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Why do dogs sleep on their backs? The adorable reasons will leave you feeling overjoyed

Read this to find out why your dog sleeps on their back

Gabrielle LaFrank
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Our dogs keep us entertained, whether it’s playtime, dinnertime, or naptime. Even in their sleep, a pup’s sweet and silly antics are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. If you’ve ever seen your dog sleeping soundly while spread out on their back, you know exactly what we’re talking about. Isn’t it just too silly?

Unique sleeping positions can mean anything, from discomfort and joint pain to just getting comfy — so, why do dogs sleep on their backs? We’ve looked into this funny phenomenon to see what vets and canine behavior specialists had to say, and you’re going to love the answer. If your dog sleeps on their back, you should feel so special! Give yourself a pat on the back, pet parents.

A dog lies upside down, close to the camera, with their tongue out
Rita_Kochmarjova / Shutterstock

Why do dogs sleep on their backs? Five reasons for this funny-looking position

Like any behavior or sleep position, back-sleeping can stem from many causes. Some of these reasons are more subtle than others, but none are reasons to worry about your pet’s health or well-being. Generally speaking, when a dog sleeps on their back, it’s a good thing!

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Cooling off

Remember, dogs regulate their body temperature through their paws and skin, so sleeping on their backs may just be your buddy’s way of cooling off. Durango Animal Hospital’s Dr. Travis McDermott told Southern Living that having their paws and belly — where the fur is thinnest — in the air helps cool off these sensitive areas. It’s the same reason a dog might lie stomach down on a cool tile floor!

So, if you see your best bud napping with their belly up, they may just be trying to chill for a bit.

Submission

While awake, dogs rolling over to expose their stomach can be one way of expressing submission to another dog (or to a person), though it’s not impossible to fall asleep in this position — as almost any dog will prove. This stance is not one that has been observed in wolves or wild dogs, notes veterinarian Dr. Patty Khuly — at least, not while sleeping. It wouldn’t be a safe way to rest if there were predators out and about, after all.

They feel safe

Whether this is the main reason for your pup’s back-sleeping, it’s safe to say that any dog who chooses this position for naps feels secure where they are. Lying on their back is an incredibly vulnerable position, even for domestic dogs, says Dr. McDermott, so you can rest assured that your furry friend feels safe and sound at home when you see this.

Isn’t that great news? Whatever you’re doing as a pet parent, keep it up! Keeping our fur babies happy and healthy is the best feeling — make sure to enjoy it!

Seeking attention

If your pup knows you’re nearby while they flip onto their back, it’s possible they’re asking for a belly rub before they doze off for the moment. In times like this, your pup may not seem as sleepy. They may be focused on you instead of their nap, which can be equally as adorable.

If you indulge your buddy with some scratches in moments like this, you may be reinforcing this behavior. It’s up to you whether that is a good thing, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Comfort

Well — why do you sleep on your back? It’s comfy, right? Your dog probably feels the same way!

This is especially likely if your four-legged friend is deep in sleep in this position — it’s a great sign! A comfy pup is a well-rested, happy pup, after all.

A fluffy white dog lies on their back on a deck outside with leaves around them
Aux trois couleurs / Shutterstock

Why it’s great news that dogs sleep on their backs — especially when it’s your dog

There are virtually no negative consequences to a dog sleeping on their back, so you don’t have a reason to worry! Nor should you worry if your dog doesn’t sleep like this. Plenty of other resting positions are signs of a happy dog, too.

Not only does back-sleeping mean your pup is comfortable, but they’re also feeling safe. If this is the case, you should give yourself a pat on the back for showing your best bud the love and security they rightfully deserve. You’re doing something right!

Now that you know what it means when a dog sleeps on their back, you can sit back and enjoy all of your goofy pup’s funny nap positions. You can smile and laugh at their silly postures with no guilt whatsoever — who doesn’t enjoy stretching out for a comfortable rest? Maybe you’ll even let it inspire you to get in on the coziness. Nap time, anyone?

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Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank
Contributor
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
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