Why does my dog sleep with its head hanging off the bed?; If you’re curious about this, we have some possible answers to this common question.
The short answer is dogs who hang their heads off the bed while they sleep are utterly comfortable with their surroundings. Your dog trusts you and does not feel the need to remain on guard.
Dogs sleep in many positions that look uncomfortable to us. So is hanging their head off the bed harmful to our dogs? Please keep reading to find out more.
Why Is My Dog Hanging His Head off the Bed?
Your beloved pet may lie with their heads hanging down for several reasons. Let’s examine some of them:
- Your dog is relaxed
- It is comfortable
- They are respecting your space
- Your dog is exhausted
- They want to keep an eye on things
- It keeps their head cooler
Your Dog Is Relaxed
If your pet regularly hangs their head down off the bed while sleeping, it could be that they are very relaxed and feel protected by you. Often, dogs will not lie in a vulnerable position unless they have complete trust in their environment.
It Is Comfortable
Having their head hang down can help create space in their spinal column and make them feel great after a long day of running and playing. In addition, this natural traction on their neck can be an excellent stretch for their sore, tired muscles.
They Are Respecting Your Space
If your pet takes to the edge of your bed once it’s time to turn in, they may be respecting your space. While some dogs like to cuddle or hog the bed, others will let you have your space and keep themselves on the side of the bed with their heads hanging down.
Your Dog Is Exhausted
Maybe your dog never sleeps with its head hanging down, and you suddenly notice them in this peculiar position. If they are exhausted from a long, hard day, they may lie down and fall asleep anywhere and in any position, even if they don’t usually sleep like this.
They Want To Keep an Eye on Things
Sometimes, dogs will lie with their head hanging down to keep an eye on their surroundings. This position lets them view their surroundings quickly if they hear something, rather than changing their body position to see clearly.
It Keeps Their Head Cooler
If you live in an area with a warm, humid climate, your dog probably wants to keep cool. Hanging its head allows your dog to keep it away from its body, keeping your dog from becoming too warm.
Is It Normal for a Dog To Hang Its Head off the Bed?
Yes, there is nothing wrong with your dog when it hangs its head off the edge of your bed. Many dog breeds like sleeping this way, so there is no reason to worry. However, if your dog does not always exhibit this behavior, it may indicate its current emotional state.
Dogs who sleep in a standard lying down position are often on alert, even while napping. This form allows them to stand up quickly if they hear something or feel threatened. You may notice that your dog sleeps on alert in your home during the day, but he hangs his head off your bed in the evenings.
Doesn’t Hanging Their Head off the Bed Strain Their Neck?
It can be concerning if you notice your four-legged friend lying on your bed with his neck at an odd angle and hanging down. Many dog owners can attest to having a sore neck from sleeping incorrectly. So, doesn’t this position strain your pet’s neck and cause pain?
Thankfully, your dog is in no pain when hanging its head off the edge of the bed, couch, or chair. Sleeping like this can help your pup by stretching their spine gently as gravity pulls on the weight of their head.
This head-hanging can benefit your puppy. You may already know some of these benefits if you are familiar with traction exercises. Some advantages of this positioning include:
- Provides a gentle stretch for the neck muscles
- Helps align the spine naturally
- Can relieve or minimize pain
The Takeaway
Many dogs will sleep and relax in various ways, including hanging their head off the bed. This position is no cause for concern and can benefit your pup in more ways than one. So, the next time your pet hangs his head off your bed, just enjoy the time they sleep peacefully.
