At times, watching the way your dog sleeps can be quite hilarious, however did you know that your dog's sleep position tells us a lot more?
Well, for one, your dog's sleeping position can actually affect the sleep quality of your dog. It also helps give insight to your dog's personality. The average dog sleeps about 12-13 hours a day! If they can't get enough sleep, then they try to get it with a few naps here and there. However, like humans, that form of napping is like stage one sleeping - it's not deep sleep.
One of the most natural position that dogs sleep in is - curled up. You may often see your dog curled up in a ball with their tails covering their faces. They do this to protect their eyes and throat. It also helps them to conserve body heat and protect their vital organs. Although this position makes them less vulnerable, it is also the least restful position for them to sleep in as their body is quite tense. This is so that the dog can quickly spring into action. This curling position is very normal for wild dogs and wolf packs. However, dogs that sleep in this position rarely relax enough to drift into REM stage.
Another position some dogs like to sleep in is on their stomachs. This position also allows them to jump up at the slightest perceived threat or react quickly to what you are doing. This position also keeps your dog tense. If your dog sleeps in a crate, make sure the crate is big enough so that your dog can comfortably get into his favorite sleep position and get a good night's sleep.
If your dog sleeps on their sides, that means they are comfortable with their surroundings and are in a restful state. Another position is where your dog is sprawled out on their stomachs and they look like they are doing the superman pose. Dogs sleeping in this position are also in a restful sleep but ready to go as soon as they hear you move. Then, there is the pose where your dog is sleeping on their back with their legs in the air. This is the most vulnerable position for a dog, yet it is the most comfortable and restful pose. This position indicates that the dog feels confident, safe, and secure. Normally puppies will sleep in this position when they are with the rest of the litter.
If it seems like your dog moves a lot as they are sleeping, it could be due to joint pain and you should check with your veterinarian. In this case, you may consider giving your dog a supplement, such as Petaxin Hip + Joint Support to help strengthen their joints and ease their pain for better restful sleep. Another tip to make sure your dog gets a good night's sleep is to invest in a cozy bed. If the bed is too thin, it can be especially cold & uncomfortable for your dog to sleep on as the chill of the floor can easily seep into the bed. We hope this article gives you a bit more idea into what your dog's sleep position says about your dog and how you can help your dog get better, restful sleep.
Spring is finally here, and as a dog owner, it's important to make sure your furry friend is ready for the season. With a little bit of effort, you can help your furry friend transition smoothly into the spring season.
Here are seven dog care tips to keep in mind:
