Dogs sleep just about anywhere. One common question people often ask themselves is: “Why is my dog suddenly sleeping on the floor?” When it comes to dog’s sleeping behaviors, they can have some pretty strange habits. They may sleep through the night without waking up or acting restless. Or, they may constantly be tossing and turning, just trying to find a spot to get comfortable. They may often dream, as indicated by subtle movements in their legs. They may prefer being by themselves as they sleep.
They may want to be surrounded by you at all times. Your dog’s sleeping behaviors are unique to them. As you seek to care for your dog, you must identify their everyday habits and discover how you can best meet their needs to sleep well every night. One behavior that may be worth further consideration is when your dog moves from its bed to sleeping on the floor.
While you may be surprised that your dog would prefer to sleep on a hard, probably uncomfortable floor rather than the expensive dog bed you purchased for them, your dog probably has a reason for the change. As you seek to provide the best care for your dog, here we share some reasons why your dog may have moved from the bed to the floor. We’ll also share some potential dangers of your dog sleeping on the floor for an extended period, as well as what you can do to help them sleep better throughout their life.
Reasons Why Your Dog Is Suddenly Sleeping on the Floor
When it comes to finding a comfortable position to sleep in, your dog may decide to switch it up. While they’ve been used to sleeping on a cozy bed that’s soft and comfortable, they may all of a sudden determine the floor is better suited for them. The reasons for why this change occurs are varied and are essential to keep in mind as you care for your four-legged friend.
1. The Bed is Too Hot
A fluffy, flannel, soft bed is perfect for cold temperatures. It can provide that extra amount of warmth they need throughout the night. But if it’s already reasonably warm in their sleeping environment, that bed may bring on too much heat for them. By moving to the floor, they’ll try to cool themselves down. Unlike a soft, cushioned bed, a hard floor allows your dog to release their heat more effectively so that they can cool down.
This may also come alongside symptoms like panting or drinking excessive amounts of water. They may choose to sleep on the floor, whether at bedtime or need a nap after exercising outside. The cold floor is much more comfortable to cool down rather than a cozy bed. They may move from their bed to the floor during the night as they become too warm as they sleep. They’ll move to the bottom to cool themselves down.
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2. The Bed is Not the Right Kind
Dog beds come in a variety of sizes, shapes, levels of softness, and texture. If your dog is sleeping on a mattress that is too small for them, they may think the floor is a better option. If the bed has defined ridges on it that extend past, it may be an uncomfortable environment to sleep in. Besides being the wrong size, the bed may also not have the right feel and texture that your dog prefers. Maybe they like a fluffier, bouncer bed.
They want a more firm bed that conforms to their body. In either case, they may think that the floor better meets their needs than a bed that’s not their preference. If your dog is older, it may become difficult for them to climb in and out of their bed, particularly if their mattress is elevated. Jumping into bed can be a challenging and painful task regularly for them, especially if they have been suffering from joint problems or arthritis. They may think that the floor is the easier option.
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3. The Bed is Worn Out
Another reason your dog may opt not to sleep on its bed is that it’s just downright uncomfortable. Dog beds come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and comfort levels. If a bed is too worn out, a dog may not want to tolerate the discomfort. The cotton filling may be flattened. There may be something poking out of the bed that causes pain and discomfort for your dog. Especially if your dog is older, they may have a more difficult time getting up and out of bed if it is very flat.
You can quickly determine if this is the case by feeling the bed yourself. If you feel anything poking out of it or the uncomfortable texture of the cotton filling, it may be time to get a new one. Be sure to get one that matches their needs and preferences. If the bed is dirty or smelly, it may also be time to wash it or replace it as well. Think about it, would you want to sleep on a smelly bed? Treat your dog well and ensure their bed is clean and in excellent condition. This can help them both sleep better and get them off of the floor.
4. Personal Preference
While it may sound strange, some dogs may prefer to sleep on the floor. If they’ve grown up sleeping on the floor, that’s what they’ve become accustomed to as part of their usual routine. They may not realize a difference in what sleeping on an actual dog bed feels like. They also probably don’t recognize the health problems resulting from sleeping on a hard floor night after night.
Dangers of Sleeping on the Floor
While your dog may want to sleep on the floor instead of their bed, it may not be such a great idea for them in the long run. Especially for larger dogs, sleeping on a hard floor can result in structural issues that can develop later in life. While a quick nap on the floor may not be such a big deal, consistently spending each evening on the floor can lead to long-term adverse effects. As a dog lies on the floor, its shoulders and hips aren’t cushioned against the brutal impact of the floor.
This can result in some negative results like aggravating existing joint pain and creating misalignment of the hips. Conditions like hip dysplasia can cause a lot of pain for dogs. Although dogs may think that they can sleep whenever and wherever they want, the location where they rest their head makes a big difference in their overall health. To prevent severe joint and other structural issues in the long run, ensure that your dog’s body is supported as they rest for the night.
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Conclusion For “Why Is My Dog Sleeping On The Floor”
As you care for your dog’s overall health, it’s essential to factor in their general sleep habits as well. Getting consistently good sleep can help keep them energized, prevent stress and anxiety, and help them live their best life. Especially if your dog has resulted to sleeping on the floor, here are some practical ways you can continue to support your dog’s health and wellness. If your dog enjoys being in a particular room or area of the house, put their bed there. They’ll find joy in being in their favorite spot and be more inclined to sleep in their bed if they are in a space they like. By choosing an area where they’re already comfortable, they’ll be more at ease and more willing to have a good night’s rest in their bed.
If your companion is struggling to enjoy their bed, try out different options. Consider getting a bed that is firmer or softer than the one they are avoiding. If the bed is uncomfortable for your dog, try putting in some extra blankets or cushions to make it easier to get in and out of. Especially if your dog suffers from joint issues, finding the right balance of cushion and support can make it easier for your dog to sleep. If they are avoiding their bed out of a need to stay cool, be sure to provide them access to a cool breeze. Put a fan in front of them or turn the air conditioner on if possible. Keeping them cool will prevent them from needing to move to the floor to release their body heat.
When your dog wants to climb up on your bed with you, it can be tempting to let them sleep with you. Don’t let this happen. Give them their own space where they are free to move around and change positions as needed. It will be much more comfortable for both you and your dog if they can have their own space and not resort to either your bed or the sofa. This place can serve as their quiet space when they need to be by themselves or are just in need of some serious rest.
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To learn more about this subject, watch “Reasons Why Your Dog Sleeps on the Floor Instead of Her Bed” from Dogvills down below:
Andy is a full-time animal rescuer and owner of a toy doodle. When he’s not saving dogs, Andy is one of our core writers and editors. He has been writing about dogs for over a decade. Andy joined our team because he believes that words are powerful tools that can change a dog’s life for the better.
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