Adult dogs sleep longer at night than puppies do — usually between 60% and 80% of the hours between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. depending on their surroundings and their owner's schedule. However, daytime naps are still important for adult dogs, who may sleep for up to 37% of the day.
By the time your puppy is three or four months old, they should be able to sleep through the night. This does mean that you need to prepare for a few weeks of disrupted sleep and midnight toilet breaks. This often comes as a big shock to first time puppy parents!
Dogs, like most mammals, have a circadian rhythm, an internal sense that tells them when to sleep or when to be active. Perhaps it's their bodies, though not their minds, that can detect roughly what time it is.
For example, if you have a five-month-old puppy, they can sleep for six hours, before they need to go out. After nine or 10 months, many dogs can wait to relieve themselves for 10 to 12 hours. Recently rescued dogs may also need more structure with their overnight sleeping schedules.
Most puppies will sleep through the night by the time they're about 4 months (16 weeks) old. But with some help, diligence, and proactive training, you may be able to get your puppy there even earlier!
A good night's sleep is essential for both dogs and people and when our pets wake up in the middle of the night, the disturbance can affect the entire family. Interrupted sleep in older pets can occur for many reasons including medical, behavioural and cognitive problems.
If your dog is waking up at 3 am to go out, you should first take him/her to the vet. Dogs can get bladder infections or they can have some other underlying problem. Rule that out before anything else. I'd try moving his whole routine behind two hours, especially feeding.
On average dogs can hold their pee for up to 10-12 hours if they have to. If the need arises and your pet will be home alone for that long, most young dogs will manage, but asking them to do this on a regular basis may have some negative consequences.
Many adult dogs can hold their bladder for 12 hours during the night. Similarly to humans, certain hormones prevent the dogs from needing to go pee at night with the same frequency as during the day.
Dogs and Time
We know dogs have circadian rhythms, and are sensitive to day and night, as well as certain times of day. We know through living with dogs that they know when it's time to go to bed and when it's time to eat. Certainly a part of this is based on circadian rhythms and past experiences.
Some dogs don't need anything to find themselves running around the house and playing with their toys, others will snooze through a jackhammer no sweat. If you're working from home right now you might see your pet sleeps all day even with you right next to them! Dogs, like people, are unique.
With adult and senior dogs, they'll often choose where they prefer to sleep. It's your decision if you allow them in your bed, in your bedroom, on the couch or provide another place for them to sleep. Most dogs will be content sleeping in a dog bed, crate, or even on the floor.
If your dog is suddenly not sleeping at night and nothing else has changed in the environment, it may be time to consider a trip to the vet to rule out any physical problems. Sore muscles, wounds, digestive problems, and even itches can keep your dog up all night.
Overnight, most adult dogs can hold their pee for 8 – 10 hours. “Teacup” dogs may struggle to hold their pee longer than 3 – 4 hours. Puppies can usually hold their pee for roughly 1 hour for every month of their age, while old dogs may only manage 2 – 6 hours.
Often dogs will deep sleep hours before we actually go to bed. If that is the case, then they will be well rested at 4am and will want to wake up and go potty. If they are kept awake until you sleep then they will sleep through those urges.
But there's no need to leave every single light in your home on just for your dog. In fact, darkness at the right time can be good for dogs. According to the Sleep Foundation, dogs, like humans, have circadian rhythms that are influenced by light. It's easier for them to sleep if it's dark, or at least dim.
Although he physically might be able to do so, extended periods of holding it in can lead to urinary tract infections or urinary crystals and stones. The inability to urine can also lead to behavioral issues. Frustrated dogs can bark, chew, and become extremely anxious, which can lead to a frustrated owner.
Most healthy, adult dogs will readily go to the bathroom an hour or so after a meal. They can, however, hold their stool much longer if necessary. In fact, for the most part, a healthy adult dog can hold their stool for 12 hours or more. If you get stuck in traffic or at the office, your dog could be OK.
While urinary incontinence is rare in male dogs, it is most common in neutered males. Female dogs often urinate a few drops in their sleep, enough to wet the fur but not enough to wet the bedding. It may not be enough urine to bother you, but it is enough to make your dog prone to urinary tract infections.
Give your pooch some toys to play with throughout the night, especially interactive puzzle toys that encourage dogs to hunt for bits of kibble, to prevent wake-up calls due to boredom. Spend quality time with your dog during the day and allow your dog to sleep in or near your bedroom on a bed of their own.
Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
Dog waking up at night? One option that works for many pet owners is making an active effort to wear them out throughout the day. This may include extra walks, a longer time spent outside, or more playtime. However, if you are at work during the day, then consider buying toys that will keep them occupied.