Our Basset Hounds have an enviable life. After sleeping for 10-12 hours at night, you might still find your buddy napping in the sunbeams or dozing on the couch during the day.
Dogs sleep differently than humans, which may make some owners wonder how long Basset Hounds Sleep?
On average, adult Basset Hounds sleep for around 14 to 16 hours daily. On the other hand, Basset Hound puppies sleep a lot more, around 16 to 18 hours every day.
In this article, we will cover more about this topic and learn how you can set up your Basset’s sleep schedule based on yours.
Why do Basset Hounds Sleep so much?
Some dog breeds need more sleep than others, and the Basset Hound breed happens to be one of them. Bassets are medium-to-large dogs, and like most dog breeds of this size, they tend to sleep for up to 16 hours a day.
In the past, Basset Hounds were bred as hunting dogs. They would accompany their handlers on hunts to help flush out the small game animals (rabbits and hares) from their burrows. Naturally, while working, they would prioritize sleep less as they had a job to do. You can read this article to learn more about why basset hounds were bred.
Today, Basset Hounds are primarily used as companion animals or house pets. Therefore, they don’t always have a job to do. Naturally, most Bassets spend all their time dozing when they are not eating or walking, or playing with their humans.
Factors that Affect the Sleep of Basset Hound?
Several factors can impact the quantity of sleep your Basset Hound needs. Here are some elements that may contribute to their unique sleeping habits:
Age
This is one of the most important factors affecting your Basset’s sleep duration. Basset puppies and senior Bassets sleep for almost 16-18 hours a day, whereas the average adult Basset might sleep for about 15 hours a day.
According to veterinary experts, puppies must sleep for at least 16-18 hours to grow and develop.
As your Basset puppy turns 1 year old, they will start sleeping much less. Experts recommend that adult Bassets between the age of 1-8 years should ideally get between 8-14 hours of sleep to be happy and healthy.
Older dogs need even more sleep. You might worry that your senior Basset (aged 10 years and over) is sleeping too much. But vets state that it is normal. Your buddy is just taking things easier, and as long as they are eating and exercising usually, that is okay.
REM Sleep
REM sleep stands for Rapid Eye Movement. The quantity of REM and Non-REM sleep your Basset gets affects their sleep duration.
Like all dogs, Bassets don’t sleep at a stretch; instead, they take short naps. This indicates that they get fewer hours in the REM stage and are light sleepers. Short and light REM sleep results in dogs taking frequent naps, which also gives them the ability to become alert quickly after waking up.
Activity Levels
Your Basset’s activity and exercise level will also impact how long your pet sleeps. If you exercise your Basset for 45-60 minutes each day, they will nap longer and deeper during the day as well as at nighttime.
This is one reason you should continue to walk and exercise your senior Basset even in its golden years (as long as your vet has allowed it). Senior dogs could suffer from muscle atrophy without exercise, so you must keep up with your dog’s daily exercise schedule.
Environment
Your dog’s environment and surroundings greatly impact the quality and quantity of their sleep. If you live in a noisy area with loud fireworks, construction noises, or vehicular traffic, or if you have frequent parties and guests at home, your dog will remain alert and won’t sleep as much as they normally do.
Fortunately, once the situation is back to normal, your Basset should return to a normal sleep schedule.
Health
A Basset Hound’s overall health will also impact their sleep duration. Certain health conditions like joint issues, urinary infections, systemic infections, metabolic diseases, pain, itching, skin issues, heart-related conditions, coughing, etc., can keep your Basset awake.
How To Improve Your Basset Hound’s Sleep?
Your Basset needs certain “sleep essentials” to sleep soundly and adequately. These include:
Optimum Exercise
Too much and too little exercise can both prevent your Basset from sleeping adequately. Ensure your dog gets at least 45-60 minutes of exercise daily. You can always break this into two or three shorter sessions. Exercise is essential for your Basset’s physical and mental health. You can go through this article to learn out more about basset hound’s exerise needs.
Noise-free Environment
If you have noisy children, instruct them not to disturb your Basset while asleep. Where possible, provide your dog with a quiet sleeping area in a remote part of your house.
You could also consider crate training your Basset puppy. Crates not only provide your puppy with a safe and secure environment to sleep better but also aid in potty training.
A Comfortable Bed
Senior Bassets with joint issues could benefit from orthopedic, memory-foam beds that are easier on their joints.
Likewise, in the winter months, you could provide your dog with a warm heating pad or a heat-retaining bed to keep them cozy and warm. Similarly, in the warmer months, cooling pads or elevated beds can keep your Basset from sweating in the oppressive heat, resulting in better sleep.
Rule Out Health Issues
The above three sleep essentials should solve most sleep-related issues in your Basset. However, if you still notice your Basset sleeping way more or less than the recommended hours, or if your buddy has deviated greatly from its normal sleep habits, it may be wise to see your vet.
FAQs – How Much Sleep Should a Basset Hound Have?
How much do Basset Hounds sleep in 24 hours?
On average, adult Basset Hounds sleep for 14-16 hours a day, while puppies may sleep between 16-18 hours in 24 hours.
Why do Basset Hounds sleep all the time?
Basset Hounds may come out to be lazy but there’s a reason why they sleep so much. Unlike humans, Basset Hounds (like all dogs) get less quantity of REM sleep. They are light sleepers and tend to wake frequently. They also wake up several times at night to check on their premises. This makes them take frequent naps throughout the day.
How Much do Basset Hounds sleep at night?
Like most dogs, your Basset Hound should get 75% of their sleep at night. This means, on average, your Basset should sleep around 10-11 hours at night and about 4-5 hours during the day.
Conclusion
When it comes to your Basset Hound’s sleep habits, there isn’t an easy answer as to whether your buddy is sleeping too much or too little.
On average, adult Bassets sleep for 14-16 hours a day, while Basset puppies may sleep between 16-18 hours in 24 hours. Old or senior Bassets might sleep for up to 20 hours a day.
You can track your dog’s sleep and get your vet to confirm if the sleeping patterns are normal for your dog’s age and overall health.