Last updated on February 18th, 2023
Do you have a four-legged best friend who loves to sleep under your bed? If so, you’re not alone. It’s a common behavior among canine companions and often puzzling for pet owners like yourself.
From comfort and safety to mental peace, there are numerous reasons why dogs choose the seemingly strange spot of sleeping beneath their human’s bed. In this blog post, we dive into the whys behind this odd habit and how you can keep your pup safe while they rest under your bed.
Dog Sleep Intro
Dogs are den animals and instinctually seek tight, comfortable sleep spaces that remind them of being at mother’s side. Your bed provides your pup with a secure environment surrounded by familiar scents and your family’s presence.
Understanding this behavior is important for pet owners and furry friends as it shows how deeply bonded canines are to their humans.
Scientific Reasons for Dogs Sleeping under your bed
Instinctual Denning Behavior
As mentioned above, instinctual denning behavior is an automatic habit for many dogs, and a way to feel secure and protected from potential predators.
A sense of security
Feeling safe is essential for dogs (and all living beings). They can detect their owner’s presence even when they cannot physically see them, so it makes sense that they would find refuge close to where their beloved human sleeps each night.
By sleeping under your bed, some dogs feel protected from potential predators or threats lurking outside the home.
Bonding
This is another form of bonding between you and your pup. When they see the bed as part of your space, it can give them a sense of trust and companionship.
Mental peace
Your pup may find a lot of comfort in sleeping in their oasis beneath your bed, which helps to reduce stress levels and create a peaceful atmosphere for both of you.
Scent familiarity
Dogs have an incredibly powerful sense of smell, so they are attracted to familiar scents like yours or other family members and pets in the home.
Reduction Of Separation Anxiety
Because some dogs feel safer sleeping under the bed, they will likely also be less anxious and have less separation anxiety.
Potentially Good Reasons For Letting Your Dog Sleep Under Your Bed
- A sense of security – feeling safe is essential, and your pup can detect their owner’s presence even when they cannot physically see them.
- Bonding – seeing the bed as part of your space creates trust and companionship between you and your pup.
- Mental peace – sleeping in an oasis beneath the bed helps reduce stress levels and create a peaceful atmosphere for both of you.
- Protection – sleeping under the bed offers protection from potential predators or threats lurking outside the home.
- Cooler temperatures – some parts of the house can get too hot, so underneath the bed is a great way to find cooler temperatures for resting.
- Lack of stimulation – it helps your pup shut out any potential distractions or loud noises from outside stimuli, allowing them to rest peacefully.
But some potential hazards come with letting your dog sleep under the bed, so it’s important to take certain precautions before allowing them to do this regularly.
Potential Dangers Of Your Dog Sleeping Under Your Bed
- Lack of ventilation – Underneath, beds can be a dusty environment which could cause respiratory issues for your pup if they remain in this area continuously.
- Debris – as mentioned above, the dust and other debris beneath the bed could also cause skin irritation and allergies if your pup is exposed too often.
- Entrapment – make sure you create enough space between the bed frame and the ground so your pup isn’t accidentally trapped.
- Electrical sources – ensure that all wiring is tucked away and out of reach to your dog, to avoid any harm or danger from electrical sources.
Final Verdict On Dogs Sleeping Under Your Bed
Sleeping under the bed may seem like an unusual choice for dogs, but when you consider the psychological factors, it makes perfect sense why they would find comfort in such an area. It is important to ensure this place is safe, comfortable, and free of potential hazards.
Ultimately, if the environment beneath your bed is safe and they like the location, it could be a great place for your pup to rest and find mental peace.
FAQs
How can I get my pup to sleep elsewhere?
If you want your pup to switch up sleeping locations, it may help to provide them with a comfortable sleeping area. Set up a cozy spot away from the bedroom with a comfy dog bed and some toys they can snuggle up with.
Additionally, spending quality time together throughout the day—indoors or outdoors—can provide your pup with much-needed companionship, which could help make for better rest at night.
Are there any health concerns related to dogs sleeping under your bed?
Yes—it’s important to watch for signs of respiratory problems or other health issues associated with such confined spaces. If you notice your pup exhibiting shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing after spending time under the bed, consider consulting a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Sleeping beneath your bed is a behavior that many dogs enjoy for various reasons. It can benefit certain pups for protection, familiarity, or comfort. However, it’s important to ensure that you keep your pup safe if they sleep under the mattress by ensuring no cords or other small objects are lying around and keeping their sleeping area well-ventilated.