When Your Pet’s Sleep Patterns Change (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
Most pet parents notice changes in eating or movement.
Far fewer notice changes in sleep.
But sleep patterns are one of the clearest windows into a pet’s physical comfort, emotional state, and overall health. When sleep changes, it’s often one of the earliest indicators that something deeper is happening.
What “Normal” Sleep Really Looks Like for Pets
Dogs and cats sleep more than humans, but not randomly.
Dogs: typically 12–14 hours per day (more for puppies and seniors)
Cats: often 12–16 hours per day, with short bursts of activity
Healthy sleep is:
Predictable
Relaxed
Easy to transition in and out of
Free of restlessness or constant repositioning
When those qualities change, it’s worth paying attention.
Sleeping More Isn’t Always Just “Being Lazy”
An increase in sleep can look harmless, but context matters.
Watch for:
Sleeping through normally engaging activities
Skipping greetings or routines
Difficulty waking or sluggish transitions
Choosing isolation over shared resting spaces
Excessive sleep can be linked to:
Pain or discomfort
Illness or inflammation
Emotional stress
Depression-like states
Age-related cognitive changes
The key question isn’t how much they sleep, but what they’re missing while sleeping.
Sleeping Less Is Often a Red Flag
Decreased sleep or restless sleep is easier to miss, but often more concerning.
Signs include:
Pacing at night
Frequent position changes
Difficulty settling
Nighttime vocalization
Increased nighttime alertness
This can point to:
Pain (especially joint or abdominal)
Anxiety or stress
Cognitive decline in senior pets
Digestive or urinary discomfort
Pets rarely complain, but sleep disruption tells the story.
Where Your Pet Sleeps Matters Too
Changes in sleep location are just as important as duration.
Notice if your pet:
Avoids favorite sleeping spots
Seeks cooler or harder surfaces
Moves closer to or farther from you
Chooses hidden or unusual places
These shifts often reflect changes in comfort, temperature regulation, or emotional needs.
Sleep and Emotional Wellbeing Are Closely Linked
Just like humans, pets process stress through sleep.
Major life changes can impact sleep:
Schedule changes
New caregivers or pets
Travel
Loss of a family member
Environmental noise or construction
Stress-related sleep changes often appear before other behavioral signs.
Cats: Masters of Quiet Sleep Signals
Cats are especially subtle.
Pay attention to:
Increased daytime sleeping with nighttime restlessness
Sleeping curled tightly instead of stretched
Reduced deep sleep postures
Hiding during rest periods
Cats often sleep through discomfort—but adjust how and where they rest.
When to Take Action
Consider consulting a veterinarian if sleep changes:
Persist more than a few days
Appear suddenly
Coincide with appetite, mobility, or behavior changes
Escalate over time
Early conversations prevent chronic issues, and unnecessary suffering.
Sleep isn’t just rest.
It’s regulation, recovery, and communication.
When your pet’s sleep changes, they’re telling you something, quietly, consistently, and honestly.
At Dogs On The Run, we believe truly attentive care means noticing what isn’t obvious, because that’s often where the most important information lives.
Trusted Resources & References
For science-based insight into sleep, pain, stress, and behavioral health in pets:
Veterinary & Health Organizations
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Guidance on behavioral and physiological indicators of illnessAmerican Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
Resources on pain, aging, and quality-of-life monitoringAmerican Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)
Education on subtle health and behavior changes in cats
Behavior & Welfare Experts
Fear Free Pets
Research on stress, rest, and emotional wellbeing in petsInternational Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
Education on behavioral shifts linked to physical and emotional healthDr. Karen Overall, VMD, PhD
Foundational research on sleep, behavior, pain, and emotional regulation
