5 Reasons Why Your Dog Likes to Sleep on Their Back

Find out if your pup’s belly-up snoozing means they feel hot, safe, or just plain comfortable

Co-authored by Sophie Amphlett and Devin McSween

Last Updated: November 27, 2022

You’re likely to find your dog in a lot of funny positions, but there’s nothing more endearing than finding your pup snoozing on their back, head smushed into their bed with their legs dangling in the air. As you take a picture and marvel at your dog’s cuteness, you might be left wondering why dogs like to sleep on their back in the first place! It turns out that this is a normal and safe sleeping position that cools your dog off and means they’re extremely relaxed around you. Read on to learn all about why dogs sleep on their backs.

Things You Should Know

Dogs sleep on their backs because they feel relaxed or want to cool down.
Your dog might sleep on its back if it has sore joints, or to appear non-threatening.
It is completely safe and normal for your dog to sleep on their back.

1

Dogs sleep on their back to cool off.

On a hot day, your dog might sleep on their back to cool down. This is one of the most common, expert-backed reasons why dogs sleep on their backs. Dogs actually sweat through their paw pads, so if they’re taking a snooze on a hot day, they’ll make sure their paws are up high in the air.^{[1]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
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- This position also helps dogs cool down because they have less hair on their bellies. By exposing their stomachs as they sleep, they receive better air flow and can keep cool for longer.
- To cool off your dog on hot days, keep them indoors, make sure they have a lot of fresh water, and set up a standing fan by their bed for a cold breeze.

2

They feel safe and relaxed.

Your dog trusts you completely when they sleep on their back. A dog’s belly is the most vulnerable part of their bodies, so by exposing it as they sleep, they are showing that they really love and trust you. This position is the pinnacle of relaxation, which is why you might see your dog belly up while snoozing in their favorite place on your couch.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
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- Wild dogs and wolves sleep curled up to protect their belly. This also puts them in a better position to jump up and run if there’s a threat.
- If your dog isn’t fully trusting of you yet, bond with your dog to get them to love you. Pet and give them verbal affection, play with them, take them on walks, and give them a cozy place to sleep to make them feel comfortable.

3

Being on their back is comfortable.

Like people, dogs find some positions more comfortable than others. If your dog usually sleeps on their back, it might just mean this is their favorite way to sleep because it is cozy and relaxing to them.^{[3]
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- It is completely normal and safe for dogs to sleep on their backs. Dogs are good at monitoring their own safety, and wouldn’t choose to sleep on their backs if it hurt them or prevented them from breathing well.^{[4]
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  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
- Make your dog even more relaxed and happy by giving them an extra comfortable pet bed to lay on. Petting or massaging them before bed can help them fall deep into sleep.

4

This position is easier on their joints.

If your dog has sore joints, sleeping on their back can relieve pressure. As dogs get older, they can develop arthritis. They might choose to sleep on their back so that they aren’t putting their weight on their arms or legs. If you have a younger dog healing from an injury, they might also sleep on their back to give their arms and legs a rest.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
- To help your dog with joint pain, make sure they are still getting consistent, low intensity exercise. A short, 10 to 15 minute walk each day is best for their sore joints.
- You can also give your dog joint supplements, which can help with stiffness and pain.

5

They’re showing submissiveness.

Your dog might fall asleep on their back to appear non-threatening. In the wild, dogs and wolves expose their bellies to show the pack leader that they respect them and are not a threat. It’s completely possible that your dog rolled onto their belly when you approached them for pats, and simply fell asleep that way!^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}