Common Reasons Dogs Sleep Under Beds and What to Do

We’ve all been there before: You’ve spent hundreds of dollars on bougie dog beds and blankets, setting up the perfect place for your pup to settle down at night. You’ve followed all of the advice and chosen a spot for them that seems comfortable, warm, and safe. 

Despite that, you still find them snoozing in places they’re not supposed to. Maybe it’s in your bed, burrowed under the covers. Maybe they love that armchair in the corner you’ve been trying to keep free of dog hair. Or maybe, when you’re running around trying to look for your dog, you find them snuggled under your bed.

Dogs are very talented at finding cozy places to sleep and relax, and for many of our pooches, the coziest place of all seems to be under our human-sized beds. But why? What is it about sleeping under the bed that so many dogs seem to love? And should we ever worry about this?

• Sleeping under your bed makes dogs feel safe and protected.

• If you’re concerned, make sure that the space under your bed is obstacle-free.

• Your dog may sleep under your bed because of past trauma or anxiety.

Is it OK for dogs to sleep under the bed?

The space under your bed is cozy, dark, and comfortable. In short, if your dog sleeps under the bed and seems happy and healthy, there’s no reason to worry. However, if you have any reason to be concerned — or they seem anxious — you should reach out to your vet.

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Common reasons why dogs sleep under beds

Seeking comfort and security

One of the main reasons why your dog may sleep under your bed is that they’re simply looking to feel safe. Dogs look for spaces that feel safe, and the area under your bed can feel den-like and tap into their primal needs to feel protected.

Preference for a quiet and dark place

All dogs are different — some deliberately seek out open, sunny spaces in their home to stretch out and relax. Others find quiet, dark spaces more relaxing, and the space underneath your bed is perfect in that regard.

Temperature regulation

If your home gets a little too hot for your dog, they might seek out a way to cool down and regulate their temperature. The space under your bed is cool and dark, and an overheating pooch might seek that out in an effort to cool down.

Physical discomfort

If the space under your bed makes your dog feel comforted and safe, they may seek it out when they are in physical pain. Keep an eye on their other symptoms, and if they seem to be showing any signs of pain, take them to the vet.

Past trauma or anxiety

If your dog is a rescue, they may seek out the space under your bed in an attempt to soothe past trauma or anxiety. Some rescues may struggle with open spaces because they can’t anticipate whether or not anyone is coming up to them. A dark, enclosed space may make them feel safer.

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Sleeping under the bed vs. hiding under the bed

It should be fairly easy to tell the difference between your dog sleeping under the bed and hiding under there. If there are any triggers — loud noises, fireworks, other animals — and your dog shoots off under the bed, they may be hiding there. If they seem alert and anxious, they could be hiding rather than sleeping.

When to be concerned

If your dog sleeps under your bed and isn’t shaking or showing any other signs of distress, then you don’t have to worry. If they do seem upset, in pain, or not actually relaxed, then you should consider contacting your vet. 

How to stop your dog from sleeping under the bed

If you don’t want your dog to sleep under your bed, there are some ways you can stop this behavior. Offer your pup a few comfortable alternatives. Then, you can try to block off the space under your bed. 

Bottom line

• Dogs sleep under the bed for the same reason they sleep anywhere else: because it’s comfortable. 

• It makes them feel secure and taps into their need for a dark, den-like space. 

• In some cases, they may seek out the space under your bed because they’re anxious or traumatized. 

• In other adorable cases, they may want to sleep under your bed simply because it’s closer to you. 

FAQs 

Is it OK to let my dog sleep under the bed?

Yes, there’s no reason not to let your dog sleep under your bed. As long as you’re happy with it and you wouldn’t rather use that space to store your Christmas decorations, it’s OK for your dog to sleep under your bed. They’ve decided that it’s safe, comfortable, and close to their favorite person.

Is it safe for a dog to sleep under a bed?

As long as no hazards or other dangers are lurking underneath your bed, it should be safe for your dog to sleep there. Make sure it’s clear and that your bed isn’t broken. Otherwise, the space under your bed should give your dog more than enough room to move around and get out if needed. 

How do dogs decide where to sleep at night?

Dogs decide where to sleep at night for simple reasons. They choose a place that seems comfortable and safe, and for many dogs, that’s right underneath the bed where you’re sleeping. It may change from night to night, but this will always be based on what seems cozy to them.

Why does my dog like to sleep with his head under the bed?

Your dog may like to sleep with their head under the bed for any number of reasons. They may be trying to cool down. They may be trying to get comfortable. Or they may want to feel enclosed, but not entirely. Dogs do silly things because they feel like it, and this might just be one of those things.