Designed around dog behavior. We combined our mattress-making know-how with extensive dog-centered research to create a sleep environment that caters to canines’ natural behaviors. Need a replacement cover? Shop Dog Bed Cover
Everything proof your mattress. The waterproof design guards your mattress against dirt, spills, and more. Pairs perfectly with your Casper mattress so it feels just like it should.
You may notice your dog sleeping in a position you’re not familiar with. Does it mean anything?
Just like humans, dogs sleep in a variety of positions. From sleeping on their side to sleeping on their back with their paws in the air, we can learn a lot about our furry friends through their sleeping positions and habits.
Dog sleeping positions are like little clues that can give insight into how they’re feeling. To truly understand dog sleeping habits, we tapped the minds of veterinarians and professional dog trainers to reveal what 10 common dog sleeping positions mean.
Read on to check out our dog sleeping positions chart, learn more about the adorable meaning behind these sleeping positions, and gain insight into common dog and puppy sleeping habits.
The Casper Dog Bed is made with pressure-relieving memory foam and supportive foam bolsters so your dog can sleep safe, supported, and comforted all night long.
Have you ever noticed your furry friend tightly curled up in a ball during winter nights? Or maybe they’re desperately trying to burrow under your blankets? As temperatures drop, our canine companions have fascinating ways to stay warm while catching their Z’s. Today, I’m diving into the world of doggy slumber to explain exactly how dogs sleep when they’re cold and what you can do to keep your pup comfy during chilly nights.
How Dogs Adapt Their Sleeping Positions in Cold Weather
When the temperature drops, dogs instinctively change their sleeping habits to conserve body heat Let’s look at the main ways dogs sleep when they’re cold
The Donut Position: The Cold-Weather Favorite
The most common sleeping position for cold dogs is what experts call “the donut” or “curled up” position In this position
- Dogs curl up tightly in a ball
- They tuck their nose near their tail
- Their paws are tucked close to their body
- Their tail may wrap around their body
According to veterinarians, this position is perfect for conserving body heat because it minimizes the amount of body surface exposed to cold air Dr Linda Simon, a veterinary consultant, notes that this position “would have protected dogs from the elements when they slept outside” in their ancestral past.
The donut position is especially common in stray dogs or pups still getting used to their environment. It’s a natural protective position that shields vital organs while trapping warmth.
Burrowing Behavior
Another way dogs cope with cold is by burrowing. You might catch your dog:
- Digging at blankets or bedding
- Trying to get under covers
- Seeking out pillows or clothes to sleep under
This burrowing instinct comes from dogs’ ancestors who would dig into soft ground or snow to create a warmer sleeping spot. When your dog tries to get under your blankets, they’re not just being cute—they’re following ancient instincts to stay warm!
Snuggling and Cuddling
Cold dogs often become extra cuddly! They might:
- Sleep back-to-back with you or another pet
- Curl up against your body
- Seek out the warmest person in the household
This “cuddler” position isn’t just adorable—it’s a practical way for dogs to share body heat. According to Peter Laskay, a pet care expert, this behavior is a clear sign of bonding but also serves the practical purpose of keeping warm.
Physiological Responses to Cold During Sleep
Beyond just changing positions, dogs’ bodies respond to cold in several ways:
- Increased metabolism: Dogs naturally increase their metabolic rate in cold weather to generate more internal heat
- Shivering: Even during sleep, dogs might shiver slightly to generate warmth
- Changed breathing patterns: Cold dogs may breathe differently to reduce heat loss
- Seeking warm surfaces: Dogs might abandon their beds for warm tile that’s been in the sun all day
These physiological responses help dogs maintain their core body temperature even when sleeping in colder environments.
Which Dogs Are Most Sensitive to Cold?
Not all dogs experience cold the same way. Several factors affect how your dog handles sleeping in colder temperatures:
Breed Differences
Dogs with thick double coats like Huskies and Malamutes can tolerate much colder sleeping environments than short-haired breeds. The most cold-sensitive breeds include:
- Greyhounds and Whippets
- Chihuahuas and other toy breeds
- Bulldogs and other short-nosed breeds
- Dogs with very short coats
Size Matters
Smaller dogs lose body heat faster than larger dogs because they have more surface area relative to their body volume. This is why your Chihuahua might be shivering while your Lab seems perfectly comfortable!
Age and Health Considerations
Senior dogs and puppies typically feel the cold more intensely:
- Puppies can’t regulate body temperature as well as adult dogs
- Senior dogs often have less body fat and muscle mass to keep them warm
- Dogs with arthritis or joint problems may be more uncomfortable in cold
How Cold is Too Cold for Dogs?
Here’s a simple guide to help you understand when your dog might be uncomfortable:
| Temperature Range | Dog’s Response |
|---|---|
| 50-60°F (10-15°C) | Dogs may start to feel cold but can still sleep comfortably |
| 40-50°F (4-10°C) | Dogs may start to shiver and have trouble sleeping |
| Below 40°F (4°C) | Dogs may have significant trouble sleeping and need extra care |
Signs Your Dog Is Too Cold During Sleep
How can you tell if your pup is uncomfortably cold? Watch for these behaviors:
- Excessive curling into a tight ball
- Shivering even during sleep
- Restlessness and frequent position changes
- Seeking unusual places to sleep (like on top of heat vents)
- Waking up more frequently during the night
If you notice these signs, it’s time to make some changes to your dog’s sleeping environment!
Creating a Warm Sleeping Environment for Your Cold Dog
Now that we understand how and why dogs sleep differently when cold, let’s look at practical ways to keep them cozy:
Cozy Bed Options
The right bed can make all the difference for a cold dog:
- Orthopedic beds with thick padding provide insulation from cold floors
- Heated dog beds are amazing for very cold environments or older dogs
- Beds with raised edges or bolsters allow dogs to curl against something warm
- Self-warming beds use your dog’s body heat and reflect it back
For dogs who sleep in the donut position, a round bed with raised edges like the “K&H Pet Products Thermo-Pet Heated Bolster Dog Bed” is ideal, as it supports their natural curling instinct while providing warmth.
Location, Location, Location
Where you place your dog’s bed matters tremendously:
- Keep beds away from drafty areas, doors, and windows
- Elevate beds off cold floors when possible
- Place beds in naturally warmer parts of your home
- Consider moving your dog’s bed to a warmer room during winter months
Blankets and Accessories
Additional items can help your cold pup sleep better:
- Thermal blankets that reflect body heat
- Dog sweaters or pajamas for short-haired breeds
- Snuggle discs that can be warmed in the microwave
- Dog sleeping bags for seriously cold environments
I’ve found that layering a few blankets gives my dog options—she can burrow underneath or push them aside if she gets too warm.
How Your Dog’s Sleep Quality Affects Their Health
Poor sleep due to cold temperatures can impact your dog’s overall health:
- Reduced sleep quality leads to fatigue and stress
- Cold-induced discomfort can worsen arthritis pain
- Constant shivering burns calories and can lead to weight loss
- Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system
By ensuring your dog stays warm while sleeping, you’re contributing to their overall wellbeing.
Natural vs. Artificial Heat Sources
When helping your cold dog sleep better, consider these heating options:
Natural Warming Methods
- Extra blankets for burrowing
- Placing beds in sunny spots during the day
- Using your dog’s natural body heat (allowing them on furniture/beds)
Artificial Warming Methods
- Heated dog beds (plug-in varieties)
- Microwavable warming discs
- Safe space heaters (kept at a distance from bedding)
Safety note: Never use electric blankets designed for humans with dogs, as they may chew on cords or overheat.
My Experience With Cold-Sensitive Dogs
I’ve had several dogs over the years, and my little Chihuahua mix was particularly sensitive to cold temperatures. During winter, she would literally disappear under blankets, with just her nose peeking out for air. I found that providing her with a small “cave bed” plus some fleece blankets for burrowing made a huge difference in her sleep quality.
Bottom Line: Understanding Your Cold Dog’s Needs
Every dog is unique in how they handle cold sleeping environments. By paying attention to your dog’s preferred sleeping position and providing appropriate warmth options, you can ensure they get quality rest even during the coldest months.
Remember these key points:
- The donut/curled position is the primary way dogs conserve heat while sleeping
- Small, short-haired, and older dogs need extra warmth considerations
- The right bed, placed in the right location, can make a world of difference
- Multiple warming options give your dog choices based on how cold they feel
By understanding how dogs sleep when they’re cold, you can be a better pet parent and ensure your furry friend stays cozy all winter long. After all, a warm dog is a happy dog—and a happy dog makes for a happy home!
Do you have any special ways you keep your dog warm during cold nights? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!
On a Cold Surface
Whether it’s lying face down on the kitchen floor or sprawled out on your pavement, dogs tend to sleep on a cold surface when they are hot. This type of position can take the form of the superman pose or could be similar to the lion’s pose. Whatever it is, your dog is likely making sure their tummy is touching the cold surface.
Meaning: This position is directly related to temperature. “Dogs may be hot if they sleep sprawled out on cool surfaces, particularly when they’re on their bellies with legs extended maximizing the amount of unhaired skin that touches the cold floor or ground,” says Dr. Jennifer Coates. If you notice your dog seeking out cold surfaces to sleep on, try your best to cool them down with the tips below:
- Turn on a fan or the AC
- Offer the dog some cold water
- Get a cooling mat for them to sleep on
- Give them a frozen treat
- Get them groomed (if they have a long coat)
- Let them sleep downstairs, where it’s likely to be cooler
The Belly Up
Arguably one of the cutest dog sleeping positions, the belly up position is just as it sounds. This position is when your dog lies on their back with their belly up and paws in the air. As uncomfortable as this position may look, this is a sign of true comfort and relaxation in dogs.
Meaning: Dogs who sleep on their back with their tummy and paws in the air do so for a few reasons. One of them is to keep cool. Jen Jones says, “dogs sweat through their paws and their belly is a source of heat. When they sleep on their back with their belly in the air and paws up, they are trying to keep cool.”
Because this is such a vulnerable position to be in, when dogs sleep on their back with their paws in the air, it also means that they fully trust you and their environment. Dr. Sarah Wooten says that “because they are exposing their belly and their vital organs to the world, you have to know that they feel really secure to fall asleep in this position.”
As dogs age, you’ll notice that they may no longer sleep on their back as much. According to Steffi Trott, a professional dog trainer and the owner of SpiritDog Training, this is due to arthritis and you should not assume that your dog is no longer trusting you.
What Your Dog’s Sleeping Position Reveals About Their Personality, Health and Character
FAQ
Can a dog sleep outside in cold weather?
While some dogs can tolerate cold weather better than others, it is not recommended for most dogs to sleep outside in cold temperatures. Arctic breeds like the Malamute, Samoyed, and Siberian Husky have thick, double-coated fur that helps insulate them, but even they can be at risk in extreme cold.
How do dogs sleep?
1. The Side Sleeper A common sleeping position for humans, dogs also enjoy sleeping on their sides with their limbs extended and their bellies partly exposed. Because bellies are a vulnerable part of the body, this sleeping position generally indicates a pup feels calm and content, Holmboe says.
Why does my dog feel cold at night?
Just like humans,lack of warmth, poor sleeping conditions and changes in weather can all make your dog feel cold at night. Dogs are sensitive to weather, and as they lose heat faster than normal, they can become distressed when exposed to colder temperatures.
Do dogs sleep more in winter?
Short answer: yes. A dog can sleep more during the winter. If you live somewhere with long, dark, cold winters, you have probably noticed a change in your dog’s behaviors during winter. A combination of cold weather and low light conditions can prompt your dog to sleep more often. But why do dogs sleep more in winter, and is that an issue?
How do I know if my dog is cold at night?
You can tell if your dog is cold at nightwhen the temperature drops, as they may shiver, refuse to move and feel cold to touch. Keeping your dog warm should be your priority – especially when the cold weather kicks in. Here we will help you understand the signs and symptoms to look out for to help you know if your dog is cold at night.
How to get a dog to sleep in winter?
Open window shades and fluorescent light bulbs are two simple ways to stimulate natural light in your home, play with your dog, and engage him. Your dog must receive adequate exercise and proper nutrition, especially during the winter, as it prevents boredom, which becomes sleepiness.
How do dogs sleep if they’re cold?
Temperature Regulation
Moving to a different spot can help them stay comfortable, whether it’s seeking warmth or coolness. Warmth: Dogs may move closer to a heat source or a thicker bedding area if they feel cold. Coolness: They might seek out a tiled floor or an area with more airflow if they are too warm.
How to know if a dog is cold when sleeping?
Do dogs need a blanket over them at night?
Your dog may need a blanket at night for added warmth, comfort, and security, especially if they are a small dog, a senior dog, a short-haired breed, or a puppy. You can tell if your dog is cold if they curl into a tight ball, seek warm places, or shiver. Offer a lightweight, breathable blanket and monitor your dog’s behavior to ensure they aren’t getting too hot or anxious.
Can my dog be too cold at night?
Yes, dogs can get cold when they sleep, especially in cooler environments or if they have short fur or are small in size. Unlike humans, dogs have a fur coat that provides some insulation, but they can still feel cold, particularly in drafty or unheated areas.