Who doesn’t love having a furry friend snuggled up to them at night? Sharing your own bed with your furry friend can help with feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression and keep you warm in the middle of cold winter nights.
According to the 2021–2022 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey, 43 percent of pet dogs in the United States sleep on their owner’s bed, not a dog bed – why?
Why Do Dogs Want To Sleep in Our Bed?
Dogs are social, affectionate animals. They love to be near their human family members, and they crave interaction with them. They love it when we pet them or talk to them, so they will often follow us around the house, hoping for some quality time with their favorite people.
Dogs sleep in our beds because they want to be close to us at all times (and because we let them). It makes them feel safe and secure knowing that someone is watching over them while they rest peacefully on our pillows and blankets! Plus, your bed might be more comfortable than theirs if you have a memory foam bed, as many people do. Plus, a dog sleeping in their bed does not quench their attention-seeking behaviors. they will get belly rubs, a close bond, and the sign of affection they need.
Dogs’ Nighttime Affection Isn’t Always For Warmth
When a dog lays down on humans, one of the main reasons is that they want to be near us. Dogs are pack animals and are naturally drawn to other dogs. They also enjoy spending time with their human companions, so it makes sense that a dog would be looking for ways to spend more time with you by joining you in bed or lying next to you on the couch.
The presence of another person may provide comfort and security for your pup as well. If your dog has separation anxiety (meaning he gets upset when left home alone), his need for affection might be more robust than usual if he is stressed out from being away from you or other loved ones.
Your dog could also just like having someone close by for the body heat and comfort that comes with cuddling up next to someone—even if no one else is there! sometimes they even try to sleep on top of their owners. It’s a dog’s way of saying, “after a long day, hang with your best friend”
Dogs are Naturally Pack Animals
As a pack animal, your dog is naturally drawn to you and wants to sleep near you. He wants to be part of the family and will do anything he can to ensure that. This is why it’s not uncommon for him to try and fit himself into any available sleeping area on your bed—he just wants to be close by!
Dogs are social animals who need companionship from other members of their species to thrive. They have a strong sense of belonging, which often manifests itself as affectionate behaviors like leaning against you or resting their head on your lap when you sit down. They consider you the pack leader and they want to be part of a pack. The dog’s protective instinct makes them a light sleeper that will defend you at a moment’s notice.
Your Dog May Have Separation Anxiety
When left alone for long periods without company, dogs can become depressed or lonely; they tend not only toward separation anxiety but also depression and other emotional issues if left unattended too often over long periods (such as during workdays).
If you think your dog might have separation anxiety, it’s important to understand what this condition is and how it affects dogs. Dogs only suffer from separation anxiety when they are not in the presence of their owner(s) for an extended period.
In other words, dogs can become distressed if they’re left alone at home or with their owners but generally not when another family member comes home and leaves again.
Your Dog Trusts You and Your Family Members
The most likely reason your dog might be lying on you in bed is that he or she likes to be close to you. As mentioned earlier, dogs are pack animals by nature, so they like being around other dogs and people to be part of the pack.
They also like being around people who they trust, which is another reason why your dog may want to lay with you in bed at night. Your pet has come to know and understand your scent, and this familiarity makes him or her feel safe and calm when around you.
The Benefits of Letting Your Dog Share Your Bed
Mark Fierstein, MD, an internal medicine specialist at NYU Langone Health, says that people who co-sleep with their dogs “report an increased sense of security, companionship, and relaxation. For some people, the dog’s warmth, steady heartbeat, and protective nature can make sleeping with them feel safe and cozy.”
What Fierstein says is backed up by thousands of dog owners’ testimonials and science and a research study. People suffering from post-traumatic stress, insomnia, and other mental illnesses have benefited immensely from having their dogs sleep in bed with them.
Your Dogs’ Sleeping Positions and Habits Tell You A Lot
Just like humans, when a dog sleeps in bed, they position itself in a variety of ways. Some of the most common sleeping position you can find your dog in will say a lot about them and their comfort level.
- Side Sleeper: They feel safe and relaxed with you.
- The Lion’s Pose: They are resting but not in a deep sleep.
- Superman: They’re very tired but ready to play at any time.
- The Donut/Ball: your dog is looking to protect their vital organs, or they are cold and are trying to stay warm.
- Cuddling: Whether your dog is cuddling you or another dog, this pose is a clear sign of bonding and that your dog wants to be near you.
- Belly Up: Your pup fully trusts you and their environment or is trying to stay cool on a warm day.
Should You Let Your Dog Lay On You?
If you’re a new pet owner or a long-time pet owner, do you let your dog lay in bed with you? If so, is it safe? While yes, it is technically safe to allow your furry friend to share a bed with you, you should know that it could create issues down the road, including:
- Hygiene issues for you if your pet is not clean. Practice good hygiene with your dog by giving them regular baths, checking them for ticks and other parasites, and making sure their paws are clean before getting in your bed.
- Boundary issues can be a problem if your dog shares your bed – why? If your dog is always in your space and does not have a space of their own, it might think that everything that belongs to you also belongs to them – like your office chair or kitchen bar stools.
If you keep your dog clean and set clear boundaries and behavioral standards that they need to follow, you can successfully co-sleep with your dog.
Final Thoughts
If your dog is lying on you in bed, it’s probably because you’re special to them. But there are also plenty of other reasons why dogs may want to sleep with their owners.
If this happens often enough, it could develop into a habit that becomes difficult for both parties involved—so keep an eye out for signs that indicate your dog needs some attention from someone else!
What’s your dog’s favorite sleeping position? We hope you and your furry friend have a good night’s sleep!! 💤