Sleep is as essential to dogs as it is to people. Just like us, their bodies and minds need rest to stay healthy, balanced, and happy. Yet many pet parents are surprised when their dog comes home from a boarding stay—or even from traveling with the family—appearing more tired than usual. At Playful Pups Retreat, we know how much pet parents care about their dogs’ well-being, and we want to reassure you that this post-boarding tiredness is normal.
How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?
The amount of sleep a dog requires depends largely on their age:
- Puppies: Growing bodies and developing brains mean puppies need the most sleep—often 18–20 hours per day. All of that napping fuels their rapid growth and learning.
- Adult Dogs: Most adult dogs sleep around 12–14 hours per day, typically in shorter stretches combined with nighttime sleep.
- Senior Dogs: Older pups often slow down and may sleep 16–18 hours per day as their bodies and energy levels change with age.
Sleep is restorative, and when a dog doesn’t get enough, you may notice it in their mood, health, and behavior.
Dogs Are Creatures of Routine
Dogs thrive on structure. Their sense of security and overall happiness relies on predictable patterns—daily exercise, mealtimes, potty breaks, play, and of course, sleep. A steady rhythm gives them comfort. When their routine is disrupted, even in positive ways, their sleep cycle is affected.
When dogs are in a boarding facility, staying with a sitter, or even vacationing with their family, their schedules change. New sights, smells, sounds, and activities bring excitement, enrichment, and love—but they still represent a shift from the familiar daily routine. And those changes can impact how deeply and how long a dog sleeps.
Why Your Dog Might Be Sleepier After Boarding
If your pup comes home from a boarding stay and immediately crashes on their favorite bed, don’t worry—this is common. Here’s why:
- New Environment: Even in the highest-quality care facility, your dog is in a different space surrounded by new friends and caregivers. It takes mental energy to process all the stimulation.
- Excitement & Activity: Boarding often includes more playtime, socialization, and enrichment than your pup may get at home, which can naturally lead to tired muscles and minds.
- Interrupted Routine: Bedtime may not happen at exactly the same time, meals may be served a bit earlier or later, and their natural rhythm may shift temporarily.
All of this contributes to why your dog may come home more lethargic than usual. It’s not a cause for concern; it’s simply their body’s way of catching up on rest and readjusting.
The Same Is True for Travel With You
Even if your dog never sets paw in a boarding facility and instead joins the family on a trip, the effect can be similar. A “play-cation” filled with hikes, car rides, beach days, or bustling family gatherings is a wonderful experience—but it is also a big change in routine. Just like people often feel they need a vacation after their vacation, dogs may come home happily exhausted, ready for a few extra naps to reset.
A Compassionate Reminder for Pet Parents
It’s natural to feel worried when you see your dog more tired than usual after time away from home. But rest assured: a bit of extra sleepiness is a normal part of recovery from a change in routine. In most cases, within a day or two your pup will be back to their usual energy level and rhythm.
The best thing you can do for them is to ease them back into their familiar schedule—meals, walks, playtime, and bedtime. Their routine is the anchor that helps them feel safe and balanced, and once it’s restored, their sleep will follow.
At the end of the day, whether your dog spends time at a loving boarding facility, with a trusted sitter, or alongside you on an adventure, what matters most is the care, enrichment, and affection they receive. And when they come home tired, you can take comfort knowing they were well-loved, engaged, and happy during their time away.
✨ To learn more about overnight boarding and the enriching activities we offer for dogs who stay with us, visit our website today—we’d love to be your pup’s home away from home.
Laurie is the owner of Playful Pups Retreat, which celebrates 15 Years of Excellence in Pet Care this year! She holds the highest level of certification through PACCC (Professional Animal Care Certification Council) with a CPACO certification (Certified Professional Animal Care Operator). In addition, she is certified in Pet First Aid and is also certified through Fear Free Pets. Laurie is also the founder of a non-profit rescue organization, Pitties Love Peace.