What Should Dogs Do Before Lying Down To Sleep?
Imagine your dog coming home after a long and tiring day and having a long, restful nap.
And, if we have some spare time to relax or sleep, we sit down on our beds or lie on our couches and pretend we’re sleeping in a dreamland.
But dogs, like humans, have something more to do than that.
On the other hand, dogs might not be able to curl up in their beds and relax while resting simply.
As a result, you may have noticed that your dog may do some short routines before finally sleeping.
If you have a dog, you may have seen him do a show or dance before settling into his bed.
But their pheromone glands are in their bottom paws and secrete smells that their owners can smell.
So if you think your dog is acting abnormally, don’t worry because it was passed down to them from their ancestors.
Here are some things dogs should do before bed and sleep — and why!
Circulating their Bed.
Some dogs are intelligent; they sniff a smell before they collapse into their beds and sleep.
Dog behaviorists believe that their wolves inherited this behavior from their ancestors.
During the days of the Wolf pack, wolves would do the same thing to help them feel safer and to help them detect potential dangers before they fell asleep.
It is believed that wolves sleep by sniffing the air for threatening scents leased by the wind during the day.
Therefore, circling the area where they slept helped them keep track of the direction the wind was blowing at the time and better position themselves for a good night’s rest.
Dogs would also rub down a few leaves or snow to create a level surface for them to rest on.
She was scratching the ground before sleeping. A dog may also be able to smell things by rubbing the dirt on its bottom when they sleep.
Scratching the ground before your dog finally goes to bed is another thing you might have seen your dog doing.
It may seem like a bad habit to wreak havoc on your hardwood floors — but it’s one of the many behavioral traits that dogs have inherited from their non-domesticated ancestors.
Dogs, like wolves, have glands in their paws that secrete pheromones that make them smell great.
Scratching the ground is a way that dogs signal to other dogs and other animals that this is their territory or a place where they like to spend their time.
Scratching the ground when dogs are sleeping in the cold is a way for them to stay warm because it’s hard to retain body heat when you sleep in the cold.
Digging
Dog breeds try to dig in their beds or dig a hole in the ground to find a comfortable place to sleep.
You might also see them do this during a hot day out in the yard.
Dogs will pant to cool off when they are boiling and sweat profusely when they do that.
As a result, they have a more challenging time cooling down than humans.
That’s where digging a hole in the ground can help.
Final Thoughts, What Should Dogs Do Before Lying Down To Sleep?
In conclusion, after reading this article, dog owners should be sure their furry friends know the proper way to relax and get a good night’s sleep.
Dogs should always be allowed to relieve themselves before lying down and should not be encouraged to sleep in the same bed as their owners.
These simple tips can help your dog get the rest they need and stay healthy and happy.
FAQs
Why do dogs circle and scratch before they lay down?
There are a few different theories about why dogs circle and scratch before they lay down.
One idea is that they are preparing the area for a comfortable sleep by flattening the grass or leaves.
Another theory is that they eliminate pests or parasites on the ground.
And yet another idea is that they are marking their territory with their scent.
Why do dogs spin before they lay down?
There are a few theories about why dogs spin before lying down.
One idea is that they are spreading their scent around to mark their territory.
Another approach is getting rid of loose dirt or debris on their coat before lying down.
And yet another theory is that they are trying to create a comfortable bed of air for themselves to sleep in.
Why do animals turn before lying down?
There are a few reasons why animals might turn before lying down.
One possibility is that they are trying to get comfortable.
Turning onto their side or back can spread out their body and relax more easily.
Another option is that they are trying to protect themselves.
Lying down flat can make an animal vulnerable to attack from predators, so turning can help them stay hidden.
Finally, it’s also possible that animals turn before lying down because it helps them stay warm.
Further Reading
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/why-dogs-turn-around-before-lying-down
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/201601/why-do-dogs-turn-in-circles-lying-down
