Digging Into How Dogs Sleep: Why Do Dogs Sleep with Their Bums Facing You?
How dogs sleep matters. Here are nine reasons why canines often like to cuddle with their rumps in your face.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding your dog’s sleeping habits and bedtime body language can tell you a lot about your pup.
If your dog sleeps next to you on your bed, you’ve probably woken up to find their bum facing you.
There are several reasons why this happens, and most of them are pretty benign.
These include comfort, ventral contact, trust, protection, eye contact, wanting to be left alone, territory marking, petting, and parasites.
See if this scenario sounds familiar: It’s late, you’ve got your pajamas on, and you’re ready to hit the sack. You get under your covers, and your furry friend comes barreling in and jumps up on the bed. While you settle into a comfortable position, your pup does the same – and ultimately ends up with their bum facing you. It can make you wonder how dogs sleep and why they do what they do.
If this is a frequent occurrence in your home, you are certainly not alone. Dogs sleep in a variety of places and positions, and this one is pretty common. But should you feel flattered about this? Worried? Grossed out?
Here’s a look at what a DOG'S sleeping position means, including why they sleep with their bum facing you.
Side sleeper
If you are wondering why “my dog sleeps on her side”, it generally means that they’re very relaxed when snoozing and feel safe and comfortable.
The donut
Does your dog curl up when sleeping? They may do this because they’re cold, or it could be to protect themselves, so their vital organs aren’t exposed.
Belly up
The opposite of the donut; when a dog lays on back. Dogs often sleep with their bellies up because they’re hot. This is also another pose that shows that they trust you and feel safe.
The Superman
Does it look like your dog is dreaming about flying (and possibly solving crime), with both front and back legs extended? This says they’re tired, but also ready to get up to play if you are.
Facing away from you
If your dog sleeps at the foot of your bed, with their head on your pillow, or in any of those other positions, there’s a good chance that he also sleeps facing away from you. But why do dogs sleep with their bum facing you?
They don’t like ventral contact
While most dogs are down with cuddling, many don’t like doing it face-to-face or belly-to-belly, which is called ventral contact. Instead, they would much rather get into a position that results in their butts pointing towards you. In addition to being more comfortable, it's also more comforting for them.
They trust you
When dogs lie on their side, it exposes their chest and stomach, which are vulnerable areas. If your dog does this, it means they trust you. And, if they keep their bum toward your face, it shows that you make them feel safe.
They want to protect you
Your dog also wants to keep you safe and secure, which is why they plant their rumps where they do. This allows them to monitor the entire room and be ready for action if it’s warranted.
They’re trying to avoid eye contact
If your pup is new to your household, they may not be entirely used to you yet and could be sleeping in this position to avoid eye contact. This may be especially true if this is a rescue dog that experienced neglect or abuse.
They want to be left alone
If your dog is lying next to you, they likely don’t want to be entirely left alone. But, putting their back toward you may be their way of saying they’re tired and want to sleep, and that there will be plenty of time for petting and playing tomorrow.
They just like it that way
In many instances, the answers to our questions about why dogs do what they do can be pretty obvious. In this case, answering why your dog sleeps with their back to you may be as simple as that’s how they’re most comfortable. It may also be a sign that your dog feels completely relaxed around you.
Don’t ignore the signs with your dog
For the most part, it’s generally not a big deal when dogs sleep with their bums facing you. In fact, you could take it as a compliment, as this could be your pup’s way of showing love and affection.
Your dog’s sleeping habits can also indicate potential warning signs. If your dog is doing a lot of scratching – and wants you to help – then the reason could be related to parasites like fleas or a tapeworm, and this is definitely something you don’t want to ignore. This is one of the main reasons why regular hygiene and grooming visits are so important; professionals will help keep your pup clean and healthy.
Of course, there’s another issue we can’t forget about when it comes to dogs in our beds: odor. If your dog sleeps with his face inches from yours, dog breath is probably something you’ve gotten used to. But if you’re getting the other end and are frequently awoken by a noxious aroma, it’s time to give your dog a bath. At Scenthound, our goal is to keep dogs clean and healthy by providing the routine care that all dogs need regularly. including teeth brushing, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and bathing.
Use our store locator to find the closest Scenthound to you.