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Have you awoken in the morning to the jarring sight of your dog’s butt just inches away from your face? While this may seem like a disgusting occurrence, this behavior is pretty natural.
So, why is your canine companion putting their bum in your face when they sleep? Here’s everything you need to know!
Why Is My Dog Sleeping With Their Butt in My Face?
The number-one reason dogs face their bums toward their owners when they’re sleeping is that they love and trust you. This sleeping position also makes your pup feel safe because they know that you’ve got their back (literally). Moreover, some dogs will do this because they are trying to mark you with their scent.
Here are five reasons your dog is facing their bum toward you when they sleep.
The 5 Reasons That Dogs Sleep With Their Bums Facing You
1. Trust
Your pet will display their trust in you in many ways. One of these ways is to lie with their butt facing you as they sleep. In the wild, feral dogs that lie on their backs open themselves up to potential attacks. If your dog is exposing their vulnerable side when sleeping, they definitely trust you! However, they’ll always keep their butt toward your face because they know you’ll protect them from possible threats.
2. Protection
Your pup might be protecting you if they sleep with their bottom toward you. It’s their way of paying you back for all the love and affection that you lavish on them.
By lying with their butt facing you, your pup can keep watch over the room.
3. Ventral Contact
Dogs aren’t huge fans of ventral contact (face-to-face or chest-to-chest). As such, your pet will curl up with their tush toward you. It’s just a more calming, comforting position for them.
4. Avoiding Eye Contact
If your dog is timid, they may sleep with their bum toward you simply to avoid eye contact. This isn’t always a negative behavior. Your pet still needs time to warm up to you. This is especially true if you rescued an abused or neglected dog from a shelter. Give your pet the space they need.
5. Comfort
A simpler explanation for your dog sleeping with their butt facing you is that this position is comfortable for them. They may lie on their side, tummy, or back with their bum facing you just because that’s the most comfortable position for them to be in.
Signs to Watch Out For
The reason for your dog facing their bum toward you as they sleep is not always positive. If you notice a foul odor coming from their anus or your pet biting at their rump, something may be up. Take your dog to the vet if:
- They have a flea infestation. Fleas will typically gather on your dog’s rump and near their tail. Signs of a flea infestation include excessive licking or biting, red and inflamed skin, hot/bald spots, pale gums, and dark specks on the fur.
- They have a tapeworm. These intestinal parasites can grow to be 8 inches long. Signs include a bloated stomach, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Final Thoughts
Your pup will face their bum toward you when they sleep for a variety of reasons. For example, they feel comfy, trust you, or are protecting you. However, if your dog is excessively licking their rump or appears to be ill, take them to a vet right away.
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Featured Image Credit: LarsZ, Shutterstock
