Your four-legged pets are magical, but sometimes slightly strange creatures. Did you know that they can reveal many things about themselves while they sleep? See what it means when your four-legged friend sleeps on his back.
Dogs are loyal, wonderful creatures. It is not for nothing that they are said to be man’s best friend. And just like people, they reveal the most things about themselves in the moments when they are most vulnerable and out of their awareness – in sleep. Have you ever wondered why your furry friend sleeps on his back?
You can find a video of why dogs sleep with their paws up on the Veterinary Network YouTube channel:
Source: Youtube
Why do dogs sleep on their backs?
There can be many reasons for this, but the number one reason for sleeping in this position is that it keeps you cool. Dogs, unlike their human counterparts, have fewer sweat glands. And most of them are stored in their paws.
Therefore, when you see your dog lying on its back with its paws up, you know that it is warm and using its paws in the air to cool itself. The fur on the belly is also thinner than, for example, the fur on the back, and therefore, when the dog is hot, it logically decides to ventilate the part where the cooling breeze can better reach.
When you see a dog in this position, with its tongue sticking out, you don’t have to assume the worst. The tongue also helps dogs regulate their temperature.
Other reasons
Another reason why dogs sleep on their backs is simply because it’s comfortable for them. Especially for larger dogs, the position curled up on the couch can be uncomfortable, so they prefer to stretch their bodies pleasantly by lying on their backs.
This position, although it may seem like the opposite and with the paws up it may give the impression that the dog is surrendering, gives them a sense of security. Your dog is letting you know that he trusts you. Paws up and belly exposed is a very vulnerable position.
And if your dog falls asleep in this position, it shows you that it trusts you and feels comfortable in your company.
Sources: www.pejskarium.cz, www.wikidog.cz
