Do Beagles Sleep a Lot? Vet-Reviewed Breed Facts & FAQs
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If you’re a new dog owner or just new to owning a Beagle, you might be wondering if your new pup is sleeping too much or maybe not sleeping enough.
It depends on the dog’s age, but most adult Beagles sleep an average of 10 to 12 hours every day. Beagle puppies tend to sleep much more, about 18 to 20 hours a day.
The quality and quantity of sleep that our dogs get are essential to keep them physically and mentally healthy. Here, we discuss why Beagles seem to sleep so much and ways to ensure that they are getting enough of it.
Why Do Beagles Sleep So Much?
How much a Beagle sleeps depends on several factors. They will sleep an average of 10 to 12 hours, with these hours spread out over the day and overnight. Factors that can influence how much sleep they get include the following.
Age
All puppies need plenty of sleep with all that growing and playing going on. When Beagles are 0 to 18 months old, they are likely to sleep around 18 to 20 hours a day. They’ll start to sleep less as they enter adulthood.
But when Beagles grow older, at about age 7 or 8, they will start to slow down and will sleep longer hours again.
Activity
Beagles are active dogs, particularly when they find an interesting scent to chase down. So, the more energy they expel, the more they’re going to sleep to make up for the loss.
Size
Beagles tend to have a big appetite and are prone to obesity. This can put a dent in their energy levels, so you can expect heavier dogs to sleep more. Also, obesity can pose serious health risks for your Beagle.
Do Beagles Sleep More Than Other Dogs?
This depends on the dog’s size, age, and energy levels, but the average amount of sleep that dogs get is about 12 hours. Large breeds tend to need more sleep than small breeds. But this means Beagles don’t necessarily sleep more than most other breeds.
When not sleeping, many dogs still just sit around, not doing much of anything. It’s estimated that dogs spend about 80% of their day sleeping and being lazy, though this certainly isn’t the case for all breeds.
Why Do Beagle Puppies Need So Much Sleep?
Puppies of all breeds are tremendously energetic and spend most of their awake time playing, growing, and exploring.
Beagles are famous for their energy and need to explore things, which makes Beagle puppies more likely to exhaust themselves after a particularly energetic playtime.
Getting the right amount of sleep is essential for puppies, as it gives them the energy to build a healthy immune system, aids digestion, and promotes physical and mental development.
What If Your Beagle Is Sleeping Too Much?
If your Beagle is a healthy adult and seems to be sleeping excessively, it’s usually nothing to worry about. Sleeping 10 to 16 hours a day is normal.
But if your dog suddenly starts sleeping much longer than usual, you’ll want to check in with your vet. Sudden changes in sleep and behavior could indicate a health problem, especially if you have a senior Beagle.
If your older Beagle seems to be having more sleep interruptions, there might be issues like hypothyroidism, dementia, arthritis, or just a weaker bladder.
Top 4 Ways to Ensure That Your Beagle Gets Enough Sleep
There are a few steps that you can take to help your Beagle sleep well.
1. Routine
Beagles respond well to routine. Try to keep your dog’s bedtime routine the same every night as much as possible. Give them physical and verbal cues to let them know that it’s time for bed.
Things like a last-minute toilet break, bringing down the lights and noise levels, and using words like “good night” can all act as cues for your Beagle. Keeping to a schedule that signals to your Beagle that it’s time for bed can be a relaxing and comforting routine for you both.
2. Diet
Beagles can be prone to overeating, which can lead to obesity, so your Beagle’s diet is a factor in how much they sleep. Ensure that they have a healthy and balanced diet; speak to your vet about the best options for your dog. You should have mealtimes at the same time every day as part of their routine.
2. Sleeping Area
Set up a cozy sleeping area that will be your dog’s place to go during the bedtime routine. This could be a soft dog bed next to your bed or a crate in the living room. Some people let their dogs in their own beds, so work with what is most comfortable for you.
If you set them up in a crate or a room separate from your own, make it as cozy as possible. Blankets, stuffed animals, or even something that you wear and smells like you can all go a long way in making your Beagle feel more secure.
You can also place a blanket over the crate to give it a more den-like atmosphere. This will also keep them warmer. Be sure to put the bed in a location where there isn’t a great deal of noise or distractions (like in the laundry room next to the washing machine).
3. Exercise
All dogs need exercise, but some breeds require more than others. Beagles aren’t the highest energy breed out there, but they do need plenty of exercise. They should be walked a minimum of two walks a day for 20 to 30 minutes each.
You can also include cardio exercises, such as running and swimming. Exercising about 2 hours before bedtime can help tire out your Beagle.
Exercise includes playtime, which should be incorporated throughout the day in addition to the walks. This can also strengthen the bond between you and your dog, and it helps keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Tug-of-war, throwing a ball, and giving them something to sniff out (since they’re a scenthound) will contribute to having a happier and healthier Beagle.
Conclusion
Your Beagle may seem like they are sleeping and lazing about most of the time, but that’s normal. As long as they are still energetic between naps and have a healthy appetite, it’s nothing to worry about.
But if your dog has a sudden change in their sleeping patterns, speak to your vet. You know your dog best of all, so you’ll be the first person to notice if there’s something wrong.
Featured Image Credit: Namomooyim, Shutterstock
