In the house, your dog has plenty of options where to sleep.
There’s a dog bed, a couch, your bed, and the dog mat.
But…
They prefer sleeping on the floor!
“Is there something wrong?”
Read further to discover:
- 7 reasons why your dog suddenly sleeps on the floor.
- 5 tips on what to do if your dog is sleeping on the floor.
- Whether you should be worried about this or not and why.
- And much more…
Why is my dog suddenly sleeping on the floor?
Your dog’s suddenly sleeping on the floor because their bed is uncomfortable. The bed can be too small for their size which restricts them from stretching. It could also be that their bed is making them feel itchy or something is poking them.
Is sleeping on the floor bad for dogs?
Sleeping on the floor is bad for senior dogs. They’re susceptible to joint issues and may develop arthritis. Sleeping on the hard floor could further damage their health. Lying on the floor is fine for a healthy adult dog.
Why does my dog sleep on the floor next to my bed?
Your dog sleeps on the floor next to your bed because they’re being protective. Sleeping on the floor allows them to them hear vibrations so they can be alerted. They might also want to be close to you.
Why does my dog sleep on the floor instead of my bed?
Your dog sleeps on the floor instead of your bed because they have sleep preferences. For example, some dogs don’t prefer sleeping on a soft surface. Your bed might also be too small. It doesn’t provide enough space for them to stretch.
7 reasons why your dog is suddenly sleeping on the floor
#1: Uncomfortable dog bed
Have you gifted your dog a brand new bed? And thought they’re going to like it?
You might’ve even got the softest and most expensive one. But then they’re avoiding it like the plague.
The temperature has a significant effect on dogs.
Their bed might be in a warm spot which makes their body traps heat.
If the temperature is too hot for them, it could lead to dehydration and heatstroke. What’s worse is that it can be fatal.
A soft surface is not enough for a dog to sleep in. Your pooch will ditch it if they feel uncomfortable.
Here are some of the factors that prevent your dog from sleeping in their bed. (Even if it’s soft and cushy).
The bed’s hot
The bed acts as an insulator. Some dog beds are thick, and these trap more heat in a warm environment.
Cotton fleece and wool are the warmest materials of a dog bed. Your pooch would even feel hotter when you put a flannel blanket over it.
Dogs are more sensitive to warm temperatures than humans are.
Because the bed adds up to the heat, they switch to sleeping on the floor. They do this to transfer heat to a surface that’s cooler than they are.
Continue reading: Why does my dog sleep in the bathroom?
The bed’s not the right size
Have you observed their sleeping positions?
Your dog refuses to sleep in their bed because it could be too small for their size.
Their bed might be restricting them from stretching out, making them uncomfortable.
Your dog might have outgrown their bed which makes them hang off the edges. They’re not fully supported anymore!
Their instinct would tell them to sleep on the floor instead.
The bed’s worn out
Does the bed feel nice and smell fine? Is the quality still good?
If not, then the bed’s no longer giving comfort to your dog and it needs replacement.
If they used to love it and now avoid the bed, it could be a sign that they’re tired of it. It became physically painful and uncomfortable to sleep in.
Something might be poking them or the fabric became itchy. The bed might also need washing.
Note: A large dog wears down a bed quicker than a light dog might. Large dogs need more support since their joints need extra help.
You might also want to know: Why Does My Dog Sleep Or Lay In The Corner? 13 Odd Reasons
#2: Looking for vibrations
They pay attention to the vibrations from the floor.
Sleeping on the floor could be their protective measure. They’re good at picking up environmental clues, so they do this to be alerted.
Did you know that they’re able to distinguish their human’s footsteps from strange ones?
At night, it’s easy for them to alert us for intruders. And if they sleep in the room, they’d sense if someone’s coming.
It’s because their ears are more sensitive than humans. Coren says they can hear higher frequencies than us.
It’s the reason why they can sense thunderstorms before they even come. They might bark at sounds we can’t hear.
#3: Breed
Some dog breeds are trained to guard and bark at night while we’re asleep.
Most of these guard dogs are big and powerful. It’s easy for them to tackle humans of larger size.
If they had such training, it could be the reason why they don’t sleep in bed. They’re not used to it.
They’re trained to be responsive at all times to keep the house and family safe.
These dogs are often on the floor near the front door. And some are at the gate on a leash.
Such as:
- Puli.
- Akita.
- Rottweiler.
- Bullmastiff.
- Giant Schnauzer.
- German Shepherd.
- Doberman Pinscher.
- Estrela Mountain Dogs.
- Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.
Reading tip: Top 10 Reasons Why Your Dog (Suddenly) Sleeps By The Door
#4: Hot weather
There was a report from CTV News about 4 dogs in Vancouver Island that died from heatstroke. Wyatt, a vet technologist, made the report to CTV news.
She emphasized how high temperatures are dangerous to dogs. And that short-nosed dog breeds are more susceptible to heat.
In June 2021, another case of heatstroke was recently reported.
According to the Houston SPCA, two different dogs died from distress due to extreme heat. The first case was a Shiba Inu and the other was a Husky. Sadly, they were both cases of animal cruelty and negligence.
These reports prove that heatstroke doesn’t only happen when dogs are left in hot cars. It can happen anywhere. It can be outside or in the house.
But it’s not just the heat that kills them. It also depends on how these dogs are treated.
Canines have an average temperature of 100-102.5 °F (38-39.5 °F). It can be fatal when their temperature skyrockets due to long heat exposure.
There are signs of heatstroke that you should look out for:
- Lethargy.
- Racing heart.
- Restlessness.
- Heavy panting.
- Bright red gums.
- Excessive drooling.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Seizures and dizziness.
Some breeds are less tolerant to heat such as:
- Pugs.
- Boxers.
- Bulldogs.
- Shih Tzus.
- Pekingese.
- Boston Terriers.
- French Bulldogs.
Note: Wyatt advises not to use an ice bath to cool down dogs. It could send them into a shock. Instead, use cool towels on their armpits, bellies, and groins. You can also place your dog’s feet in room temperature water.
#5: Old age
Aging can be a struggle for canines. It’s not only their joints that will deteriorate. Their eyesight can also be impaired.
According to Radosta of Florida Vet Behavior Service, dogs that develop blindness might bump into walls or furniture.
In addition, they may stumble when you add something new to the environment.
It’s also a challenge for them to locate their bed or food.
These are the common indications that your dog’s going blind.
- Cloudy eyes.
- Avoiding the stairs.
- Bumping into objects.
- White spots on the eyes.
- Less interested in playing.
- Avoiding eye contact with you.
- Squinting or pawing at the face.
- No longer jumping on/off the furniture.
Caution: They can show aggression. The condition is making your dog feel vulnerable. As a result, they’re inclined to act offensively to keep themselves safe.
Seek help from a vet if you’re noticing signs of vision loss to check your dog’s overall health. They may recommend referral to a vet ophthalmologist.
#6: Pain
When they choose to sleep on the floor, that’s not because they’re rejecting your offer of a nice bed.
Senior dogs are prone to developing bone and joint issues. They’ll develop arthritis and getting in and out of the bed becomes difficult.
Moving around can be painful when your dog is ill. When their bed is far from their reach, they’ll not bother to cross a room.
Sleeping on the floor is better than going back and forth from a place to their bed.
The pressure of a hard surface also relaxes their muscles and alleviates tension. The temperature also makes the floor comfortable to lay on.
Note: Sleeping on the floor can cause calloused ankles and elbows.
You might also like: Why Is My Dog So Calm (All Of A Sudden)? 11 Weird Reasons
#7: Preference
You thought you’ve done everything you could to lead your dog to bed. But they seem to like the floor over a soft surface.
Simple…
The thing is, they’re in control of their comfort level. They prefer a cold hard surface more than a soft bed. Sometimes, it’s the other way around for other dogs.
If your dog lays on the floor more often, that’s because they get the best sleep on the floor.
I’ve been to many houses with dogs. For visits and overnights.
Guess what? Soft surfaces are accessible but most of them like lying on the floor. They’d only switch to different spots from time to time.
It might be that they like the soothing effect of the cold floor more than the warmth of soft surfaces.
5 tips on what to do if your dog is sleeping on the floor
#1: Proper ventilation
The temperature has a significant effect on dogs.
Their bed might be in a warm spot which makes their body traps heat.
If the temperature is too hot for them, it could lead to dehydration and heatstroke. What’s worse is that it can be fatal.
During hot months, place the bed in a room that’s ventilated. You can leave your AC on for your dog. It will help to cool them down.
If your room is where your dog sleeps, the better. Both of you will feel comfortable.
Remember: Make sure to use the right settings. It shouldn’t drop below 45 °F (7 °C). It’d be too cold for your dog and they’d be uncomfortable.
A fan might also work to make your pooch feel better. It does for others. But if the weather is dangerously hot (90-100 °F/32-38 °C), it won’t be enough.
According to Dr. Klein, it’s not going to cool dogs in the same way it would a human. Especially if it’s too hot.
#2: Get a new bed
Does your pooch use to like their bed?
If they don’t anymore, the issue is the bed itself.
Check its condition. If it doesn’t look comfortable to sleep in, consider replacing it. There might be something in the bed that’s driving your pooch to sleep on the floor.
The padding might already be flattened, or the texture is making your dog feel itchy.
Another thing is that they’ve outgrown their bed. They don’t have enough space to stretch because it became too small for them.
Dogs are less likely to tolerate the discomfort caused by their bed.
#3: Bribe and reward
Bribe them with toys
Fun fact: Dogs can get attached to a toy. Especially females that are experiencing a false pregnancy.
They mother something that’s like a surrogate for a puppy.
Or some dogs will just have a favorite toy!
If there’s one toy your pooch loves playing with, place it into their bed. You can also add other toys that you know they’ll like.
When they try to carry them around, put the toy back into the bed. Make them know that they can only have it when they settle.
Then use a command that will encourage them to sleep on the bed.
Reward them with treats
Once your pooch does, give praises and treats.
Practice and repeat so that they’ll remember when to sleep and use the bed. Over time, they’ll do it alone.
#4: Leave a cloth that has your scent into the bed
Was there a time when your dog picked dirty clothes from your laundry to sleep on?
If yes, you’re not the only one who’s seen this behavior.
When they pick your scent, they’ll find happiness being close to objects that smell like you.
Clothes attract dogs the most because they carry the heaviest scents.
Place a cloth that has your scent into their bed. It’ll attract and comfort them.
Don’t take away the cloth for a few days. Then, let them learn that they should sleep in their bed.
Check out this article: Why does my dog take my clothes when I leave?
#5: Let them be
Do I even have to explain this?
If your dog’s healthy and seems to be enjoying the cold floor, let them be.
They’re fine on the floor and getting a good night’s sleep on it.
BONUS: Get an orthopedic bed for your senior dog
If you have a senior dog with joint issues, sleeping on the floor can further affect their health.
In this case, get them an orthopedic bed. This will soothe aching joints and alleviate mobility issues.