Why Do Pugs Sleep So Much?

Pugs! They are cute, adorably wrinkly, hilarious (some call them clowns), and surprisingly sleepy for their small size. This adorable dog breed can sleep for up to 14 hours per day!

Why do Pugs sleep so much?

Table of Contents

How much sleep is enough for a Pug? When should you be concerned about your Pug’s sleeping patterns?

We’ll answer these and other questions about a Pug’s sleeping habits in this article.

How Much Sleep is Normal Sleep For a Pug?

Pugs are a naturally sleepy bunch. However, if you’ve only recently got one, their lengthy sleep durations may make you wonder why do Pugs sleep so much when, in reality, your pup is simply enjoying its usual slumber. So, how long do Pugs sleep on average?

We’ve broken it down by age below:

Newborn Pugs (1-8 Weeks)

Pug puppies between the ages of one and eight weeks require a lot of sleep to grow and develop normally. They sleep up to 22 hours, usually in one to two hours bursts. They are also highly dependent on mother Pug during the first eight weeks and will most likely open their eyes for the first time after two weeks.

Pug puppies sleep together — The newborn Pug puppies with their flowers sleep soundly.

By eight weeks, your Pug’s curiosity will have grown, and they will consistently roughhouse with their littermates. It is critical to provide a warm and comfortable sleeping environment for your newborn Pug and to check on them frequently to ensure their safety and comfort.

Puppy Pugs (2-5 Months)

Pugs will require less sleep as they mature and become more active. Puppy Pugs typically sleep 18 to 20 hours daily and spend their waking hours socializing with one another and other household members.

Establishing a consistent sleep schedule for your Pug at this age is critical because it will help them develop healthy sleep habits that will last their entire lives. A schedule is also essential at this stage because puppy Pugs are extremely curious. They’ll try their hardest to stay awake without you interfering, often zonking out mid-play or even eating.

Adult Pugs (9 months to 9 years)

Adult Pugs will typically sleep for 10-14 hours per day. While this may appear to be a lot, it includes daytime and nighttime sleeping hours. Furthermore, most Pugs follow their owners’ sleeping patterns at this stage.

Pug sits on pillow — The Pug sits comfortably on a pillow.

That means they’ll sleep six to eight hours at night, depending on how long you’re in bed, and get the rest of their sleep during the day. Ensure you continue providing a consistent sleep schedule and a comfortable environment for your Pug during this stage of its life.

Senior Pugs (9 years+)

Pugs may require slightly more sleep as they age to allow their bodies to rest and recover due to decreased metabolism. As a result, senior Pugs frequently sneak in an extra hour or two of sleep, bringing their total sleep time to up to 16 hours.

It is critical to monitor your senior Pug’s sleeping habits and ensure they get enough rest. You should consult your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your Pug’s sleep patterns or if they appear to be having difficulty sleeping.

How Much Sleep Is Too Much Sleep for a Pug?

Pugs generally sleep around 14 hours a day. However, it’s not uncommon for them to snooze-on longer. If your Pug sleeps longer than the regular hours indicated above, then it’s possibly due to the following:

Age

Pugs, like other dog breeds, require more sleep as they age. Senior Pugs, for example, require an extra 20 minutes of sleep on top of the standard 14 hours because their reduced metabolism necessitates more rest and recovery. As they get older, these extra 20 minutes turn into an hour of extra sleep, and so on.

The two Pugs stand together and look confused.

Pug puppies, on the other hand, are still growing and have a high metabolism, so they may require slightly less sleep. If your Pug is sleeping longer than usual, it could be because they are getting older.

Poor Diet

Pugs are naturally predisposed to weight gain. As a result, they require a well-balanced diet rich in high-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to maintain their health, healthy weight, and energy levels.

Pug drinks and eats — Pug having a meal in an elevated bowl.

Failure to provide them with such a nutritious diet leads to them becoming overweight and lacking the energy to run around. As a result, they become couch potatoes who spend most of their waking hours snoozing.

Aside from excessive sleeping, a poor diet can cause several health problems, including obesity and hip dysplasia. If your Pug is sleeping more than usual, consider reviewing their diet and making any necessary changes.

Activity Level

Pugs have low-to-medium energy levels; they prefer sitting and eating to running around, but they will gladly oblige if you take them for a walk or engage them in some exercise. However, if you leave your Pug unexercised for an extended period, it will become sluggish and sleep more than usual.

Pug runs — Pug actively plays at the park.

On the other hand, if you get them to exercise excessively, they will become tired and sleep more. So, if you’re wondering why Pugs sleep so much and you’ve been over or under-exercising your pooch, strike a balance in activity levels to keep them awake longer.

Owner Habits

Pugs are highly social animals who thrive on structure and routine.

Pugs follow their owners around so much more than other dog breeds that they’ve earned the nicknames Velcro or Shadow. And it’s not surprising given that they began as lap dogs for Chinese aristocrats around 400 B.C. But conversely, if your Pug’s sleep schedule is disrupted or does not receive adequate attention and stimulation, it may sleep more than usual.

If you also sleep a lot during the day or zone out with video games and binge-watching, your Pug may take this as a cue to rest, meaning they’ll sleep. So create a consistent sleep schedule for your Pug and make sure they get enough interaction and mental stimulation from you during the day.

Illness or injury

If your Pug is in pain or discomfort due to an illness or injury, it may sleep excessively to rest and recover. If you suspect your Pug is sick or injured, you should see your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Pug on the floor — A Pug looks sad on the floor.

When a Pug Doesn’t Sleep as Much?

Pugs, as previously stated, are naturally heavy sleepers. If your Pug hasn’t been sleeping as much lately, it’s probably due to age. Pugs, as a flat-faced dog breed, are more prone to sleep disorders like sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome, making it difficult to catch some sleep.

looks up the owner — A Pug looks up to his new owner!

If your Pug is young but doesn’t seem to sleep as much as it should, it could be something to do with its sleeping location. As stated, this breed is highly social and bonds closely with its owners. Moving your Pug’s sleeping area away from you may cause them to whine, bark at night, and have difficulty sleeping.

Other possible culprits for your Pug’s insomnia include:

Hot and cold room drafts
Loneliness
Pent-up energy
Physical problems like hip dysplasia

Pugs and Sleeping Habits

Pugs need plenty of sleep to stay healthy and happy, and the amount of sleep required varies depending on age and stage. Still, providing a consistent sleep schedule and a comfortable sleeping environment for your Pug throughout its life is critical.

If you are concerned about your Pug’s sleeping habits, you should consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems. Are you a Pug parent or an aspiring one? Browse our website for more Pug tips and topics.