Why does my dog have to be touching me when he sleeps? Here’s What to Expect

Feeling Safe and Comfortable

Dogs are social animals and they tend to feel safer when they are in a group. Also, many dog breeds are taught to work alongside their owners, so they feel safer when they are close to them. Sleeping close to you can make your dog feel less vulnerable and safer.

Another common reason is comfort and some dogs simply feel more comfortable when they sleep curled up next to their owners. This is likely the reason if your dog rests his head on you and chooses to sleep there instead of sleeping in his own bed.

Why Your Dog Has to Sleep Touching You?

There are many reasons why dogs have to touch their owners to sleep, so let’s take a closer look at those reasons before we explain how you can address them.

Warmth Makes for a Good Night’s Sleep

Don’t we all love when it’s raining outside, and we’re wrapped in the covers like a sandwich? This night’s sleep is always so deep and satiating.

Despite dogs’ naturally high body temperature and fur-covered bodies; dogs too like to snuggle and feel cozy. Always remember to give them their own little cover too!

We all know that dogs are the kings and queens of attention-seeking. They would give you the puppy eyes, give their tail a little wag, and then have you wrapped around their paw.

Sometimes when you’re too focused on your work or you’re watching a good show, you’ll find your little one coming to nuzzle at your neck. They will feign sleep but keep on fidgeting.

That’s because they don’t actually want to sleep but are trying to get your attention! So take them for a little walk or play some games with them.

Due to their instincts and their domesticated nature, dogs are very attached to their owners. Having them follow you around and always sticking to your side is adorable. But this can be a sign of over-attachment and separation anxiety.

This means they would let out cries and howls of agony if you leave for work or choose to have them sleep in another room.

Separation anxiety could also be the reason why your dog is destroying your furniture or scratching at the door when you’re away.

Make sure that your dog’s choice to sleep touching you doesn’t have an underlying issue as separation anxiety. Otherwise, feel free to cuddle your furry friend as you please!

Last but not least, your dog could be touching you when you’re asleep for you. Dogs are very smart and realize when you’re not feeling well emotionally or physically.

Fleeting seasonal colds, migraines, period cramps, and even more serious conditions like cancer, narcolepsy, and seizures can all be picked up by your puppy’s radar. This is why your dog is being extra gentle.

Dogs can also understand that you’re sad or crying and their first instinct is to help and comfort you. So, your dog sleeping in your arms could simply be that she is trying to be there for you in the only way she knows.

Why does my dog have to touch me?

If your dog sleeps touching you, this post will show you common causes and what you can do about them.

So, why does my dog sleep touching me? Possible reasons why your dog sleeps touching you are that it is being protective, it makes it feel safer, it is being affectionate, it has some separation anxiety or that you have encouraged it to do it by rewarding it.

Since there are many reasons why your dog might sleep touching you, it would help to consider what might be making each of them more likely. Once you have a good idea of the most likely cause, it should be easier to decide on what to do about it.