We all feel better after a good night’s sleep but have you ever thought about the amount of sleep your pet needs or what happens to them if they don’t get enough.

Dogs need much more sleep than you think. Puppies and seniors need up to 18 hours a day, while adults need 12 to 14 hours every 24-hour period. That’s almost twice the sleep hours we need as humans.

Sleep helps dogs’ recharge, repair muscles, build immunity and process memories. A lack of sleep can lead to poor health and behavioural issues, such as anxiety and hyperactivity. So before reaching for the anti-anxiety medications for them, have a think about their sleep patterns and if they are getting enough rest.

As we look to our pets more and more for our own emotional support, taking them everywhere we go and keeping them awake for longer and longer, there are bound to be impacts on their wellbeing if they are not getting enough sleep.

While socialisation at day care is great, long days can disrupt sleep patterns especially if pets are in unfamiliar surroundings with dogs they don’t usually interact with.

I often hear owners say that their dogs come home exhausted but struggle to wind down at night. Signs of sleep deprivation include irritability and restlessness.

Be sure to ask your day care provider how much time your pet is allowed to nap or consider half days to allow them to rest as well. Co-sleeping is another rising trend which has its benefits but can also disrupt your dogs' natural sleep patterns.

If you wake up feeling tired, chances are they will too. Dogs are den animals; they need their own space. Some dogs sleep better alone, in a crate or dog bed, so keep this in mind when choosing where they sleep.

There are several ways to improve your dog's sleep. Dogs thrive on schedules so try to stick to the same daily routines, leaving plenty of nap times. Dogs are designed for bursts of energy interspersed with good long naps. During the daytime they can pretty much sleep anywhere but they like to know they are safe and won’t be disturbed.

At night they sleep for longer, as we do, and, like us, they prefer to be in a sleep-conducive environment, somewhere quiet, dark, and comfy.

If they do sleep in your room, think about turning off the TV and limit pre-bedtime stimulation.

Some dogs adapt fine to co-sleeping or daycare but monitor your own dog's behaviour. If they're struggling, adjust their routine.

Speak to your vet to help tailor a sleep plan that matches your own dog’s needs according to their age and breed requirements.

By prioritising sleep, you'll quickly notice changes in your dog's mood and energy level.

We all feel refreshed after a good night’s sleep and your dog is no exception. But they need a lot more of it than we do so it is our job as good owners to allow them all they need. A well-rested dog is a happy and healthier pet.

• Lucy Richardson graduated from Edinburgh University in 2005. She started CedarTree Vets in August 2012 with her husband, Mark. They live at the practice with their two children, Ray and Stella, and their dog and two cats. She is also the FEI national head veterinarian for Bermuda