5 Reasons Why Your Dog Likes to Sleep on Their Back

PDF download Download Article
Find out if your pup’s belly-up snoozing means they feel hot, safe, or just plain comfortable
PDF download Download Article

You’re likely to find your dog in a lot of funny positions, but there’s nothing more endearing than finding your pup snoozing on their back, head smushed into their bed with their legs dangling in the air. As you take a picture and marvel at your dog’s cuteness, you might be left wondering why dogs like to sleep on their back in the first place! It turns out that this is a normal and safe sleeping position that cools your dog off and means they’re extremely relaxed around you. Read on to learn all about why dogs sleep on their backs.

Things You Should Know

  • Dogs sleep on their backs because they feel relaxed or want to cool down.
  • Your dog might sleep on its back if it has sore joints, or to appear non-threatening.
  • It is completely safe and normal for your dog to sleep on their back.
1

Dogs sleep on their back to cool off.

PDF download Download Article
  1. This is one of the most common, expert-backed reasons why dogs sleep on their backs. Dogs actually sweat through their paw pads, so if they’re taking a snooze on a hot day, they’ll make sure their paws are up high in the air. [1]
    • This position also helps dogs cool down because they have less hair on their bellies. By exposing their stomachs as they sleep, they receive better air flow and can keep cool for longer.
    • To cool off your dog on hot days, keep them indoors, make sure they have a lot of fresh water, and set up a standing fan by their bed for a cold breeze.
    2. Advertisement
2

They feel safe and relaxed.

PDF download Download Article
  1. A dog’s belly is the most vulnerable part of their bodies, so by exposing it as they sleep, they are showing that they really love and trust you. This position is the pinnacle of relaxation, which is why you might see your dog belly up while snoozing in their favorite place on your couch. [2]
    • Wild dogs and wolves sleep curled up to protect their belly. This also puts them in a better position to jump up and run if there’s a threat.
    • If your dog isn’t fully trusting of you yet, bond with your dog to get them to love you . Pet and give them verbal affection, play with them , take them on walks , and give them a cozy place to sleep to make them feel comfortable.
3

Being on their back is comfortable.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If your dog usually sleeps on their back, it might just mean this is their favorite way to sleep because it is cozy and relaxing to them. [3]
    • It is completely normal and safe for dogs to sleep on their backs. Dogs are good at monitoring their own safety, and wouldn’t choose to sleep on their backs if it hurt them or prevented them from breathing well. [4]
    • Make your dog even more relaxed and happy by giving them an extra comfortable pet bed to lay on. Petting or massaging them before bed can help them fall deep into sleep.
    2. Advertisement
4

This position is easier on their joints.

PDF download Download Article
  1. As dogs get older, they can develop arthritis . They might choose to sleep on their back so that they aren’t putting their weight on their arms or legs. If you have a younger dog healing from an injury, they might also sleep on their back to give their arms and legs a rest. [5]
    • To help your dog with joint pain , make sure they are still getting consistent, low intensity exercise. A short, 10 to 15 minute walk each day is best for their sore joints.
    • You can also give your dog joint supplements , which can help with stiffness and pain.
5

They’re showing submissiveness.

PDF download Download Article
  1. In the wild, dogs and wolves expose their bellies to show the pack leader that they respect them and are not a threat. It’s completely possible that your dog rolled onto their belly when you approached them for pats, and simply fell asleep that way! [6]
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make Your Dog Stop Sleeping in Your Bed
      6 Reasons Your Dog Might Be Sleeping under Your Bed (And How to Get Them to Stop)
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about dog behavior, check out our in-depth interview with Sophie Amphlett .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/why-does-my-dog-sleep-on-his-back/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/why-does-my-dog-sleep-on-his-back/
      3. ↑ https://wagwalking.com/behavior/why-do-dogs-sleep-with-their-legs-open
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/why-does-my-dog-sleep-on-his-back/
      5. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/why-does-my-dog-sleep-on-his-back/
      6. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/why-does-my-dog-sleep-on-his-back/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 9,420 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement