Your dog’s sleeping position, the way they twitch or move, and the amount of time they spend napping can reveal a lot about how they’re feeling. Sleeping habits can give clues about a dog’s health and happiness that you can interpret if you know what to look for. Of course, if you spot anything unusual or different about your dog’s sleeping behaviors, you should get to the vet for a checkup. Here are a few things to take notice of when your dog is sleeping and what they might mean.

What your dog’s sleeping position means

Pay attention to the position your dog sleeps in most frequently. Your dog’s favorite sleeping position might change based on where they’re snoozing, who they’re sleeping near, or if they’re feeling a certain way. Because injuries or soreness can cause a dog’s sleeping position to change, keep an eye out for signs of pain. Get to the vet if anything seems off.

Below are some common sleeping positions and what they might mean.

On the side

A dog who sleeps on their side feels safe and comfortable, as this position leaves the vital organs exposed. Dogs who favor this position tend to be pretty easy-going and relaxed. That said, they may switch to a different position if they’re sleeping somewhere new or around someone they aren’t familiar with. This position also leaves their limbs free to move during sleep, so you may see more twitching and leg kicks.

Curled up

A very common position dogs take when sleeping is to curl up in a ball. This is also called “nose-to-tail.” It’s a common position for animals to take in the wild, too. This position protects the vital organs, helps conserve warmth, and makes it easy to get up quickly. It restricts movement during sleep, so you may see less twitching from a dog who snoozes in a ball.

You might think that a dog who sleeps in this position would be uncomfortable in their surroundings. That’s not necessarily true. It’s a common position in the fall and winter months when the weather is cool. Also, it may just simply feel better for a particular dog to sleep in that position.

Sprawled out on the tummy

This is sometimes called the “Superman” position. It allows for a dog to pop up and be on their paws right away. You often see this position with puppies who need to nap frequently but also want to be ready to jump up and play at a moment’s notice. Dogs who sleep in this position don’t want to miss a chance to be in the action. It’s the position of choice for high-energy pups or pups who get sleepy during play.

On the back, paws up in the air

In the opposite way curling in a ball conserves heat, sleeping with an exposed belly helps a dog cool off. Since the fur is thinner around the belly and the paws hold the sweat glands, exposing these areas is a great way to beat the heat. Because this position exposes a dog’s most sensitive areas vulnerable, it indicates a dog is comfortable. A pup who’s sleeping in this position most likely doesn’t have a care in the world. This position is common in the summer months.

Back-to-back or snuggled up

You may catch your dog sleeping back-to-back with your other pets or snuggling up to you. Either way, it means the same thing. Your dog is bonding and showing that they want to get close to you or their furry siblings. A dog sleeping this way feels very loving and affectionate, and they’re completely comfortable with whoever they’re napping with. Try showing your love in return by taking a snooze with your pup.

Sleeping behaviors

Once your dog is napping, you may get some clues about the quality of their sleep from their behavior. Sleep is important for healing and repairing the body, and REM sleep, which is the deepest stage of sleep, is the most restorative. Pay attention to these signs and behaviors to make sure your dog is getting the best sleep possible.

1. Circling and digging

It’s normal behavior for dogs to circle their sleeping area or even dig a bit before lying down for sleep. This is behavior that comes from dogs’ wolf ancestors who would often trample down grass, leaves, or snow to get comfortable. They might also dig a hole that would help keep them warm in winter or cool in summer. Though dogs tend to circle a few times before lying down, doing it too much or having trouble settling in might be a sign of pain, arthritis, or a neurological issue. Consult a vet if you notice excessive circling.

2. Light dozing

A dog might doze off during the day if they’re bored or just getting a rest. This is not a very restful sleep, and your dog may just be waiting for something more interesting to come along. Watch your pup’s ears and see if they perk up at any movement or unusual noise. This probably means that your dog is still fairly alert and looking for something worth getting up for. Maybe it’s time to do something fun like go for a walk or play fetch.

3. Twitching, wagging, or soft barks

Dogs tend to move a bit during REM sleep when they’re most restful. They could very well be acting out their dreams, but they are getting a nice, deep sleep. Twitching, tail wagging, leg kicks, and occasional barks or grunts are common. This is a good time to let sleeping dogs lie. This stage of sleep is very restorative and good for their health. Movement during sleep is actually more frequent in puppies and senior dogs for unknown reasons. A less common reason for twitching during sleep is if a dog is cold. The twitches are the body’s way of warming up. If your dog is cold, get a blanket or move them to a warmer sleeping place.

4. Signs of distress

Like humans, dogs can have nightmares. If your dog seems particularly agitated during sleep with more movement, barks, or whimpers than usual, you can try gently calming your pup down. Call their name softly and stroke their back or side. Use soothing tones. Your pup may wake up or may just simply relax and continue on with a more pleasant dream after you’ve comforted them. If you notice your dog frequently seems agitated during sleep, you may want to schedule a vet visit to be on the safe side.

5. Seizure

When twitching gets excessive, it could be a sign of a seizure that requires immediate medical attention. Try calling your dog’s name and waking them up if you suspect their movements are abnormal. If they wake up, it may have just been an intense dream. If they don’t respond to your calls, continue to shake, or feel stiff, get medical help right away. You should pay attention to your dog’s usual sleeping habits so you know the difference and can tell when something is out of the ordinary.

Amount of sleep

Dogs sleep a lot more than people do. On average, dogs need about 12 to 14 hours of sleep a day. Big dogs tend to take longer naps than smaller dogs. Puppies need about 18 to 19 hours of sleep a day, usually waking up for an hour after every few hours of sleep. Take notice of your dog’s normal sleeping habits. If you notice a change in how long your dog sleeps, it could mean a lot of things from a dietary change to a thyroid problem. If your dog is spending too much time napping, it could be time for a vet visit.

Now that you know what your dog’s sleeping position means, find out what your dog dreams about!

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