If your dog is hard to wake or cannot get up or walk, seek emergency veterinary care now. VCA’s urgent-care guidance identifies these as emergency signs.
If your Rottweiler is spending more time asleep, start with what has changed for this particular dog. A usually calm temperament does not explain a new loss of energy.
Compare with your dog’s usual day
Note when the change began, how easily your dog wakes, and what happens between naps. Record appetite, drinking, toileting, movement, and any recent change in routine or medication. Sleep time alone cannot identify a medical condition.
Contact your veterinarian about a change
Ask your veterinarian about sleeping more than usual or reduced interest in ordinary activities. PDSA’s lethargy guidance recommends seeking advice when a dog has low energy or seems unlike themselves. A change should not be dismissed as old age, laziness, or a breed trait.
Keep things comfortable while you arrange advice
Additionally, ensuring your Rottweiler has a comfortable space to rest can improve the quality of their sleep. A quiet, cozy area away from household traffic can help your dog relax and recharge effectively.
Let your dog rest. Do not force walks, play, or training to try to correct low energy. Tell your veterinarian about prescribed medicine and any suspected side effects; do not change or stop treatment on your own.
What to bring to the appointment
Share your notes and describe what your dog normally enjoys doing while awake. Mention whether the change was sudden or gradual and whether it affects eating, drinking, or getting around. If your dog becomes hard to wake or unable to stand or walk, use emergency care rather than waiting for the appointment.
Sources
PDSA: Lethargy (low energy) in dogs; VCA Animal Hospitals: Lethargy. Checked October 16, 2026. These sources describe symptoms in dogs generally, not a sleep-hour rule for this breed. No diagnosis can be made from an article.
