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Does your dog sleep upside down with its paws in the air, head buried in the couch cushions, and body twisted like a pretzel? While they make for hilarious pictures on your camera roll, you might be wondering if this topsy-turvey position is healthy and if they’re still able to breathe.
When dogs snooze at funny angles, it’s not only by choice. It’s all about their health, comfort, and ancestry.
Why Do Dogs Sleep on Their Backs?
As strange as it looks, each dog likely has a different reason for sleeping in this specific position. It depends on the climate that you live in, the location of where your dog sleeps, and even their mood.
The reason why dogs sleep on their backs might depend on where it is you live, and the average temperature. The fur on a dog’s stomach is considerably thinner than anywhere else on their body. By sleeping with their stomach upright, they’re able to cool down considerably more than the other way around. Sleeping on their stomachs swaddles their most exposed area, allowing the fur on their backs to insulate the exposed area. Dogs only sweat through their paws, so this position maximizes their potential for cooling.
Some dogs sleep on their backs for a very simple reason; comfort. Like people find different sleeping positions comfortable, so do dogs. With dogs, sleeping on their back might be more comfortable for your pet than it appears. A dog sleep on their back will have all of their muscles relaxed. None of them have to tense or have any pressure put on them. If your dog really wants to relax during their afternoon nap, they might choose this position.
Dogs sleeping in that strange position on their backs only occurs in domesticated dogs, and not their close relations in the wild. While dogs have plenty in common with their wild counterparts, this is a quirk exclusive to pets. Laying directly on their back is a particularly vulnerable position. It doesn’t give their body any protection and leaves them vulnerable to threats. If a dog is sleeping on their backs it indicates that they feel particularly secure. They are comfortable enough that they don’t need to protect themselves.
A sweeter answer to why do dogs sleep on their backs may just be to project their affection. A dog that sleeps on their back is exposing themselves entirely to those around them. Dogs that are very trusting of their owner will fall asleep in this position by their owner to demonstrate that trust.
While dogs sleeping on their backs is a particularly funny position, a lot of dogs sleep in different positions. Sleeping dogs chose a variety of ways to lie their head down for the night (or afternoon, or even mid-morning for some pets) for quite a few different reasons. If your dog is going for their back over their positions, it can tell you something about their sleeping needs.
The superman position gets its name from the way that Superman looks when he’s flying, rather than being the preferred way for his dog to sleep. This position is where a dog is laid flat on their stomachs, with their paws pointed forwards. This allows a dog to spring back up right away. It is a popular position for puppies to lay in and is frequently seen when a dog falls asleep while still attempting to play.
The most common position for dogs to sleep in the wild is curled up in a ball. This way of sleeping protects them and gives them a sense of security. However, it isn’t a sleeping position reserved entirely for dogs that feel unsafe. It is the warmest position to sleep in. During the colder months, or even if your dog is just fond of a toasty nap, dogs will default to this position to save warmth. If your dog has a tendency to become alarmed at outside noises, they may sleep in this position for alertness. It lets them spring back into action as quickly as possible, sleeping in this position may be part of their guard duty routine.
A dog sleeping on their side shares a lot of similarities with those laid on their backs. They’re leaving themselves exposed which shows trust. It also allows them to rest their muscles and go relatively limp. A dog sleeping on their side is likely a pretty relaxed pet. This position allows gives them scope to fidget in their sleep, so you’ll know if a dog is dreaming about running.
A sleeping dog is sleeping because they’re tired or really need some rest. While it can mean a dog is bored, they typically only sleep if they want to relax. It is important to allow your dog to sleep when they want too, even if they’re in a weird position. Waking them prematurely can cause the dog some problems
Dog Sleeping Positions With Their Meanings
We all come across some weird dog sleeping positions. The section below describes the various sleeping positions of dogs.
The side sleeper is the most popular sleeping position in dogs. In this position, Dogs lie on the side with their legs extended. Dogs feel very safe and comfortable in this position as their vital organs are exposed.
Meaning
This position means that the dogs are safe, relaxed, and easygoing. It also means that the dogs are in familiar surroundings and are at a comfortable temperature.
This position refers to the dog sleeping on its stomach with front legs stretched forward, and back legs stretched behind. This position is widespread with puppies who are energetic and playful.
Meaning
Dogs who sleep in this position are tired but ready to play in a blink of an eye. Puppies tend to take a nap during their play session in this position.
This position is also known as the sphinx. The Lions pose sleeping position means that your dog sleeps with its head on top of its paws. The dogs can also sleep in this position by tucking their paws and resting their back legs on the side.
Meaning
This position means that the dog is sleeping but is ready to take off immediately if required. Experts suggest that dogs use this position when they want to sleep but want to be prepared to jump at a moments notice.
The Donut is possibly one of the cutest dog sleeping positions. The dog sleeps curled up in a ball in this position, with legs held close to its body. At times their nose even touches the back legs, and the tail also curls over the body.
Meaning
A dog sleeping in this position means protecting themselves from the surroundings and adjusting themselves to the temperatures. This position is common to stray dogs and dogs who are new to their surroundings.
The Cuddler bug is the most adorable dog sleeping position. The dog prefers to sleep on top of a person or another dog cuddled up in this position. If you want to cuddle with your dog, this position is for you.
Meaning
This position is a sign of love, affection, and bonding and that your dog wants to get closer to you or another dog.
This position refers to a dog lying with its head and neck raised. Dogs use the side of the bed or cushion for this position.
Meaning
This position means that the dog might have breathing issues, which allows them to get more air.
Dogs sleep on tummy on a cold surface when they tend to feel hot. This position is similar to Lions pose.
Meaning
This position means that the dog is feeling hot and adjusting the temperature by sleeping on a cold surface, whether it be a kitchen surface or a pavement.
The back position refers to your dog laying down on its back with its belly up and legs in the air. This position might seem uncomfortable or a funny dog sleeping position, but it is one of the most comfortable position for the dogs.
Meaning
The dogs sleeping in this position suggest that they trust you and are familiar with the environment. This position also means that dog body heat is more and this position allows maximum air passage to all the body parts.
This position is similar to the Cuddler position. In this position, the dog places its back against the back of another dog or you.
Meaning
When a dog sleeps in this position, it means that they are showing love and affection. This position indicates a sense of intimacy in the dog.
You might have come across dogs snuggled in a piece of cloth, blanket, or pillows. The burrower refers to dogs who get cutely draped in fabric or cushions.
Meaning
The Burrower Bug position means that dogs are searching for comfort and security.
You may come across different behaviors of dogs or dog sleep patterns. Although it has nothing to do with their personality, it can tell you a lot about their sleep quality.
1. Dreaming: Just like us humans, dogs also dream. Generally, they imagine what happened during the day.
2. Barking: Dog Barking in sleep is entirely normal and nothing to worry about; it might be because of a weird dream.
3. Twitching: Dogs twitch during their sleep. According to experts, the main reason that dogs twitch in sleep is that they are dreaming. There is nothing to worry about if your dog is twisting and running in his or her sleep.
4. Snoring: It’s common for dogs to snore. It could be because of the breathing issues they could be facing or because of that short little nose of his.
5. Running: Dont worry the next time you see the legs of your dog moving while they are sleeping on the side. They might be running a marathon or catching a thief in their dream.
6. Digging: We simply love to see our dogs circle and the extra mud, grass, or snow. But have you ever imagined why? Because of their ancestors- wolves, who used to clear the excess soil to sleep comfortably.
Check out our blog on Should you Be sleeping with your dog, to understand the different aspects of sleeping with your best friend.
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Whether it may be kids or adults, one question that rings in everyone’s mind is how long they sleep? Do dogs sleep all day? Adult dogs sleep 12–14 hours a day. However, the hours of sleep vary based on their type of dog, age, daily activity, and built.
You might be wondering why do dogs sleep so much?
According to experts, “Dogs take naps several times a day depending on the dog; they sleep the most between 9 pm to 6 am.” Extended or long sleeping hours in dogs is due to their lost REM (Rapid Eye Movement) because they tend to jump on alertness. The smaller ones or Puppies sleep a lot more, up to 20 hours a day.
Check out our blog on How Much Do Dogs Sleep to understand our little furry friends’ normal and abnormal sleeping patterns.
Dogs’ Sleeping Positions Tell You A Lot About Their Personality And Health
Have you ever closely monitored your dogs sleeping position? They, too, have different sleeping positions, just like us humans. The way your little furry ball rests can tell you a lot about its behavior, personality, and a lot more.
Dog sleeping positions are cute, pleasing to the eyes, and, more importantly, informative about a dogs mental and physical state. Curious to know what these dog positions mean? We have covered everything you need to know about your beloved pet in our detailed guide. Lets get started with the meaning of different dog sleeping positions.