Why Does My Dog Lay On Top Of Me?

Have you ever wondered why your dog always lay on top of you most of the time?

Really, they are all wonderful reasons that show your dog feels a loving bond with you.

Let’s discuss these reasons deeper.

Let’s jump right in…

1. Comfort and Warmth

Your dog might enjoy the comfort of your body to lay on or the warmth that comes from your body heat.

Small dogs will especially be seeking you out to warm up, particularly during the wintertime. Just like a puppy will snuggle up to it’s mother for warmth, your dog might do the same.

It goes both ways.

While your dog might sometimes choose inconvenient times to take a nap right on top of you, it can be nice if you are relaxing watching tv as they can also keep you warm.

The tendency that many dogs have to cuddle when they sleep is a holdover from when they were puppies. Again, this has to do with temperature, since puppies have difficulty regulating their body heat.

–Stanley Coren, PhD., DSc., FRSC, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia.

2. Instinct to Protect

Dogs will instinctually protect their owner or master by keeping in close proximity.

When they can’t keep a close eye on you since they are sleeping what better way to be connected to you than to be on top of your whole body?

When your dog sleeps on top of you it is being protective and guarding you even though you are probably in no danger at all.

3. Showing Love and Affection

Dogs are very loving, loyal and affectionate. This is one common reason your pet pooch will love to take a snooze on top of you.

If its not possible they might take the second option of curling up at your feet.

4. Needing Emotional Support

Dogs need emotional support just like humans. Sometimes they will lay on you to feel safe, secure and loved.

Dogs are very social creatures and like to be around people.  They might be feeling unwell, be injured, tired, anxious or feeling insecure if you are in a new environment.

5. Habit

Finally habit can be a reason your furry friend is trying to sleep on top of you.

Especially if they did that as a puppy, they might tend to continue the habit into adulthood.

You surely created a nice bed for your dog in its own personal area, but don’t be surprised it Mr Happy Paws prefers to sleep with you.

Try to move your dog and you might get some sad puppy dog eyes pleading with you to let it stay.

It might take some training to break the habit if you allowed your pet to sleep on you a lot when it was in the puppy years.

Safety Note

If you have children, especially young ones or a baby, it is wise to make sure you are always around if they sleep together.

We have all seen that cute Instagram post of a snoozing toddler and pooch.

But you need to make sure the dog doesn’t block your child’s airways or they could have difficulty breathing or suffocate.

Also, although the risk of dogs spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low,

A small number of pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, have been reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19.

Treat pets as you would other human family members – do not let pets interact with people outside the household.

cdc.gov

So now you don’t have to wonder any more…

Why Does My Dog Lay On Top Of Me? – question answered.

Obviously,

If you have a toy dog like a Boston Terrier or a Chihuahua it will be a comfortable and enjoyable way to bond with your dog.

If you have a Great Dane or German Shepherd you might be a bit squashed under its heavy weight as you try to relax on the sofa.

Just remember all the lovely reasons your dog is laying on top of you, because all of them are really sweet and adorable ways for them to show how much they love and care about you or need you.