4 Reasons Why Dogs Sleep On Their Backs

Did you ever catch your dog sleeping with all four in the air? Our dogs tend to amaze us with their silliness, and if your dog likes to sleep on his back with legs in the air, you realize how adorable he looks in this situation. Dogs love to sleep, and the average dog will sleep most of the day (12 – 14 hours). That's said; there is a higher possibility that you will catch your dog sleeping on his back.

If you are a curious dog owner, maybe you wondered: Why do dogs sleep on their backs? Is this a normal sleeping position, or could it be that something is bothering your dog?

We are here to tell you a few possible reasons why dogs love this sleeping position, and none of them will indicate that something is bothering your dog. Let's check them out.

Why do dogs sleep on their backs?

Every dog is unique, and not all dogs will use the same sleeping position. While some dogs could sleep on their backs every day, others may never show this position. Either way, there is nothing to be concerned about. These are the 4 most common reasons you can catch your dog sleeping on his back.

1. To cool themself

We are sure you already know that dogs don't sweat the same way as humans. They cool themself by panting and by sweating through their paws. When they lay on their back and put paws in the air, they can cool down faster since there is better air circulation to their paws.

Also, no matter if you own a shorthaired or a longhaired dog breed, all dogs will have fewer hair on their belly, and while they lay on their back, their belly will be exposed and thus cool the dog down faster.

If your dog tends to sleep on his back during summer and hot days, this could be the main reason for such behavior.

dog sleeps on back

2. They are comfortable this way

Don't be surprised if your dog likes to lay on his back because he is comfortable. Every dog is unique, and they all tend to have sleeping positions. For some dogs laying on the back with all four in the air will just indicate that they are comfortable and that in this sleeping position, they could get the best rest.

If your dog sleeps on his back during the whole year without exceptions, this will only indicate that they do it because they are comfortable and will sleep on their back as much as possible.

3. They feel safe

Dogs in the wild will curl themselves when they go to sleep to protect their vital organs from other predators. Exposing belly and sleeping on their back shows that your dog trusts you and feels safe in his situation.

Your dog will try to tell you that he knows there is no threat to his life and he can safely relax and sleep this way. In this position, dogs are very vulnerable; by sleeping on their back, they have your full trust.

dog sleeps on back

4. They are submissive

Usually, when dogs roll on their back in the presence of another dog, they will try to communicate that they are submissive and not a threat. If your dog tends to lay on his back in the presence of other dogs, he will try to tell them to leave them alone and that he doesn't mean anything bad.

RELATED: How Long Do Dogs Sleep?

Should you allow your dog to sleep on his back?

Since there is nothing wrong or dangerous if your dog likes to sleep on his back, there is no reason why you should forbid your dog from using this sleeping position. If your dog feels comfortable, you should allow him to sleep this way.

Besides that seeing your dog with all four in the air will for sure put a smile on your face since they will look cute and silly at the same time while in this sleeping position.

Many owners have reported that their dogs started twitching while sleeping on their backs. To find out why twitching in sleep can occur, make sure to check this article – Is Your Dog Twitching in Their Sleep - Here's What it Means

dog sleeps on back

Dog sleeping positions

Sleeping on their back is one of many sleeping positions dogs tend to use. Every sleep position means different things; and some can indicate something is bothering your dog. To fully understand dog sleeping positions and what they mean, we suggest you check this article - Dog Sleeping Positions and What They Mean

World Dog Finder team

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