One of the most common sleeping positions for dogs is on their side with the legs stretched out. This sleeping posture is especially common in puppies and senior dogs who may have stiff or sore joints. However, sometimes a dog will sleep on his or her back with their legs up in the air. If you’re wondering why they do it, keep reading to find out.
Side sleeping: This is the most common sleeping position in dogs. The dog lies on her side and the legs are extended out. This means she is relaxed and happy in a trusted environment.
Lion or sphinx pose: In this sleeping position, the dog places their head on the front paws with the back legs to one side. This means the dog is a light sleeper, ready to jump up at the slightest noise.
Superman pose: In this sleeping position, the dog’s tummy is flat on the floor and the back and front legs are stretched out to the back and front respectively. Puppies will sometimes sleep in this pose after they’ve exhausted themselves and plopped down on the floor.
Donut: This sleeping position is one in which the dog curls up into a ball with the limbs tucked close to the body. Dogs sleep in this position in cold weather to preserve heat. Of course, some dog breeds are better adapted to cold weather than others.
Cuddling: This dog sleeping position involves cuddling up with another animal or human. Dogs sleep curled up when they want to bond and show affection.
Burrowed: Some dogs will burrow under a blanket or pillow when they sleep. This indicates the dog wants security and comfort.
Back-to-back: Sometimes dogs will sleep back-to-back with another animal or human. This is a sign of affection, intimacy, and trust. If you’re on the fence about giving your dog a companion, read the pros and cons of getting a second dog.
Belly up: Dogs sometimes sleep on their back with their legs up in the air.
If your dog is sleeping on his back with his legs in the air, he may be doing it to keep cool. In dogs, heat exchange occurs through the paws. Sleeping on the backs allows a dog to cool down. Similarly, if your dog sleeps belly down on a cool surface such as a marble floor, it means she is hot and is trying to cool off.
Some dogs sleep on their back to avoid putting extra pressure on arthritic joints.
There is no harm in your dog sleeping on her back. As mentioned, back sleeping keeps your dog cool. It also allows your dog’s muscles to relax and for her to enjoy a deep and restful sleep.
07 December, 2022