Out of all the places in your bedroom, your dog likes to sleep on your stomach.
It’s like your furry friend goes straight to dreamland when they are on your tummy.
Why is this?
What can be so inviting compared to their soft doggy bed?
Keep reading to find out:
- 13 reasons why your dog sleeps on your stomach.
- How to know if your dog is just clingy or wants attention.
- Tips on what you can do to stop them from sleeping on your tummy.
- And much much more…
Why does my dog sleep on my stomach?
Your dog sleeps on your stomach because they feel safe with you. Your dog can also just be clingy, protective, or they want cuddle time. Your dog also sleeps on your tummy when they sense that you are ill. Pregnancy is also a reason why your dog sleeps that way.
13 reasons why your dog sleeps on your stomach
#1: Your dog feels safe with you
Your dog sleeping on your stomach is their way of saying, “I feel safe with you.”
Isn’t that adorable?
Dogs are born in packs. They like to sleep alongside their siblings to feel safe.
Being with the family makes them feel secure. Since you are now a family, they want to snuggle with you.
Not only is this sleeping arrangement beneficial for your dog, it’s good for you too.
According to a study, dog parents who sleep with their furry friends feel more secure.
Whether they sleep on your stomach or by your side, the level of comfort is the same.
#2: Your dog is protective
What can be a better way to protect you other than sleeping on your stomach?
Your doggo seems to think, “This is how I should protect my hooman.”
Dogs are protective by nature. In the wild, they work within the pack and help protect each other.
As their family, they don’t want anything to happen to you.
They will also be more protective when there are new animals or people around.
If they’re unfamiliar with the new surroundings, they’ll most likely act more protective.
It’s natural for your dog to bark or get hyperactive when they sense that you’re afraid.
A real threat would cause them to act on it.
Since your doggo wants to keep you safe, lying on your stomach is the best option for them.
If you want your dog to act less protective with unfamiliar faces and new surroundings, introduce them.
Give time daily to introduce them to new additions to the family at their own pace.
Once your dog senses that you’re not in danger, they may try new sleeping arrangements.
You might also want to read: How do I know if my dog is protective over me?
#3: Your dog has separation anxiety
Separation anxiety happens when your dog has a difficult time coping when you’re not around.
They may show other signs such as barking and whining when you’re about to leave.
Chewing stuff while you’re not around is also a sign. Sleeping on your stomach is a way to make sure that you’re not going anywhere.
We can help our dog get through this phase. In time, leaving them at home will not be a big deal anymore.
What can you do? Understand first why they feel that way.
Is it the first time that you are away? Are they used to spending a lot of time with you?
Did a close family member leave?
Next, follow these steps on how to help your doggie cope with separation anxiety:
- Let them enjoy a toy when you leave.
- Get the toy back once you arrive home.
- Leave your old clothes that have your scent.
- Be calm when you leave the house and when you arrive.
You can also observe if your dog starts to panic when you do things that hint you are about to leave.
Actions such as getting your bag and putting on your shoes may start their anxiety.
Do these things often but don’t leave. In that way, they may feel that it’s an everyday happening.
Separation anxiety can be challenging for both of you, but working with your furry pal to cope will help you see better days.
Read also: Top 10 reasons why dogs follow you to the bathroom & 13 reasons why your dog sits behind you
#4: Your dog wants to cuddle
After a long day at work, you get home exhausted.
Your beloved doggo comes to you and sits on your stomach.
A bit later, they fell asleep.
Your dog wants to say, “It’s cuddle time.”
We know you are feeling the same way.
After all, what a stress reliever it would be to enjoy cuddle time with your doggie.
Why do we love cuddles?
For the both of you, cuddles release good hormones that make us feel good, called oxytocin.
What exactly is oxytocin?
Research states that oxytocin is a feel-good hormone released during bonding, such as when a mother nurses their child.
Dogs release the same hormone when forming a close relationship with their fur parents.
During cuddle time, you and your dog feel calmer and safer in each other’s arms.
You cannot replicate this special bond. It can only happen if there’s a close and trusting relationship.
So better enjoy this relaxing time with your furry friend.
You might also want to check out: 11 Odd Reasons Why Your Dog Only Cuddles With You + 3 Tips
#5: Your dog is spreading scent
Your dog spreading their scent is all about marking their territory.
They want to say, “You are mine,” but in a gentle and lovable way.
They may roll over the sofa, on the bed, and on your tummy too.
It’s normal behavior for dogs to spread their scent.
But you may want to stop this behavior if they do it too much or urine marking is involved.
The first thing to note isn’t to punish your dog if you want to end the behavior.
Your aim should be to encourage positive habits.
How to train your dog to stop scent spreading? Try these basic training steps once they start to do the deed:
- Distract your dog by calling them.
- Take them outside or give them a treat.
- Reward and repeat every time your dog follows.
Lastly, be patient while you’re training your pup. Your effort will pay off soon.
#6: Your dog knows you’re unwell
You came home feeling sick.
You just want to rest after a long day.
Your doggo climbs with you in bed and sleeps on your stomach.
What is your dog trying to do?
Your furry friend wants to say, “I know you don’t feel well.”
It can be their way of comforting you and making sure that you’re okay.
How do dogs know when we have an illness?
A person who has an infection will smell differently.
Even if you’re just down with the common flu, your dog can smell something is wrong.
Dogs have a more potent sense of smell compared to us. They have 300 million smell receptors, and we only have a measly 6 million.
It isn’t only limited to physical illness, but they can also detect changes in emotions.
When we are upset, angry, or depressed, different chemicals in our bodies give off unusual smells.
Don’t be surprised when you’re down in the dumps and your doggy suddenly climbs over your tummy.
It’s their way of telling you, “I am here for you.”
To add, their sense of hearing is powerful too.
The alterations in the tone of your voice can give them hints if you’re okay or not.
Rest in the fact that your dog knows you need someone by your side.
Your healing is also essential for them.
#7: Your dog wants to stay warm
What can be warmer than sleeping on your tummy?
If their doggy bed isn’t warm enough, your dog may find the warmth they need by sleeping on your stomach.
If your dog usually likes to sleep on the cold tiled floor during hot summer days but prefers to sleep on your tummy during the winter, they want to stay warm.
Do you prefer to let your dog sleep by your side rather than on your stomach?
There are ways to make them understand.
Train them how if you want to keep your dog warm in the winter season but not through tummy sleeping.
Once your dog starts to approach you, try these simple techniques that can help your dog get what you mean:
- Rollover or cover your tummy.
- Gesture the side where you want them to stay.
- Praise your dog once they follow your request.
Take note that consistency is the key. Repeat the act and continue to reward them for good behavior.
#8: Your dog wants your attention
You have been too busy the past few days.
You rarely get time for your beloved dog.
When evening comes, they leap on your bed to lay down on your stomach.
Your dog simply wants to say, “I miss you, hooman.”
The furball wants your attention. Your usual bonding time has lessened.
If your schedule is quite crazy lately, let your pooch be.
Allow them to sleep on your tummy for a while as bonding time.
If taking a walk or hike is not possible at this time, there are a lot of ways you can bond with your dog indoors.
Have you heard of reading with your dog? Your dog feels calm when they hear your voice.
Reading aloud to them encourages bonding. It is also a relaxing time for both of you.
Reading recommendation: Why does my dog lay on top of me?
#9: Your dog wants to relax
We all have our ways of relaxing. Please don’t judge your dog if they prefer to relax on your tummy.
It could be your breathing sounds that make them calm. The rising and falling of your stomach may feel like a cradle.
Whatever it is, you have a way of making your pooch rest comfortably.
Your dog usually wants to rest after a day with fun-filled activities.
Did you have a house party?
Your pooch may want to calm down after a noisy event.
Do you want to find other relaxation activities for your dog?
Say no more. We got your back. There are a lot of ways to encourage your dog to relax.
Play classical music. This type of sound is calming not just for humans but for our furry friends as well.
Have you heard of doga? You’re right. It’s a combination of dog plus yoga.
It is a trend that started in 2001. Not only is it relaxing, but it also forms a more incredible bond with your canine.
Keep in mind that they should be comfortable and willing.
Never force your dog to do yoga with you. Interested? Check out this video to discover more about a dog yoga class.
Another alternative is to provide your dog with a security blanket. A towel that has your scent is a good option too.
It will help them relax after a stressful day.
It’s great to try different ways to make your dog relax. In time, sleeping on your tummy will sound old.
#10: Your dog knows you’re pregnant
Your dog knows you’re pregnant even before you do. How?
Our hormones are raging when we are pregnant. Your dog’s keen sense of smell will notice it immediately.
Dogs can even detect the change of moods through smell and tone of voice.
During pregnancy, when our emotions are all over the place, our lovely dogs indeed notice it.
A lot of pregnant women reported that the behavior of their dogs changes during pregnancy.
Aside from sleeping on the tummy, dogs become extra careful with their fur mommy.
They walk slower when they are with you. Some dogs even bark at people when they feel that they are too rowdy with you.
If your doggy lying on your tummy is getting uncomfortable, you can gently remove them.
Transfer your pooch to your side. They will not mind as long as you do it slowly.
#11: Your dog wants to comfort you
“Bad day? Let me lie on your tummy and comfort you.”
It is probably what your doggy wants to say.
Your dog notices that you got the blues.
Since they cannot ask you to share what you are going through, touch is their love language.
Study says that dogs respond quickly to a crying fur parent.
When you are emotionally stressed, your dog can sense it and will do anything to try to comfort you.
So it is not just in movies. If you have a dog, you know this is real.
My dog likes to lick my face when they notice that I am crying.
It feels comforting because it distracts me. It takes away my focus on why I am crying.
On top of that, I feel that someone understands me without saying anything.
#12: Your dog is lonely
Is your doggo alone the whole day?
Did you recently transfer to a new home?
Did a family member leave?
If your dog starts to get clingy and lies on your stomach after a significant change in your life, they might be lonely.
Help your dog cope with these changes. Allow them to spend time with you.
There are also a lot of activities you can do to cheer them up.
Why don’t you try these tips?
Bring back your routing. If the life change caused an irregular schedule, have a pattern again.
Feeding time should be at the same hours as much as possible.
Make your playtime or exercise schedule consistent. Dogs thrive on schedule because they will know what to expect.
Exercise is a mood booster. Taking your canine walking or playing with them can cheer them up.
If you live in a new location, slowly introduce them to the area. Let them meet other dogs in the neighborhood.
Your dog will soon cope with the new life you have together.
#13: Your dog is clingy
Some dogs are naturally clingy compared to others. It is just their way of saying how much they love you.
At times, they will rub your stomach or nozzle your feet.
Your clingy dog probably likes to follow you around.
Sleeping on your tummy is just another way for them to express their affection.
If your dog likes to be with you, it just means you are doing great as a fur parent.
Dogs know when you genuinely love them, and they will give back that love with utmost loyalty.
Return the favor by petting and praising them.