Admit it. You love to play with your dogs, pet them and watch them sleep comfortably. But have you wondered what your dog's sleeping positions mean?
From
curling up into a ball to laying on the back, you must have seen your dog sleep
in so many positions. Sometimes, you would have caught yourself awing while
other times, you would have worried because of the position your dog prefers to
sleep in.
Your
worries are completely normal, but now is the time to discover the truth about
your dog's sleeping behaviors!
Your dogs
sleep in different positions depending on their surroundings, body temperature,
and trust in you. As pet parents, it is your responsibility to learn about dog
sleeping positions. Only then can you figure out if your four-legged companion
is in the pink of their health!
This
article will walk you through the different dog sleeping positions, what they
mean, and other necessary information. So, buckle up and keep reading!
Common Dog Sleeping Positions And Their Meaning
Like how
your sleeping position changes every so often, your dog's sleeping position
also varies. Your dog's sleeping habits can reveal a lot about how they are
feeling.
Generally,
dogs tend to shift their sleeping position based on where they are sleeping and
with whom. Dog sleeping patterns can also give you an insight into your dog's
health.
If you are
yearning to know more about happy dog sleeping positions, here are the sleeping
positions you need to watch out for:
Side Sleeper
Have you
seen your dogs sleep flat on one side with their legs extended? If yes, they
are side-sleepers.
Most
probably than not, you have seen your dog sleep in this position, as this is
one of the most common sleeping positions for furry friends.
When your
dog is a side sleeper, you know that they are relaxed and comfortable in their
environment. Your dogs love being around you and feel safe in your presence.
In this
position, your dog's vital organs are out in the open, making them feel
exposed. But the trust they place in you makes your dogs prefer this position.
The Donut
If your
dog sleeps curled up into a cute little furball, then you have got yourself a
donut-loving pet.
Of course,
this is an adorable dog sleeping position. But it also tells you that your dog
is feeling cold and anxious.
The donut
position is a common sleeping position among dogs during the cold season. Your
puppies have their limbs tucked close against their body to save up their body
heat.
Alternatively,
this position is also prevalent among wild dogs or dogs that have been recently
adopted. These dogs seek protection from their environment, and the best way
they can do that is to cover their vital organs in the donut sleeping position.
The Lion's Pose
The Lion's
pose is one of the cutest dog sleeping positions. When your puppy sleeps in
this position, they look like they mimic a lion's sleeping posture.
If your
dog sleeps in Lion's pose, you can find their front paws tucked in and their
heads on top of their paws. Your pup's hind legs are neatly placed on the side.
Usually,
your dogs sleep in this position when they badly want a nap but are on alert
mode. In this position, they do not get into a deep sleep and can pounce up at
a moment's notice.
Most loyal
dogs tend to fall asleep in this position by their pet parent's feet or front
door. Suppose your puppies sleep in this manner; you have found yourself a
watchdog!
The Superman Position
If your
dog lays sprawled out on its tummy with its front paws stretched forward and
back legs pushed back, it is in the superman position.
This dog
sleeping position means your dog is a little exhausted but up for playtime.
Superman is the favorite sleep position for high-energy dogs and very playful
dogs.
Suppose
your dog sleeps in this position and you feel like petting them; you can pick
them up and do so without hesitation. Your dogs would adore it!
On the Back
Suppose
you find your dog laying on its back with all paws up in the air; you are
blessed! Your dog completely trusts you, and that's what this sleep position of
your dog means.
Indeed,
this might look like one of the weird dog sleeping positions. But it's not.
You must
know that this is such a vulnerable position as all the vital organs of your
pup are fully exposed. Yet, your dog sleeps like this, thanks to your love and
affection for them.
Now, you
might think about why dogs sleep in this position.
Dogs sleep
with their tummy up to cool off their body. The pads of the feet are where dogs
sweat the most, and their belly is their heat source. So, when both of these
are in the air, they can reduce the body heat and feel happy and calm.
On the Belly
Have you
ever noticed your dog sleeping with its tummy on the floor and arms stretched?
Well, dogs sleep in this position mostly during summers or on days they feel
hot. It is a position that helps the dogs to get a bit relaxed and enjoy the
cold surface.
So, if you
ever find your dog in such a position, you must find ways to make it more
comfortable. You can bath it or try to feed it light food. You can also trim
the fur if your pooch consistently lies down in this position.
Cuddler Cutie
Humans
love to cuddle, and so do dogs. You can sometimes find your dog cuddled up to
you or other dogs. If your furry animal loves to sleep on top of you, you have
found your true cuddler cutie!
If your
dog sleeps in this position, it means your pet desire to bond with you. Your
furry friend loves your company and wants to grow closer to you.
All you
have to do for this affectionate furball is to pet them generously and show
them how much you care for them.
Elevated Head And Neck
In case
you find your dog's head and neck raised on its dog bed, pay close attention.
This position is a hint that your dog might have health issues.
There are
certain dog sleeping behaviors you need to look out for, and this is one of
them. Dogs that sleep with their head and neck raised on any surface might have
breathing trouble.
If such a
scenario arises, pay attention to your dog's breathing rate. Suppose you listen
to any irregular noise or think your pup's breathing rate is high, contact a
veterinarian immediately!
The Burrower
You may
have seen dogs curled up in a piece of fabric, a blanket, or pillows. Or you might
have seen your dog snuggling below the mattress or something similar. Dogs who
get cutely covered in fabric or cushions are referred to as burrowers.
All this
isn't just a cute thing they do; it indicates their needs.
Dogs in
the Burrower Bug position are looking for comfort and security. You might be
aware that to fall asleep, they frequently require a lot of attention and
affection. So, make sure that you make your dogs feel comfortable and give them
an ample amount of love.
What Is A Dog's Most Comfortable Sleeping Position?
Much like
us humans, dogs undergo different emotions ranging from fear and insecurity to
comfort and relaxation as well.
When we
feel the most relaxed and comfortable, we tend to be carefree, and our bodylanguage echoes our feeling. Your dog does the same too.
Your dog
sleeps the best when it slumps onto one side and stretches its legs. This
position, as we discussed early, is called the side sleeper. It is one of the
best dog sleeping positions. If your furry companion is in this position, it
falls into a deep slumber, and its muscles relax.
If you
closely observe, your dog might twitch, stretch its legs and move its paws
while sleeping in this position. It is more so because the dog is dreaming.
Sleeping on one side is also one of the common sleeping positions of dogs.
So, when
your dog sleeps on one side, it means it feels safe, relaxed, and comfortable.
This position is considered one of the most prominent and cozy sleep positions
of dogs. Dogs that trust the people and environment feel at ease and drift to
sleep in this position, extending their legs.
Other Comfortable Positions
Another
comfortable sleep position is when dogs sleep on their backs with their paws
up. It will be hard for the dog to get on its feet quickly in this position.
They trust you and are comfortable in their sleeping environment.
Dogs also
love snuggling up to you when they feel very loving and affectionate towards
you. This position also makes them feel warm and cozy. Bet you love it when
your dog is trying to bond with you!
Pro tip:
The dogs that sleep on one side keep their legs stretched. They might kick and
often twitch in deep sleep and dreams. Keep in mind to have extra space so your
furry friend can feel more comfortable.
How Long Does A Dog Sleep?
Most of
the time, we find our dogs jumping around full of energy or barking, which
makes us wonder about their sleep hours. Like do they get enough sleep?
Well, they
do get a good amount of sleep and usually sleep when they feel like they don't
have another job to do. So, they might not sleep in one go, but they do sleep
for small intervals during the day.
On
average, most dogs sleep for around half of their day or about 12 hours out of
a 24-hour period. Small-breed dogs and service dogs may sleep less, whereas
puppies, large-breed dogs, and older dogs may sleep more.
In short,
the time for which different dogs sleep may vary based on their age,
engagement, and routine. Ideally, dogs should sleep for at least 8 hours a day
and not less than that. If your dogs sleep for less than the said time, they
will suffer.
A dog
deprived of sleep has a reduced immune system, making them more susceptible to
illness and putting them in danger of serious illnesses. Sleep deprivation has
a significant impact on mood. So, if you notice an abnormality in your dog's
sleep patterns, you must consult a vet and get the issues resolved.
What Does My Dog's Yawn Indicate?
There are
various reasons why your dog yawns, and not each of them is always a soothing
indication. However, while the yawn is widely accepted as a relaxing signal in
dog communication, there are other reasons to be concerned.
A yawn
might also signal excitement or worry. Dogs yawn in anticipation of something
pleasurable, like a walk, as a way of reining in their excitement. When your
dog is frightened, it may yawn continuously while waiting at the veterinarian's
office. So, you can see that yawning at different times indicates different
reasons.
As a
result, start paying attention to when and how often they yawn. For example, if
your child stretches out and yawns, they are sleepy or tired. Doing so will
help you understand your pooch, its habits, and sleeping pattern in a better
way.
Some Common Dog Sleep Patterns
Now that
you know what dog sleeping positions mean, you must learn about the sleep
patterns of your furry friends.
You may
encounter typical dog sleeping habits like barking and twitching when your dog
dozes off. Do not worry; these sleeping habits are usual among dogs. These
sleep patterns will help you find out about your dog's quality of sleep.
So, what
are these sleeping patterns?
Twitching
If you
find your dog twisting and turning in their sleep, it is because they are
dreaming. It is usual for dogs to twitch when they move between sleep stages.
So, chill out and let your dog’s dream!
Barking
Yes, dogscan bark during their sleep, and it's not wrong. When your dog barks during its
sleep, it is due to a crazy dream your pet had.
Snoring
Dogs snore
too! While it might be because your pet has a tiny nose, it could also be due
to breathing issues, in which case you must get your dog checked by the vet.
Sometimes,
odd sleep positions can also cause your dog to snore. Try waking up your dog
and letting them go back to sleep in another position. If the snoring stops,
you have your answer!
Lastly, it
is hard to confess. But if your dog is obese, then its snoring is common.
Excessive weight can cause pressure around the airways and lead to snoring.
Running
Of all
sleep patterns, this might startle you more. Your dogs could be moving their
legs rapidly, as if they were running, during their sleep.
This
behavior can be witnessed mostly when your pup sleeps with its legs stretched
on the side. And when a dream strikes your furball.
Think of
it as your dog chasing a ball or running a marathon. Exciting, right? Now,
please stop trying to wake them up from their excellent sleep.
Circling and Digging
If you
have seen your dog lying on a cold surface and sleeping, you would have also
seen them circling and digging the ground in a while. This pattern is a dog's
natural way of making their surroundings more comfortable.
Also, they
picked up this behavior from their ancestors - the wolves. But you do not have
to get frightened by that; your little pet is just recollecting some memories
during sleep.
Where Should Your Dog Sleep?
There is
no thumb rule regarding where your dogs can sleep. However, if you are looking
at some suggestions for a good night's sleep for your dog, here it goes:
In your Bedroom
Two things
can decide if your cute doggie can sleep in your bedroom:
• You love
it when your dog sleeps curled up with you.
• Your dog
loves to snuggle with you.
There is
nothing else that matters. Unless you or your partner do not have pet
allergies, you can make a dog bed for your pet. Especially if you often see
your dog seeking comfort from you, having them sleep in your bed will help you
bond better.
In a Crate
If you do
not want your puppy in your bedroom, you can always let them sleep in a crate.
A crate protects your furball from a cold surface, and if your dog is
crate-trained, a crate can feel like heaven! It will be cozy and safe for your
pet.
Moreover,
letting your dog fall asleep in a crate is an excellent idea if you want to
avoid house accidents. You can also carry them with you during travel.
Dog bed
Dog beds
are one of the most comfortable places for your dogs. They are easier to sleep
in when compared to a crate, as your pup can get up and move around quickly.
Puppies
sleep cozily with their legs extended happily. Plus, beds protect your furballs
from sleeping on a cold surface. So, buying a bed for your dog is a beautiful
idea!
How To Help Your Dog Get Better Sleep?
Your dog
can sleep well only if it is happy. So keeping your dog happy is the first step
in ensuring it gets better sleep. Here are a few tips to help your dog sleep
better.
• Set up a
comfortable space; it could also provide the dog with its own bed.
• Limit
the amount of water it drinks before going to bed.
• Make
potty break a mandate just before bedtime.
• Don't
let the dog take any breaks in the middle of the night.
• Keep
your sleeping habits under check to help your dog sleep better.
Bottom Line
Dogs are
man's best friends. Taking care of their sleep routine and understanding their
sleeping habits are important.
Dogs
follow a polyphasic sleep cycle - they sleep round the clock. The amount of
time your dog’s sleep varies mainly with their age, personality, and the
environment they grow up in.
From
making a comfy dog bed to understanding their emotions with their sleeping
style, we have got to understand the needs and feelings of our dogs better.
It would
be best if you cared for your four-legged friend's habits to keep their sleep
cycle and health under control. Once you start understanding why your dogsleeps the way it sleeps, try altering different things to help your buddy lead
a healthier and more comfortable life.
Since you
now know what your dog's sleeping positions mean, keep an eye out on their
postures and find out if they are happy with you!
