Why Dogs Sleep on Their Side
One of the most common sleeping positions for dogs is lying on their side with legs extended. This is due to the structure and flexibility of a dog’s body, which makes side-sleeping more comfortable than sleeping on their back or stomach (1). When dogs sleep on their side, their spine is extended and muscles relaxed, allowing for deeper and more restorative sleep.
Dogs have a flexible spine that allows them to curl their bodies when sleeping on their side. Their front and back legs can be fully extended, which takes pressure off the joints and muscles. This position does not constrict breathing or put weight on internal organs. The side position also allows dogs to regulate their body temperature as needed by exposing their belly or stretching out more (2).
Overall, the side sleeping position provides the right combination of comfort, support, and flexibility for a dog’s unique physical structure. It enables their spine and muscles to fully relax during the deepest stages of sleep.
Legs Straight Out
Dogs will often sleep with their legs straight out, which is also referred to as “flooping.” This sleeping position helps regulate a dog’s body temperature (PetMD). When dogs stretch their legs straight out, it allows for more exposure of their belly and inner thighs. These areas have very little fur and improve heat dissipation. Sleeping with legs extended is a great way for dogs to cool down, especially in warmer environments or during summer months (Sleep.com).
Certain breeds that run hot, like Boxers and Bull Terriers, tend to sleep in this position more frequently. It helps them release excess heat from their body. Dogs with thicker fur coats, such as Siberian Huskies, may also sleep with legs straight out since their coat prevents heat from escaping (PetDoors.com). Overall, sleeping with extended legs is an effective thermoregulation technique for dogs to stay cool.
Legs Stiff
It’s common for dogs to sleep with their legs straight out and stiff. This sleeping position indicates that a dog is in a deep, restful sleep1. During REM sleep, dogs can twitch, paddle, or stretch their legs as they dream. Stiff legs show that your dog’s muscles are fully relaxed and they have entered deeper non-REM sleep. This is healthy behavior for a dog at rest.
When a dog sleeps deeply on their side with stiff legs, their breathing will be steady and their muscles loose. Their eyes may be partially open but unfocused during this stage of sleep. You may also notice them making small whimpers or other sleeping noises as they dream. All of this is normal nighttime behavior for healthy canines.
Breed Differences
Certain breeds of dogs are more likely to sleep on their sides with legs straight out compared to other breeds. According to PetMD, larger breeds like Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Greyhounds tend to sleep in this position more often than smaller breeds [1]. These larger breeds need more room to stretch out and find sleeping on their side comfortable. Smaller breeds may curl up or burrow when sleeping.
In addition, long, lean dogs like Dachshunds and Greyhounds are built to run and need to fully extend their legs while sleeping. Short-legged breeds like Corgis and Bassett Hounds don’t stretch their legs directly out as much. Herding breeds like Collies and Australian Shepherds also commonly sleep on their sides. These active working dogs feel relaxed sleeping on their sides once their duties are done for the day.
Overall, a dog’s size, body type, and breed instincts influence whether they prefer sleeping on their side versus in another position like curled up in a ball. Larger, long-legged breeds find side sleeping most comfortable and natural.
Puppy Sleep Positions
Puppies tend to sleep in more curled up positions than adult dogs. According to https://casper.com/blog/dog-sleeping-positions/, young puppies often sleep in the “Donut” position, with all four paws tucked in and their head curled around touching their hind legs. This helps puppies regulate their body temperature and feel secure.
As puppies get older, they may start sleeping in positions like “The Cuddle Bug” where they snuggle up right next to their littermates or owners. Puppies feel comforted sleeping while touching another warm body. According to https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/dog-sleeping-positions-and-what-they-mean, some puppies even sleep on top of each other in a puppy pile for warmth and security.
Curled up sleep positions are very common in young puppies as they grow and develop. As puppies mature into adulthood, they often begin sleeping in more sprawled out positions as they become more independent and confident.
Older Dog Sleep
As dogs age, their sleep habits often change. Senior dogs tend to sleep more overall as their energy levels decrease. According to the American Kennel Club, it’s common for older dogs to sleep up to 20 hours a day. Older dogs may also have a harder time getting comfortable and settling in to sleep. They may change positions frequently or get up and reposition themselves multiple times before falling asleep. This is often due to stiffness, sore joints, or arthritis pain. Older large breed dogs in particular tend to have more trouble finding a comfortable sleeping position. Providing an orthopedic dog bed with thick cushioning and support can help alleviate discomfort.
Medical Causes
There are some medical conditions that can cause dogs to sleep with their legs straight out. Arthritis and nerve damage are two common issues that may lead to this sleeping position.
Arthritis causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints, which can be painful for dogs. Sleeping with the legs straight out helps take pressure off the sore joints and minimizes discomfort. Older dogs are more prone to arthritis, especially in the hips and elbows, so you may notice them sleeping in this position more as they age. Treating the arthritis with medication and supplements can provide relief.
Nerve damage or neurological disorders like degenerative myelopathy can also result in odd sleeping positions like legs stretched straight out. The nerves have difficulty sending signals to the muscles to bend the legs normally. Diagnosing and addressing the underlying neurological issue is key to managing this symptom.
Other conditions like muscle strains, hip dysplasia, bone fractures or pancreatic issues could also cause a dog to sleep with stiff, extended legs. If your dog adopts this sleeping position suddenly, especially accompanied by signs of pain or changed behavior, consult your veterinarian.
Source: https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/dog-sleeping-positions-and-what-they-mean
When to Worry
While most sleep positions are perfectly normal, there are some signs that may indicate your dog is having trouble breathing or is in pain:
Difficulty breathing – Dogs who are having trouble breathing may sleep sitting up, with their head elevated. They may also sleep with their elbows splayed out to maximize air intake. If your dog is panting or seems to be struggling for breath, seek veterinary care immediately.
Stiffness or tension – Dogs who sleep with their legs very tense and straight, as opposed to the more common relaxed position, may be experiencing discomfort. If your dog seems stiff or is holding their body in an unusual or tense way while sleeping, they may be dealing with pain.
Frequent position changes – Dogs with pain may switch positions often while trying to get comfortable. If your dog can’t seem to settle and keeps shifting around, it could be an indicator of a health issue that requires medical attention.
Reluctance to move – If your dog is very still when sleeping and seems reluctant to move once they’ve laid down, it could signal an injury or problem. Healthy dogs will change positions, stretch, and move around some when sleeping.
Whining or crying – Any vocalization of discomfort while sleeping is of course a cause for concern. If your dog seems distressed and cries out or whines, be sure to have them examined by a veterinarian.
Knowing your dog’s normal sleep habits will help you identify when something may be wrong. Don’t hesitate to contact your vet if your dog shows any signs of trouble breathing, pain, or distress while sleeping.
Improving Dog Sleep
Getting good, restful sleep is important for your dog’s health and well-being. Here are some tips to help improve your dog’s sleep:
Provide a comfortable bed in a quiet area. Dogs sleep best in a draft-free area. Use cushions, blankets, and washable covers to create a cozy dog bed [1].
Maintain ideal room temperature. The perfect temperature for dog sleep is between 18.3-29.4°C (65-85°F). Make sure your dog isn’t too hot or cold [2].
Get daily exercise. Dogs that exercise during the day typically sleep better at night. Take your dog for a long walk or play active games to tire them out [3].
Establish a soothing bedtime routine. Engage in relaxing activities before bed like gentle brushing, massage, or listening to calming music.
Limit food and water before bedtime. Stop offering food 2-3 hours before bed and remove water access about an hour before bed to reduce potty breaks.
Sleeping with Other Pets
Dogs are naturally social creatures and often enjoy sleeping together with other pets, even if they are not related. This pack mentality stems from their wolf ancestry, where the entire wolf pack would sleep together for warmth and protection. When dogs sleep curled up next to each other, it shows they have bonded and feel comfortable and secure with one another (Kuranda).
Dogs will arrange themselves in positions that allow maximum contact and closeness with their companions. They may spoon each other, sleep back to back pressed up against one another, or pile on top of each other in a big doggy heap. According to Quora, dogs who enjoy each other’s company will often voluntarily share a dog bed at night. The positioning shows they trust each other and want that physical proximity and touch for comfort. An Insider article notes that when pets actively seek each other out to sleep together, it’s a sign they truly get along and have formed social attachments.