Welcoming a new puppy into your home can be an exciting time, but it can also come with its own set of challenges. One of the most important things you can do to ensure that your puppy grows up healthy and happy is to make sure they get enough quality sleep.
PUPPY SLEEP CHART BY AGE
A puppy’s sleep pattern changes as they grow older, just like human babies. Here is a general sleep chart for puppies based on their age:
- Newborn to 2 weeks: Puppies spend most of their time sleeping and are usually only awake for short periods to nurse.
- 2 to 4 weeks: Puppies start to become more active and alert, but still spend about 90% of their day sleeping.
- 4 to 8 weeks: Puppies start to develop more of a regular sleep schedule and will sleep for about 18 to 20 hours per day.
- 8 to 12 weeks: Puppies will still sleep for about 18 to 20 hours per day, but will start to stay awake for longer periods of time.
- 12 to 16 weeks: Puppies will start to sleep for slightly less time each day, around 16 to 18 hours per day.
- 16 to 20 weeks: Puppies will typically sleep for around 14 to 16 hours per day.
It’s important to note that every puppy is different and may have their own unique sleep pattern. It’s also important to provide your puppy with a comfortable and safe sleeping environment, such as a cozy bed and a quiet space away from distractions. Additionally, puppies may need to go outside to use the bathroom during the night, especially during their first few months of life.
Puppies need a lot of sleep to support their growth and development, and creating the perfect sleep environment is key to achieving this goal. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect sleep environment for your puppy.
- Choose a comfortable bed: Just like humans, puppies need a comfortable and supportive place to sleep. You can choose a bed specifically designed for puppies or use a soft blanket or cushion to create a cozy sleeping space. Make sure the bed is big enough for your puppy to stretch out comfortably and choose a material that is easy to clean in case of accidents.
- Keep it quiet: Puppies are easily distracted by noise, and a noisy sleep environment can lead to restless nights. Try to keep your puppy’s sleep area in a quiet part of the house away from TVs, radios, or other sources of noise.
- Keep it dark: Darkness helps to cue the body for sleep, so try to create a dark sleep environment for your puppy. Consider using blackout curtains or shades to block out light from outside, and avoid using night lights or other sources of light in the sleep area.
- Maintain a comfortable temperature: Puppies have a hard time regulating their body temperature, so it’s important to keep their sleep environment at a comfortable temperature.
- Use calming scents: Certain scents, such as lavender or chamomile, are known for their calming properties and can help your puppy relax and sleep more soundly. Consider using a diffuser or a spray with these scents in your puppy’s sleep area.
- Stick to a schedule: Puppies thrive on routine, and having a consistent sleep schedule can help them feel secure and comfortable. Try to establish a regular bedtime routine that includes plenty of time for your puppy to wind down before bed.
By following these tips, you can create the perfect sleep environment for your puppy and help them get the restful sleep they need to grow up healthy and happy. Remember that each puppy is unique, and you may need to adjust your approach based on their individual needs. With patience and persistence, you can help your puppy establish healthy sleep habits that will benefit them for years to come.
