Dogs Sleeping Positions : Good or Bad

Dogs are man’s best friend. They are cute, loyal and loving and we all love ‘em for being themselves. As a pet owner, often times I think about all their habits, dogs sleeping position and eccentricities. The first concern that strikes me and I ask myself.. “Is that normal?”

Across generations, dogs have evolved from the wolves. As a direct consequence, they have retained a lot of shenanigans from their ancestors. Surviving the cold for centuries, they have passed on certain habits. As a result you can see a lot of stray dogs in wolf-packs and sleeping anytime during the day or night. This depends on how secure and warm they feel at a particular time.

Let’s explore and find out what’s going on in their heads while they are sleeping. Are they dreaming? Does a particular position they sleep in says about their state of mind? How are their sleep cycles different from a human sleep cycle?

Lets Get Started

Understanding Dogs Sleep Patterns: REM Sleep

Our furry friends – doggos are expert sleepers :P. They can fall asleep on our laps or the washing machine. Even right next to the trashcan! This is because unlike humans, a dogs sleep cycles work in a different manner.

Rapid Eye Movement (REM sleep) also known as deep sleep is a specific time of their sleep when they dream. Dreaming could be about running in a park, chasing cars or bark at the naughty cats. During this time, they tend to imitate the same in reality which is quite normal.

Due to the less amount of deep sleep, dogs sleep patterns and timings vary, from us humans. They do sleep for a considerable 6-8 hours during the night at a stretch. But since the quality of sleep is not that good, they also catch up on some pending time during the odd times.

Due to a shorter sleeping cycle in dogs, they are usually easily disturbed and awoken. Although, they are easily awoken during short sleep, but also in deep REM sleep, it is common for our canince to wake up at external sounds or bright light. This fact has been observed in certain breeds that have in the past played the roles of a guard dog. We must not interrupt a dogs sleep patterns during these hours as it could hamper their mental health.

Dorky Fact: While Humans spend 25% of their sleep cycles in deep sleep (REM sleep), Dogs sleep patterns allow them the same for only 10% of their total sleep cycles.

Good or Bad : Dogs sleeping positions?

1. Yoga Guru – Bad

In this awkward dogs sleeping position, our doggos sleep on their backs with all fours in the air. This position is favorable for them to beat the heat as it exposes the belly. The fur around their bellies is the thinnest and as a result, cools them off faster. Also, the sweat glands are located under paws so another reason why they do that.

This position is not considered not suitable for long term. It can lead to back muscle pains and skin sores, especially in young puppies.

2. Side Sleeper -Good

This is the best dogs sleeping position for a dog to sleep in for a sleep-marathon. It relaxes the paws and rests all the vital organs in a way digestion doesn’t get hampered. This position supports a healthy REM sleep given the temperature is optimal for a long sleep.

This is one of the best dogs sleeping positions for a dog to sleep in. It is good for long term and keeps the vital organs working at their best.

3. Snuggle Love -Good

Snuggle Love is their favorite position when you’re around. You might have noticed them snuggle into your bed when you’re fast asleep. Yes! That is when they share the love and heat 😛 Trust me when I say this, they get sweet dreams as they feel secure around you.

This dogs sleeping position best for colder seasons as it helps them be warm and keeps them mentally sound.

4. Curled in Private – Good

There can be various reasons why they roll up in a C. It could be conserve the heat during winters. It could be an approach to wake up fast, well may be! Either ways, it’s not something to worry about. This position protects the prime organs. Alos makes them feel more comfortable and protected.

It might look a bit weird a first, but this position is completely natural for dogs to sleep in. It retains their body heat and stretches their muscles for a long good night sleep.

5. Flying Hero – Bad

This is often categorized as a nap position. Usually, exercised during the day when adult dogs/ puppies wish to nap for a couple of hours. This way they don’t want to miss out on the action around. It helps them get on their 4’s ina jiffy and is more a restless attempt. Phewww… not at all a good position as it stresses their breathing and is bad for a longer duration. REM sleep can almost never occur in this position.

That’s All Folks

Hope you got some idea about how do dogs fall asleep and their mind frame. It is important for a dog owner like you to be able to understand their canines and all about them. This will help you become a better care giver and lead to them leading a happy and fulfilling life.

Besides nutrition, activity and company, there are many factors for a dogs health. Their mood and happiness are a function of a dogs sleeping position.

That’s all for now. Hope you learnt something out of it. We at Dorky Owl will feel proud if you share the love by sharing this piece of content on social media (Share buttons :P).

Do share your stories about with Dorky Owl your pets and how they sleep in Comments!

🐾🐾 Stay Healthy | Stay Pawsome 🐾🐾

👉👉 Liked our guide on dogs sleep patterns and dogs sleeping positions, you will love why are these dogs sleeping all day? ◀️⏪

References

https://dogtime.com/dog-health/dog-behavior/48213-dogs-sleeping-positions-habits-tell-lot-personality-health

https://www.sleephelp.org/dogs-sleep/

https://tiphero.com/7-dog-sleeping-positions