A new study has found that your dog's sleeping position reveals a lot about their wellbeing. Whether they're curled up or spread out, looking at how they sleep can help owners identify just how their pets are feeling.
According to PetMD, your dog's go-to sleeping position can show signs of their character, health and welfare. They found that:
• relaxed dogs are more likely to fall asleep on their backs or on their side
• playful pups will sleep on their tummy
Take a look what the various sleeping positions mean...
1. The Side Sleeper
According to the study, dogs who regularly fall asleep on their side are comfortable, relaxed and trust their surroundings. It's one of the most common sleeping positions for dogs, so you're likely to spot your pup like this at some point.
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2. The Lion
If you spot your dog lying like this, they're likely to just be resting — and not in a deep sleep. Known as the 'lion' pose (where their paws are up by their head), it means their muscles have not fully relaxed as their bodies are in an upright position.
"If you see a dog in a lion pose — with his paws stretched forward and head resting on his paws like the statues of reclining lions in front of some government buildings — the dog is apt to be simply dozing and not in a deep sleep state," Dr. Stanley Coren, professor emeritus in the Psychology Department at the University of British Columbia says in the study.
3. The Snuggler
Our pups love to cuddle their humans, but it could be a sign they are feeling cold. "The tendency that many dogs have to cuddle when they sleep is a holdover from when they were puppies. Again, this has to do with temperature, since puppies have difficulty regulating their body heat," Dr Stanley explains.
"As the dogs mature, sleeping that way against another living thing merely becomes a sort of learned feeling of comfort held over from puppyhood."
4. The Superman
Much like humans, dogs will do anything to get comfy and fall asleep quickly. Another common pose — known as 'the Superman' — is where their legs are stretched out in front of them. Dr. Coren believes that this position relates to temperature. "The fur on the dog's underside is not as deep and insulating as the fur on the rest of his body," Dr Stanley continues.
"What you call the 'Superman position'—with limbs outstretched and belly against the floor —is also a response to a warm environment, but usually occurs in situations where the surface that the dog is lying on is relatively cooler than the air around him."
5. The Donut
Do you ever spot your dog curled up in a ball-like shape? Well, according to the study, dogs sleep like this to make themselves as small as possible, while also preserving warmth. "When dogs are really warm, they will stretch out on cool surfaces, but most of the time, they curl up. I think that it makes them feel that they are less vulnerable."
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Boxes of toys to stylish collars: 10 Valentine’s Day gifts for your dog
Pawz Please The Explorer Nylon Collar
This soft, adjustable collar is made for your pet's everyday adventures. Lightweight yet hardwearing, it offers comfort with a modern look. Customisable with charm add ons, it's an easy way to show a little of your dog’s personality.
Bath Country Pets Handmade Tweed Snuggle Dog Bed
Thick memory foam pads provide a supportive place for your dog to nap, made even cosier by the high sides. Better still, the cover is machine washable.
Fleece Dog Snood
These double layered fleece snoods are handmade from premium fleece and designed to keep dogs warm and comfortable on everyday walks. Soft, lightweight and breathable, they offer cosy insulation without bulk, dry quickly after damp outings.
Rolled Leather Dog Collar Navy with Tan
For the elegant hound, this rolled leather collar is a must-have. Super soft and complete with brass fittings, it's both smart and durable.
This kit contains a calming shampoo bar, healing balm for noses and paws, organic shampoo, a spray for refreshing smelly fur, and a wooden brush – everything you could need for a post-walk freshen-up.
We all know how exciting a good walk is for our pets, so keep all your gear organised and ready to go at the drop of a hat. This wooden option has plenty of room for collars and leads – and hats and scarves, too!
This hound collar is super smart and features a stylish feather stitch. It's available in two different sizes and three different shades, so there's a style to suit every pooch.
This raised dog bowl stand comes with bowls included and is perfect for avoiding spills. You can even personalise it with your pet's name.
The perfect treat for the dog who just loves to play. Each fun box includes a mixture of toys and some veggie dental sticks, as well as an instruction card for games and challenges.
Dog Shampoo - Deoderising & Nourishing 250ml
Give your dog the spa treatment with this nourishing shampoo. It smooths, conditions and nourishes fur. Plus, the deodorising formula is enriched with essential oils known for their anti-fungal and antiseptic properties.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
