When an older dog starts sleeping far more than usual, it can be confusing and worrying for any pet parent.
While senior dogs do need more rest, excessive sleeping often signals that something deeper may be affecting their health or comfort.
In this guide, we explain the reasons an older dog may sleep excessively and what you can do and when to worry.
Old Dog Sleeping Excessively: Why It Happens
An old dog sleeping excessively is usually the result of physical strain, chronic illness, or age-related changes that reduce energy and increase fatigue, all of which push your dog to spend more time resting in order to feel stable and comfortable.
Conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, and hormonal disorders can make even simple movements exhausting, causing your dog to rest more throughout the day.
As dogs age, their bodies become less efficient at producing energy and managing pain, which naturally leads to longer and more frequent sleep periods. Emotional changes such as cognitive decline or anxiety can also make an older dog withdraw and sleep more than usual.
Old Dog Sleeping Excessively: Common Causes
Arthritis and Chronic Pain
Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting older dogs. As joints become inflamed and stiff, movement becomes uncomfortable or painful.
This makes your dog less willing to walk, play, or even get up, leading to more time spent sleeping or lying down.
You may notice limping, difficulty standing, or hesitation when climbing stairs.
Pain drains energy, so an old dog with arthritis often sleeps more simply to avoid discomfort.
Read more: Old Dog Not Eating and Sleeping A Lot (What it means)
Heart Disease
When the heart is not pumping efficiently, less oxygen reaches the muscles and brain. This causes fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
An old dog sleeping excessively due to heart disease may also tire quickly during walks or avoid activity altogether.
You might notice coughing, rapid breathing, or a reluctance to move.
Because the body is working harder just to circulate blood, your dog needs more rest to cope.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease causes a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream. These toxins make dogs feel nauseous, weak, and generally unwell.
As a result, an old dog may sleep more as the body tries to conserve energy and cope with internal stress.
Increased thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss often accompany this fatigue.
When kidneys struggle, the entire body feels the strain, which leads to excessive sleeping.
Cognitive Dysfunction (Canine Dementia)
As dogs age, their brains can undergo changes similar to dementia in humans. This affects memory, awareness, and sleep-wake cycles.
An old dog sleeping excessively may be confused, disoriented, or less interested in interaction.
They might sleep during the day and seem restless or awake at night.
This shift in mental function often makes dogs withdraw and sleep more simply because their internal clock is no longer working normally.
Hormonal Imbalances
Diseases such as hypothyroidism can dramatically slow down a dog’s metabolism. When thyroid hormone levels drop, energy production decreases and fatigue increases.
An old dog with a hormone imbalance may sleep far more than usual and seem mentally dull.
Weight gain, hair loss, and cold sensitivity are also common signs.
Because hormones regulate energy levels, even small imbalances can lead to excessive sleep.
Underlying Infection or Illness
Infections, inflammation, or even cancer place heavy stress on the immune system. The body uses large amounts of energy to fight disease.
This leaves little energy for normal activity, causing your dog to rest more often.
An old dog sleeping excessively due to illness may also have fever, appetite loss, or behavior changes.
When the body is fighting something serious, sleep becomes a survival response.
Related: Old dog peeing in bed (Why it happens)
Old Dog Sleeping Excessively: What to Do
If your old dog is sleeping more than usual, start by observing their daily routine.
Note how much they sleep, how often they wake up, and whether they still show interest in food, walks, or attention.
Make sure they have a soft, warm, and supportive place to rest, especially if joint pain may be present.
Gentle exercise, such as short walks, can help maintain circulation and muscle tone without exhausting them.
Keep their diet balanced and consistent, as poor nutrition can worsen fatigue.
If excessive sleeping continues or worsens, it is important to schedule a veterinary checkup.
When to seek veterinary care
If your old dog is sleeping excessively and also seems weak, confused, or unsteady, veterinary care is needed.
Sudden changes in sleep patterns, especially if paired with appetite loss or vomiting, should not be ignored.
If your dog is difficult to wake, refuses to move, or seems depressed, this could indicate serious illness.
Labored breathing, coughing, or collapse are emergency signs.
Any ongoing or worsening fatigue in a senior dog deserves professional evaluation.
Read more: Old Dog Sleeping Very Deeply (Should you worry?)
Key Takeaway
An old dog sleeping excessively is often the body’s way of coping with pain, disease, or age-related changes.
While some extra rest is normal for senior dogs, a noticeable increase in sleeping can point to serious health issues.
Paying attention to changes in energy, appetite, and behavior helps you catch problems early.
With proper care and veterinary support, many older dogs can stay comfortable, alert, and enjoy their golden years with a better quality of life.