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How Much Do Pugs Sleep? Everything You Should Know

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Pugs have something of a reputation for being lazy dogs that sleep a lot. In fact, while they might sleep a lot compared to people, they don’t really sleep any more than other breeds of dogs. A Pug will usually sleep for around 8 to 10 hours a night plus another 4 to 6 hours during the day, for a total of around 14 hours of sleep every 24 hours. Puppies will sleep a little longer than this, while senior dogs may also sleep longer.

Yours may be sleeping longer during the day if it isn’t getting a full night’s unbroken sleep, and if you notice that your dog is more lethargic and sleeping longer than usual, it may be worth seeing a vet because lethargy can be a sign of illness.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

How Long Do Pugs Sleep?

How long a Pug sleeps depends on several factors, but primarily its age and its activity levels. Dogs that don’t get enough exercise will generally sleep longer, and if your dog has had a day full of physical activity and isn’t used to this level of activity, it may sleep longer, too.

Pugs do not really sleep any longer than other dogs. However, they do tend to make quite loud noises while sleeping, because breathing through that nose and mouth can be challenging. Because they are loud sleepers and their owners can hear them sleep, it can seem like they snooze longer than other dogs.

Below is a table that shows how many hours a Pug sleeps according to its age.

Old pug dog sleeping on a rug
Image Credit: Finnegan’s Fotos, Shutterstock
Age Hours of Sleep
Puppy 16–20 hours
Adult 12–15 hours
Senior 14–18 hours

The amount a Pug sleeps really does depend, and even if you have two Pugs of the same age, they might have different sleeping habits.

About Pugs

Pugs are small dogs that were initially bred as companion dogs. Today, they are one of the most popular pet breeds of dogs in the world and are popular not only because of their size but also because they are affectionate, loving, and loyal. They are also fun and they do enjoy some physical exercise.

They don’t require too much grooming or maintenance, but they can suffer separation anxiety if left alone for too long, and the shape of their face and upper body means that they can be somewhat prone to certain illnesses and conditions.

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Top 5 Tips To Ensure Your Pug Is Happy and Healthy

The Pug generally has a happy disposition. It is a loving and lively little dog when it isn’t asleep. But there are certain things you can do to help ensure the happiness of your little four-legged friend.

1. Check the Skin and Eyes

Although Pugs don’t necessarily need too much grooming, because they have a short coat, they do benefit from being checked regularly, especially to ensure that they are not suffering yeast infections or eye issues. Ensure that the areas between your Pug’s folds are kept dry and clean and gently wipe away tears below the eyes.

vet wiping pugs eyes
Image Credit: Yekatseryna Netuk, Shutterstock

2. Use a Harness

The brachycephalic face of the dog, as well as its barrel chest, means that the Pug can struggle with respiratory problems. Collars can exacerbate the problem, whereas a harness sits around the chest and spreads pressure across the chest, shoulders, and back, therefore preventing breathing problems and making life easier for both of you.


3. Ensure a Good Diet

pug dog eating from feeding bowl
Image Credit: Tanya Dol, Shutterstock

Although they are lively, Pugs can’t be given excessive amounts of exercise. This, coupled with an insatiable appetite for treats, means that it is very easy for a Pug to put on weight and become overweight. The inability to exercise further means that once a Pug is overweight, it is very difficult to shift the pounds.

Therefore, you will need to stick to a strict diet and try to avoid giving too many high-fat, low-quality tidbits.


4. Provide Good Exercise

Good exercise goes hand-in-hand with a good diet to ensure your Pug maintains a healthy weight and doesn’t become too fat. While your Pug won’t be winning any sprinting races, it can do very well at agility and will enjoy getting out for daily walks. Provide about an hour of walks a day to ensure good physical condition.


5. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

In extreme cold and extreme heat, it becomes much more challenging to be able to breathe clearly, and this is especially a problem for the Pug because of its facial shape. If you do live in an area that suffers from extreme temperatures, you will need to find ways to combat and counteract these extremes so your Pug is happy and healthy.

cute pug dog barking outdoors
Image Credit: Ryan Garrett, Shutterstock

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Conclusion

The Pug is a very popular pet dog breed that is kept by owners of all ages, all around the world. Although they can seem like lazy dogs, Pugs typically sleep around 14 hours a day, which is actually quite typical for most dog breeds. It might seem more because of the excessive breathing noises that the breed makes while it is asleep.

Puppies and seniors also tend to sleep a little longer, but if you do notice that your dog is sleeping more than is typical for them, look for any other signs and symptoms of illness and consult a vet if you are worried.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

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Featured Image Credit: StockSnap, Pixabay

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