Dogs reveal a lot about themselves while they sleep. It can give you insight into their mood, and even information about their overall health.
Here’s what the most popular sleeping positions and behaviors in dogs mean:
Sleeping Positions
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On the side
Dogs who sleep on their sides do so because they feel safe and comfortable. Notice, all their vital organs are exposed. Usually, these dogs are easy-going and relaxed. You may notice twitching and leg kicks in their sleep, but it’s nothing to worry about.
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Curled Up
Some dogs curl up in a ball when they are in unfamiliar places to keep their vital organs safe, and so they can get up easily. Others sleep in this position to conserve warmth when it is cold. Usually, this means the dog is uncomfortable and may need a warm bed and blanket.
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Superman (On the tummy)
This position is common for puppies who want to jump out of their sleep and spring back into action. They’re usually pretty comfy too.
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On the back with paws in the air
This position is usually for dogs who are hot and wish to cool off. The fur is thinner around the belly, so it’s an easy way to deal with heat. This is a very vulnerable position, which means the dog is comfortable and relaxed.
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Back-to-back or snuggled
Dogs that snuggle with you or other pets, or sleep back to back do this when they are bonding. It’s a show of affection and shows comfort.
Sleeping Habits
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Circling and digging
Dogs do this out of instinct to make their area more comfortable. If you notice your dog is doing it excessively, they might be in pain, have arthritis, or suffer from a neurological issue.
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Light Dozing
Slowly dozing off during the day may suggest your dog is bored and is waiting for the next adventure. Usually, their ears perk up when there is movement or noise. Give your dog or toy or take him/her for a walk.
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Soft barks, twitching, or wagging
This is usual during REM sleep and just means your dog is in deep sleep. Let your dog rest for as long as possible to restore strength and for good health. f you notice excessive twitching, give your dog a blanket because he/she may be cold
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Signs of distress
Dogs sometimes have nightmares, and some signs of this are whimpering and excessive movement. Comfort your dog with gentle stroking and soothing tones. If your dog wakes up, help him/her become relaxed before falling asleep again. If your dog has frequent nightmares, consider seeing a vet.
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Seizure
If your dog is twitching a lot, he/she may actually be having a seizure. Seek immediate medical attention if your dog does not wake up when you call this/her name. Stiffness is a sure sign of a seizure.
Average Sleep Time
Dogs sleep more than humans and need an average of 12-14 hours of sleep. Puppies will need 18-19 hours of sleep, and large dogs tend to sleep longer than small dogs. If your dog’s sleep time falls out of the average range, this may be a sign of a variety of conditions. Seek advice from your vet