It's 3pm. Your dog is asleep. Again.

They slept through the morning. Napped after lunch. Now they're curled up on the sofa like they haven't moved in hours. Because they haven't.

You're starting to wonder: is this normal? Or is something wrong?

Probably normal. Possibly not. Here's how to tell the difference.

Why Winter Means More Sleep

It's not laziness. It's biology.

For thousands of years, winter meant scarcity. Less food, colder temperatures, fewer reasons to expend energy. Dogs who conserved calories during the lean months survived. Dogs who didn't, didn't.

Your dog's ancestors passed down a very simple instruction: when the light fades, slow down.

The fact that your dog has central heating and a full food bowl doesn't matter. The ancient code still runs. When daylight hours drop, so does their activity level.

How Much Sleep Is Normal?

Adult dogs typically sleep 12-14 hours a day. Puppies and senior dogs can hit 18-20 hours.

In winter, add another hour or two. Maybe more on the darkest, coldest days.

This isn't cause for concern. It's cause for an extra blanket.

The "Winter Slowdown" vs. Something Else

Seasonal sleepiness looks like this:

Gradual onset. It creeps in as the days shorten. Not sudden.

Still engaged when awake. They're sleeping more, but when they're up, they're still interested in food, walks, play, you.

Normal appetite. Eating the same amount—or slightly less, which is also normal in winter.

No other changes. No limping, no vomiting, no unusual behaviour. Just more naps.

If this sounds like your dog, you're looking at a normal seasonal shift. Let them sleep.

When to Worry

More sleep isn't always seasonal. Sometimes it's a signal.

Sudden change. They went from normal energy to barely moving in a matter of days. That's not winter—that's something else.

Loss of interest. They don't just want to sleep more—they don't want to do anything. No enthusiasm for food, walks, or things that usually excite them.

Difficulty waking. Groggy, disoriented, slow to respond. Sleep should refresh them, not leave them foggy.

Other symptoms. Vomiting, diarrhoea, limping, changes in breathing, weight loss, excessive thirst. Sleep changes paired with any of these need a vet visit.

Age-related shifts. Senior dogs naturally slow down. But a sudden increase in sleeping—especially combined with confusion or restlessness at night—can indicate cognitive decline.

What Can Cause Non-Seasonal Fatigue

If it's not winter slowdown, it could be:

Hypothyroidism. Common in dogs, especially middle-aged. Causes lethargy, weight gain, and coat changes. Easily diagnosed with a blood test.

Anaemia. Low red blood cells mean less oxygen to muscles and brain. Fatigue is often the first sign.

Pain. Dogs don't always limp when they hurt. Sometimes they just stop moving as much. Arthritis, dental pain, internal discomfort—all can present as "sleeping more."

Depression. Yes, dogs can get depressed. Changes in household, loss of a companion, major routine shifts—all can trigger withdrawal and excessive sleep.

Infection or illness. The body fights harder when it's unwell. Sleep is part of that fight.

How to Support Them Through Winter

If your dog is simply responding to the season, you can help them feel their best:

Maximise daylight. Walk them during the brightest part of the day. Natural light helps regulate their internal clock and lifts mood—theirs and yours.

Keep them warm. Cold bodies burn more energy just staying warm. A decent coat for outdoor walks and a warm bed indoors helps them rest more efficiently.

Maintain routine. Even if they're sleeping more, keep feeding and walking times consistent. Predictability helps regulate their system.

Watch the weight. Less activity plus same food equals weight gain. Adjust portions slightly if they're moving less.

Mental stimulation. A tired brain is as satisfying as a tired body. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, and scent games keep them engaged without requiring a long, cold walk.

The Bottom Line

Your dog sleeping more in winter is almost certainly normal. Their body is doing what it evolved to do—conserving energy when resources were historically scarce.

Let them rest. Keep them warm. Make the most of daylight hours.

But stay alert to the signals that suggest something else is going on. A dog who's just a bit sleepier in February is fine. A dog who's withdrawn, uninterested, or suddenly exhausted needs attention.

Trust your instincts. You know your dog.

P.S. A well-rested dog is a healthy dog. Let them hibernate a little—they've earned it.