We all know that feeling of pure bliss when we sink into our favorite spot and drift off to dreamland. As you could read in out previous blogpost “Everything you wanted to know about your sleeping dog”, your furry friend does dream! Dogs, with their adorable personalities and unique quirks, have their own special ways of dozing off, each sleeping position telling a story about their comfort, emotions, and overall well-being. In this delightful exploration of doggy dreams, we invite you to delve into the world of canine slumber and join us in decoding the hidden messages of 5 trendy dog sleeping positions.

From curling up like a cozy cinnamon roll to stretching out like a superstar, these positions offer a glimpse into the fascinating world of doggy dreams. As pet parents, understanding these sleep styles not only strengthens our bond with our furry companions but also allows us to ensure their happiness and well-being. So, get ready to embark on a journey through the land of wagging tails and joyful snores as we decode the sleeping positions of dogs and decipher the messages they convey.

The curl

Imagine your dog nestled in a snug ball, with paws tucked beneath their body. Their tail wrapped protectively around their face or tucked into their belly. This position exudes a sense of coziness and safety, reflecting their primal instincts to seek warmth and security. When your furry friend curls up, it’s a clear indication that they feel safe, relaxed, and content in their environment.

The side sleeper

In this position, your pup stretches out on their side, legs extended and muscles relaxed. By exposing their belly and vulnerability, they display a remarkable level of trust in their surroundings. It’s as if they’re saying, “I’m completely at ease here and trust that nothing will harm me.” This position allows them to enter a deep, restorative sleep, indicating their comfort and sense of security.

The superman

Imagine your canine companion lying on their belly, legs extended forward and hind legs stretched out behind them. This superhero-like position is often seen in active and energetic dogs. It’s a signal that they’re ready to leap into action, eagerly awaiting the next thrilling adventure or playtime session. Their superhero pose reflects their excitement, enthusiasm, and readiness to embrace the world with zest.

The belly-up

Picture your pup sprawled on their back, legs stretched out in the air, and their fluffy belly exposed for all to see. This vulnerable position is a testament to their trust and comfort. By offering their most sensitive areas, they’re expressing complete relaxation and contentment. When your dog sleeps belly-up, they’re essentially saying, “I feel safe, loved, and I trust you completely.”

The snuggler

Oh, the heart-melting joy of your furry friend snuggling up against you or another pet! This position is all about seeking closeness and affection. Whether they rest their head on your lap or cozy up to a fellow furry companion, the snuggler position embodies warmth, love, and the desire for companionship. It’s their way of saying, “You make me feel safe, and I cherish our bond.”

Embracing doggy sleep styles for a happier, healthier bond

By decoding our dog’s sleeping positions, we gain valuable insights into their emotions, comfort levels, and overall well-being. Each sleep style carries a unique message, revealing a glimpse into their personality and the trust they place in their surroundings. As pet parents, we have the wonderful opportunity to create an environment that promotes relaxation, security, and a deep bond with our beloved furry companions.

So, the next time you catch your four-legged friend dozing off in their cozy curl, stretching out like a superstar, or seeking a snuggle session, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful story they’re telling through their sleeping position. Cherish the moments of trust and vulnerability as they reveal their true selves while snoozing away.

In embracing and understanding their sleep styles, we foster a happier and healthier bond with our furry pals. We can ensure they feel safe, loved, and cherished in our homes. So, let their dreams guide you towards a deeper connection, and remember, a well-rested dog is a joyful dog!

Dream on, fur parents, and may your doggy’s sleep positions continue to bring you smiles, warmth, and endless tail wags. What is your dog’s favorite sleeping position?

Thanks for reading!

High five

The post Decoding the hidden messages of 5 trendy dog sleeping positions first appeared on Eva The Golden Dog.

Have you ever spent a day at home with your dog, perhaps working from home or on a lazy weekend day? Did you notice how often your dog is snoozing? Eva loves to sleep, the more the better. Especially now she’s getting older (can you believe she’s turning nine in one week?!). And I enjoy watching her nap. It looks so peaceful and calm, until she starts twitching her paws and grumbling with her lips. That made me wonder. Why do dogs sleep so much? And is there also a possibility of too much sleep? Do dogs dream? Should they sleep on a bed? Keep reading to find out everything you ever wanted to know about your sleeping dog.

Why do dogs sleep so much?

Just like you and I, dogs spend most of their time sleeping at night. However, this doesn’t stop our furry friends from getting some much-needed shut-eye during the day. Unlike us, at least I hope for you, dogs tend to sleep in much shorter sleep cycles. On average they sleep about 45 minutes in one go, while for people it can be for seven hours (more or less, depending on your individual sleeping pattern and needs).

Nevertheless, overall, dogs need much more sleep than the average human. For the average human adult, the recommended amount of sleep is 7-9 hours a day (or night).

For dogs on the other hand the average increases to 12-14 hours per day. With no need to go to work or the supermarket, they have plenty of time to cash in these hours of sweet naps partially during the day.

The above are averages, the actual amount of sleep your dog needs is dependent on multiple factors. Breed, age, personality, activity levels, and other aspects determine how much rest your dog needs to recover. Some breeds that tend to sleep the most are the large Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Greyhound, who can need up to a whopping 18 hours a day. But it’s not only the large dogs, there are also some smaller, but short-snouted breeds, which need a lot of zzz’s. Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs are also well-known competitors in the Beauty Sleep Olympics.

Why do dogs fall asleep so fast?

Have you ever played with your dog, went on to do something else for ten minutes, and when you looked back your dog was sound asleep? It can be envious for some people how quickly dogs can fall into a slumber. However, they tend to be noticeably light sleepers as well and will wake up just as quickly as they go to dreamland.

Similarly, as for you and me, a good night (or day) of sleep is important for your dog’s health. It benefits their immune system, learning capabilities, brain function, and muscle recovery. Moreover, dogs with higher activity levels tend to fall asleep quicker.

On average dogs can take about 10 minutes to go from falling asleep to REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement). This sleeping phase is when your dog starts moving their limbs. When she dreams, it is one of the few times Eva makes a sound. Because dogs need so much sleep every day, they cannot waste too much time lying awake. I’m sure my husband would argue I’m just as fast as a dog in falling asleep. However, for the average healthy person, it would take at least 15-20 minutes.

Do dogs dream?

Let’s zoom in a bit more on the REM sleeping phase, the dreaming part. For a long time, it has been debated by scientists if dogs have the ability to dream. Even though, I’m sure most of you dog parents and dog lovers have seen their dreaming pooches before. Twitching legs, running movements, and growling lips. However, in research, there needs to be more proof than our pet parent’s intuition.

David M. Peña-Guzmán author of “When Animals Dream: The Hidden World of Animal Consciousness,” ploughed his way through piles of animal sleep research trying to find an answer to that question. And he did get closer, saying on the Big Brains podcast of the University of Chicago, “We do have enough evidence to believe that other species have these nightly experiences of a fantastical, almost phantasmagoric world.”

In other words, it could be possible for our dogs to dive into a dream state when they sleep as well. It seems the behaviours of sleeping pooches could somewhat be compared to humans. When we dream, we can also move our limbs and speak. Similarly, the electric responses in our brains and bodies are comparable.

How much sleep is too much sleep?

Usually, when you fear your dog is facing any health implications, it’s not only their sleeping pattern that changes. Keep an eye out for any other changes, such as loss of appetite and skin conditions. Nevertheless, whenever you encounter a change in sleeping pattern that makes you doubt, it is always best to consult a vet.

If you notice your dog is dreaming, it’s recommended to not disturb them. When you try to wake your furry friend, you might startle them instead. We don’t know what they were dreaming about. Perhaps they dreamt of being in a dangerous or scary situation, and when they’re woken up it may take them some time to recognise it was a dream. In the meantime, to protect themselves from their dream, they might accidentally bite you. Just like you don’t like to be woken up from your nightly slumber, let your pup enjoy it too. Even if it’s a bad dream, you can comfort them as soon as they wake up. Until then, enjoy their fluffy paw twitches.

Should dogs sleep on a bed?

It doesn’t cause harm to your furry friend to sleep on the floor, however, it may be better for your dog’s joints to sleep on a dog bed. Especially with age when dogs become more prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis, a good dog bed can help cushion their bones and joints. There are even studies that researched the positive impact orthopedic dog beds can have on your dog’s health.  

Sometimes your four-legged friend will prefer to sleep next to the neatly picked-out bed you got for them. There could be multiple reasons for this. They could be too hot and want to cool down on the cold floor. Check here how to help your dog beat the summer heat. Or perhaps the bed is too far away from you and they want to get closer. It could also be a habit, especially if you have adopted a furry family member that isn’t used to having their own bed.

Dog sleep specialist

So, there you have it. Not only do you love your sleeping time, but your dog does too. So much so, they sleep on average 10-14 hours a day, which can be even more depending on their age, breed, activity level, and general health. And when they fall into their slumber in approximately 10 minutes, they’re bound to go into a wonderous dream world. Next time you wake up from a dream about your dog, know that they may have had one about you as well.

My phone is filled with photos of Eva sleeping. If she could talk and see them, she would probably report me for stalking. But I just can’t help myself. Sleeping fluffballs are too cute! Please tell me I’m not the only one with this seemingly strange addiction. Share your sleeping pup pictures with us, we love to see them all!

Thanks for reading!

High five

The post Everything you ever wanted to know about your sleeping dog first appeared on Eva The Golden Dog.