The Importance of Sleep for Dogs: Why Phoebie Needs 16 Hours a Day If you’ve ever watched your dog snooze away the afternoon, you might have wondered, Do dogs really need that much sleep? As it turns out, they do! Sleep is essential to a dog’s physical health, emotional well-being, and overall happiness. My dog, Phoebie, has taught me first hand just how important it is for our furry friends to get the rest they need and why it’s something we as pet owners should prioritize. Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much? Dogs aren’t like humans when it comes to sleep. While we often operate on an eight-hour cycle, dogs need about 12–16 hours of sleep per day, depending on their age, breed, and activity level. Puppies, like Phoebie when she was younger, often sleep even more up to 20 hours! Unlike humans, dogs don’t consolidate all their sleep into one long session. Instead, they nap throughout the day and night. This pattern allows them to recharge and remain alert for short bursts of activity....