rhythm. Consult a professional trainer or your vet to find out what games or amount of walking or running may be best for their breed, size, and age.

Once you've worked out your dog, provide plenty of water and a comfy, peaceful place to crash for a few hours to recharge and reset.