Dogs sleep half the time, so there’s a good chance you’ve observed your pooch napping at some point. You may have noticed that they sleep quite similarly to humans, as they move and twitch, just like we do. However, the positions they sleep in and the amount of time they spend asleep often indicate a lot about their well-being, so you’ll want to pay extra attention.

Like humans, sleeping habits indicate a lot about a dog’s health and happiness. If you’re a steady observer of your dog’s sleep and you notice a few changes or unusual habits, you’ll need to bring them to a vet for a checkup and possibly a dog training facility to correct new habits.

Here’s what you need to know about how your dog sleeps:

Sleeping Positions

A dog’s sleeping position tells a lot about how comfortable they are with you and how they’re feeling. They often take different positions depending on where they are, how they’re feeling, and how close they are to their favourite person. If they’re injured, they often change their sleeping position, which you’ll want to keep in mind. Here are common sleeping positions to remember:

• Curled Up

Many dogs curl up with their nose touching their tail tip when asleep, looking incredibly warm and snug! It’s a prevalent sleeping position for animals to take in the wild since it protects their vital organs, helps them stay warm, and allows them to get up and run in one fluid movement. They’re less likely to twitch since the position naturally restricts movement.

Dogs who sleep in this position aren’t necessarily uncomfortable in their surroundings. Sometimes, they just want to stay warm during colder weather, or they simply prefer this position.

• On Their Side

Dogs who sleep on their side feel safe and comfortable in their environment, as this position leaves their vital organs exposed. They’re also more likely to be relaxed and mellow, although they may use a different position if they’re sleeping in a new place or with someone they don’t know. They’re more likely to kick or twitch since their limbs are free to move in this position. If you catch your canine companion snoozing like this, you have nothing to worry about; they’re happy where they are!

• The Superman Position

This position involves dogs—usually puppies—sprawled out on their stomachs, allowing them to jump up and be on their paws at a moment’s notice. You’ll often observe puppies in this position rather than adult dogs, as the former nap more frequently while wanting to be ready to play right away. Generally speaking, dogs who favour this sleep position have high energy levels and would hate to miss any action even while they’re asleep. Sometimes, pups who get sleepy while playing take this position as well, simply plopping down to take a nap.

• On Their Back, Paws Up

Dogs who sleep on their backs with their paws up in the air feel too warm to sleep in other positions, and exposing their belly helps them cool off since the fur in this area is much thinner. It also indicates that the dog is very comfortable in its surroundings. Other than that, they look both adorable and comical in this position!

• Back-to-Back with Other Pets or You

If you find your dog sleeping back-to-back with you or your other pets, it means they want to snuggle up and spend as much time with you or them as possible. They want to bond with you or their furry siblings, and sleeping this way shows their affection. They feel incredibly comfortable with whoever they’re sleeping with, which is an excellent sign of their well-being.

Sometimes, your dog just loves you so much that they’ll squeeze themselves into your bed even though they know they aren’t allowed to do so! If this bothers you, you may want to pursue dog training in Brandon, MB, to ensure they sleep in the right place, like a dog bed next to your own. That way, you can stay close together while enjoying your freedom to move around without accidentally kicking your dog while you sleep.

Conclusion

Understanding how your dog sleeps clues you into their mood and health, helping you stay alert for any signs of injury or illness. By taking note of these sleeping positions, you’ll know how safe and comfortable your dog feels while they doze off, allowing you to keep tabs on their well-being and ensure they always feel relaxed.

The Paw Resort and Wellness Centre is a family-owned 7,000 square-foot facility offering dog grooming in Brandon, Manitoba, along with many different pet services like dog training and pet boarding. We hold high standards that you expect, and your pet deserves because their comfort is our priority. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for your pet!