Why Does My Dog Sleep On Top Of Me? Most dogs love to sleep on top of their owners, but why do they do it? After all, there are plenty of other places your dog could sleep that might be more comfortable, like right beside you or underneath the covers in their own bed. Why does your dog insist on sleeping on top of you? Here are 12 reasons why they do it!
Why Does My Dog Sleep On Top Of Me? 12 Reasons Why
1. They feel safe with you
When your dog sleeps on top of you, it’s a sign that they feel safe and comfortable with you. This is because they can relax and let their guard down when they’re close to you. They know that you’ll protect them from any harm and that they can trust you.
A study conducted by The Kennel Club found that 86% of dogs sleep next to their owners at night time. The same study also found that dogs are more likely to sleep on the floor or ground next to the owner than away from them.
2. To help regulate your body temperature
Your dog may be trying to help regulate your body temperature when they sleep on top of you. Their body heat can help warm you up when you’re cold or cool you down when you’re hot. Plus, it’s just nice to cuddle up with a warm furry friend.
3. To remind you that they love you
Dogs crave affection and love from their owners, and sleeping on top of them is one way for them to show this love.
4. They want to hear your heartbeat
Dogs are very intuitive creatures and can sense when their humans are feeling down. One way they try to comfort us is by sleeping on top of us or cuddling up close. This way, they can hear our heartbeat and feel our warmth. It’s their way of saying, I’m here for you.
5. Simply because it feels good
Your dog loves the warmth and security that comes from being close to you. When they sleep on top of you, they are getting as close as possible to the person they love most. Additionally, your dog may be trying to protect you from harm or keep you warm.
If your dog sleeps at the foot of the bed, they may be trying to guard the entrance to your home. No matter what the reason, your dog loves cuddling up to you and showing their affection in this way.
6. Because it means attention from you
Your dog loves you and wants your attention. When they sleep on top of you, it’s their way of showing you how much they care. They also want to be close to you and feel your warmth. Sleeping on top of you is their way of showing you that they are loyal and protective.
7.Because your scent reassures them
Dogs have an amazing sense of smell. In fact, their sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than ours. When they sleep on top of you or cuddle up close, they’re taking in your scent. This reassures them and makes them feel safe and secure.
8. To protect themselves from predators
Read Also:8 Facts About the African Wild Dog, One of the World’s Most Endangered Mammals
Dogs are pack animals, and in the wild, they would sleep close together to stay warm and to protect themselves from predators. When your dog sleeps on top of you, they are trying to do the same thing – keep you safe and close by.
9. Their paws get cold too!
Many people think that their dog sleeps on top of them to keep them warm, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, dogs’ paws are just as sensitive to the cold as our hands and feet are. So, if your dog is snuggling up to you on a cold night, it’s probably because their paws are cold too!
10. The rise and fall of your chest massages them
When your dog sleeps on top of you, they are likely feeling your heartbeat. This is comforting to them and makes them feel safe. The rise and fall of your chest also massages their body, which feels good. Dogs also enjoy the warmth that you provide. Sometimes, sleeping on top of you is the only way they can get all of these things.
11. They feel safe and secure.
Your dog may feel safe and secure when they sleep on top of you because they are close to their pack leader. This proximity gives them a sense of comfort and protection. Additionally, your dog may enjoy the warmth that you provide. They may also feel a sense of belonging and love when they are close to you.
12. They want to protect you.
Dogs are protective by nature. They want to make sure that you’re safe, and they will do whatever it takes to keep you out of harm’s way. If they sense that something is wrong, they’ll put themselves between you and the threat, even if it means putting their own lives at risk.
Tips to stop your dog from sleeping on top of you
If you’re not a fan of your dog sleeping on top of you, there are a few things you can do to stop it from happening.
i. Create a designated spot for your pup and make them sleep in their bed: One way to discourage this behavior is by creating a designated spot for your pup and making them sleep in their bed.
ii. Provide your dog with an appropriate sized blanket or towel: Providing your dog with an appropriate sized blanket or towel will make them more comfortable when they want to cuddle up next to you and take the edge off their anxiety when they don’t have access to their favorite place (your bed).
iii. Have them sleep in another room: Another way that some people suggest is having the pup sleep in another room so that they have time away from the master but still feel close enough that they can get back if needed!
iv. Put something underneath the covers that smells like you: There’s nothing like getting under the covers with someone who smells like home! It’s been found that putting something underneath the covers that smells like you such as sweatpants or clothes can help deter your pup from sleeping on top of you because they smell familiar and comforting.
v. Let them know what’s expected of them during mealtime: Lastly, one suggestion is letting your pup know what’s expected of them during mealtime by giving them healthy treats before eating their food.
Conclusion
Dogs are such loyal and loving creatures, and one of the ways they show their affection is by sleeping on top of you or cuddling up close. This behavior may seem odd to us humans, but it actually makes perfect sense when you understand all the reasons behind it. So next time your dog snuggles up to you, take it as a compliment and enjoy the love!
