Golden retrievers are, year after year, among the most popular dog breeds in the world. They are a lovable, loyal breed. Their mild nature makes them a perfect family pet. If you already own a Golden retriever, you know how easy they are to love. They are a perfect play buddy for children and a great cuddle buddy for adults. As much as they love to play, they also love to sleep. Sleeping is integral to your Golden friend’s health and happiness.

How Much Sleep Does a Golden Retriever Need?

There are a lot of things to consider when taking care of a Golden retriever. What and how much they should eat, how often they should exercise, what are the most common illnesses a Golden retriever can get? These are some of the questions most owners worry about. An often-overlooked element that can tell you a lot about your dog’s overall health is your Golden retriever’s sleeping habits.

Your Golden retriever’s sleeping habits can be quite different from your own. While humans sleep 8-10 hours in a day, dogs can sleep for 12 hours or even more. This is due to a trait they inherited from wolves, who have a habit of sleeping and conserving energy whenever they are not doing anything important. That is why you may see your pup go back to sleep right after breakfast, even though it slept through the night.

There are plenty of reasons why your Golden retriever may sleep too much. Here’s what you should know about your Golden retrievers sleeping habits: 

How Much Do Golden Retriever Puppies Sleep?

Golden retriever puppies can sleep up to 20 hours a day. That may surprise you, especially if you remember how little sleep you got while raising your puppy. Puppies don’t often sleep for extended periods as adult dogs do. They take plenty of sleeping breaks during the day, and those last for 1-3 hours each. Puppies burn a lot of energy while exploring new places, sights, and smells. They also need a lot of energy for growth and development. It’s very easy for them to get exhausted. This is why puppies often fall asleep mid-play. 

It’s important to pay attention to your new puppy’s behavior and to stop playing with them if you notice they’re getting too tired. Due to the excitement of exploring new things, puppies can sometimes ignore their internal clock telling them they’re tired. This can lead to exhaustion and, if it happens often, can lead to a weakened immune system and stunted growth.

Here are some ways you can make sure your puppy gets enough sleep:    a crate or a dog bed. Keep an eye on where the puppy prefers to sleep and lead them to that place once you see they’re tired. 

• Follow a schedule. Plan your puppy’s playtime around their rest time. After walking your pup or playing with them, make sure you give your little furry buddy enough time to rest, about 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Let your puppies get their beauty rest. No matter how much you want to cuddle your puppy 24/7, make sure not to disturb their sleep.
• Create a safe space for your puppy. Create a place where your puppy can fall asleep and feel safe. This place could be

How Much Does an Adult Golden Retriever Sleep?

Adult Golden retrievers sleep for about 12 to 14 hours a day. They sleep less than puppies do, but they should still be allowed to get as much rest as they need. While they do need at least one hour of exercise per day, they can spend most of the day relaxing and sleeping.

If you notice your Golden retriever is sleeping more than usual, don’t worry. There are a lot of reasons why your dog may oversleep. Here are some of the most common reasons why your Golden retriever is oversleeping: 

• Hot weather – Golden retrievers can feel lethargic if the weather is too hot. They will likely want to spend the hottest hours of the day dozing off somewhere cold. Make sure not to walk them if it’s too hot. Opt for long walks in the morning and late at night when the heat is not as intensive. Keep the room your Golden likes to sleep in cool and shaded, and let them rest and cool down as much as they need.
• Rainy weather – If your Golden retriever is hesitant to go outside if the weather’s bad, they probably don’t like rain. You may notice your pup sleeps more when the weather’s rainy. This is completely normal. Be prepared for your Golden to be more active once the skies clear up.
• Diet – Your dog could be oversleeping because of an improper diet. If you are feeding your dog too much or not enough, they could become lethargic and sleep more. This can also happen if you are unknowingly feeding your dog something they’re allergic to. You should feed your Golden retriever once or twice a day using high-quality dog food. If your dog is still lethargic after meals, you should pay a visit to the vet and make sure it’s not related to allergies.
• Overweight – Chubby dogs sleep more than healthy ones. They need more energy to sustain their weight and get tired more easily. If your Golden retriever is overweight, take them on walks more frequently and feed them less. If they still continue to gain weight, visit the vet, as they could have a hormonal or metabolic problem.
• Growing old – As Golden retrievers grow older, they will sleep more. This is completely normal. Older dogs need more rest to recover. This happens because they need more energy than younger dogs to move around.

Is Your Golden Retriever Sleeping Too Much?

• How is your Golden retriever acting while awake? Pay attention to how your dog acts throughout the day. If they’re playful and happy as ever, there’s no need to worry. They’re probably sleeping more because of the weather or boredom. However, it can be worrying if your dog is lethargic all day and does not have the energy to run and play. Although it may be a temporary energy slump, it’s best to talk to a vet or take your dog for a checkup.
• Did your dog suddenly start sleeping more? Make sure the food you’ve been giving your pup is not causing them any discomfort. Switch to a different brand for a while to see how your Golden reacts. If the weather recently became hotter, it could be the cause of your dog’s oversleeping. That’s nothing to worry about. Make sure your house is not too hot and let your furry companion rest. Your dog should get back to a regular sleeping schedule as soon as the weather cools down.
• Are there any changes in your Golden retriever’s appearance or behavior? If your dog is experiencing health issues, their behavior and appearance will change noticeably. Pay close attention to any differences in behavior, as ill dogs spend less time playing and cuddling, and prefer to be alone more often. If your Golden retriever is not eating, if they’re losing weight or look like they’re in pain along with sleeping too much, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible. 

Final Thoughts

Your Golden retriever’s health should be your top priority, and sleep is an essential part of keeping your furry buddy healthy. You should let your dog sleep as much as needed. If they start sleeping more than usual, keep an eye on any changes in appearance and behavior. If you notice your Golden retriever behaving lethargic or refusing to eat, it’s best to take them to a vet for a checkup. If you don’t notice any other changes, let your dog relax and sleep. Proper sleep will help your Golden retriever regain energy and ensure a long, happy life.