Why Does My Dog Curl Up In A Ball When He Sleeps?

09/09/2012 10:11 am ET

Written by Colleen Oakley for Vetstreet


It's a common slumber position for dogs, but why? Wouldn't it be more comfortable to stretch out while catching some shut-eye?

Well, yes, says Dr. Margaret Gruen, D.V.M., a clinician at NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Behavior Service.

But there are two valid reasons why your canine rolls up in a ball to snooze -- and they both relate to evolution.

Keeping Cozy
"When dogs sleep in the wild, especially where it's cold, they'll dig a nest and curl up into it," Gruen says. "This gives them warmth -- tucking into a ball conserves body heat. It also protects their most vulnerable organs in the abdomen from would-be predators."

So if your pooch sprawls out to nap -- instead of curling up -- he's either hot or he feels very safe in his environment.

Creating Security

For this reason, whenever you bring a new pup home, you'll want to give him enough space to acclimate to his foreign surroundings.

Another tip from Gruen: Consider getting him a blanket. "This way, he can 'dig' a nest with the bedding material before he lies down," she says, "instead of digging a place to nowhere on your carpet or couch."

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