Benjamin Ashford|Why do dogs sleep so much? Understanding your pet's sleep schedule

The Benjamin AshfordMayo Clinic recommends that adults get seven or more hours of sleep per night. Worried you're not hitting that number? You may have some unexpected company.

Other mammals like giraffes and horses sleep, on average, between three and 4.5 hours each day, the University of Washington reports. But, how about our canine companions?

If you have a dog, you may have noticed they love to rest just as much as they love to play. So how many total hours of sleep are they getting − and how many should they be getting?

Why does my dog sleep so much?

Dogs can sleep, on average, between 12 to 14 hours a day, Purina reports.

Dogs get a lot of sleep because when their bodies cue them they listen, unlike humans who often ignore their internal clocks, PetMD reports. Aside from the hours they spend snoozing, dogs will spend around 30% of the day "loafing" around. While they might not be sleeping, they will be resting or lying down.

Older dogs, puppies and larger breeds also need more sleep than others. Larger dogs use more energy than smaller ones, while puppies are constantly exerting energy, according to PetMD. Senior dogs need more sleep as well since it helps "their bodies recover from daily activities."

Other factors that can contribute to your dog's sleeping habits include environment, health issues and nutrition, Purina reports

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Is it healthy that my dog sleep a lot?

On a regular day, your dog's schedule may look like this – 50% sleep, 30% relaxation and 20% activity, according to the American Kennel Club.

So, is it normal for your dog to sleep or rest for a majority of the day?

How much is too much sleep for a dog?

Excessive sleep can be concerning to any pet owner.

However, your dog can sleep up to 15 hours a day before you should worry about their health, Purina reports. If they go above that threshold, it might be time to take them to the veterinarian.

If your dog is sleeping too much, this could indicate health issues, such as canine depression, diabetes and hypothyroidism, the American Kennel Club reports.

Advice from an expert:How often should I take my dog to the vet?

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