How Should Your Dog Sleep?

In this article we will tell you about the different ways that a pet adopts at the moment of rest. The way your dog sleeps shows who she truly is.

How much should a dog sleep?

It’s a question that veterinarians often get. It all depends, clearly, on age, size, and daily activities. We might believe that our pet “spends the whole day sleeping” and it’s the truth.

Puppies require around 20 hours of sleep per day in order to grow and develop. In the case of adults, smaller breeds sleep between 15 and 16 hours and bigger breeds between 16 and 18 hours. Our older furry friends dedicate even more time to resting and probably only stay awake for one or two hours per day.

The way your dog sleeps defines his personality

Our pets can resemble us in many ways…even in the way they express their feelings or their personality through sleep. Maybe the way she rests at night or during the day catches your attention. Each of those postures indicates a particular situation. Check out the meaning behind the way your dog sleeps:

1. Sleeping on her side

Whether it’s on the floor, the carpet or the bed, the lateral position is the calmest and most relaxed of them all. Her legs are stretched out, her ears rest gently and her head is faced slightly upward. If your dog sleeps on her side, it means that she is very comfortable and sure of herself. It’s a posture that’s common in those furry friends who are happy, loyal and care-free…and love to sleep!

2. Curled up

It’s one of the most common ways of sleeping for dogs, especially at night or in the winter. His head rests on top of the legs and his body is turned towards the center. When the animal chooses this option, it’s because it wants to conserve its body heat. As far as personality, it means that you are faced with a pet who is very sweet, docile and easy to train. Perfect to smother with kisses!

3. Stretched out

This position has his tummy facing downward, back legs completely stretched out and his front ones as well (with his head in the middle). It uses the entire space of his bed and more, too. It’s the position chosen by puppies or furry friends when they’re beyond happy. In addition, it’s a sign of motivation and energy, in other words, everything that animals have at an early age.

4. Legs open

This posture that dogs adopt to sleep is really fun. Some popular beliefs say that when an animal lies in this position, it’s “asking for rain.” With her back and head leaning on the ground or carpet she brings her back legs to an “open” position and her front ones on top of her chest.

While it might seem strange to us, it’s very comfortable for them and it means that they feel confident and secure. Therefore be happy that your furry friend can rest care-free, relaxed and at ease.

5. Tummy down

The difference between this and the position with the legs stretched out, is that in this case the extremities stay partly bent at the side of the body. His head is leaned on its side. They are not very relaxed yet, as it’s a sign that they’re going through the phase prior to deep sleep. The most adventurous and energetic breeds, as well as the timid and sweet ones, usually adopt this way of sleeping.

6. Upside down

Also known as “playing dead,” this is usually chosen by dogs when they’re very tired or have just exercised (or gone out for a walk). They lie down on their back, lie their head back, lift their back legs (stretched out) and place their front legs on their belly. The objective of this option is to cool down as quickly as possible. In this approach your furry friend feels happy, relaxed and secure. In addition, she has the ability to adapt to new situations in a flash. This is how your dog sleeps with an alarm clock.