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Why Does My Dog Sleep On My Head [4 Reasons + Solutions]

Animals that love you often try to sleep near you.

It’s super sweet, and we all love that.

But gestures like that can have different meanings sometimes.

That’s why knowing the reasons can help you understand your dogs better. 

Why does my dog sleep on my head? 

Dogs sleeping next to your head can have several meanings. The dog may like your pillow too much and wants it. Some dogs do it to be with their owner during their sleep. Lack of attention can also be a strong reason. Finally, this behavior is quite common among dogs with separation anxiety. 

Anyhow, that is just a short version of the discussion.

Keep reading to know more about dogs sleeping on your head. 

Let’s not waste any more time and head right in!

4 Reasons Why Your Dog Likes To Sleep On Your Head

Your dog sleeping on your head mostly means it wants to be with you. But there can be different meanings behind this gesture.

And you’re not the only one confused by this. Some people often wonder why dogs like to stretch regularly.

At first, the gesture may seem wholesome and just a little silly. But that’s not always the case when it comes to dogs.

That’s why I’ve listed some of the probable reasons down below. Go through them, and you’ll know why your dog is doing that. 

Reason 1: Your Dog Likes Your Pillow

Pillows and blankets are the two most things that animals like. They are cozy and comfortable, and we all love them. 

While cats love blankets more, dogs prefer pillows. That’s why you have to consider that your dog likes your pillow! 

Solution: Give Your Pillow To Your Dog

There can be two different situations. Your dog may not have a pillow for itself. That can be a reason behind your dog trying to get your pillow.

Give your dog a pillow and notice what he does next. He’ll probably stop sleeping next to you after this. If that’s what happens, your problem is already solved! 

Dogs love comfy things. That’s why it’s natural for them to get attached to a particular pillow. The other reason is that the dog prefers your pillow over his. 

That’s why you’ll need to consider this a possibility. 

For instance, dogs like to hide under the bed because it makes them comfortable. 

To check this, give your pillow to your dog and notice his reaction. Your dog will let you know if this is the reason. 

There’s another solution if you don’t want to give up your pillow. And that is giving your dog some new pillows! Just make sure they’re comfy to sit on! They’re easily found on Amazon, and there are a lot of options.

That’s why I’ve taken the liberty and suggested some pillows. Here are some of my favorite ones:

Product 1
Product 2

These should help you choose one quickly. You can now give it to your dog and check if he likes it! 

Reason 2: Your Dog Wants To Be With You

This is the 3rd possibility that we mentioned earlier. This is seen among many loving dogs. They’re known for passion and loyalty, after all. 

Dogs portray different kinds of acts through many gestures. For example, your dog standing over you means asserting dominance. 

On the other hand, sleeping on you means an act of love. Some dogs will try to sleep next to you even after giving them many pillows!

Solution: Let Your Dog Sleep with You

The solution to this problem is pretty self-explanatory. All you need to do is, let your dog sleep next to you. That’ll make them more fond of you for sure.

Reason 3: Your Dog Wants More Attention From You

I think we all know how demanding dogs can be when it comes to attention. Dogs can’t normally live without optimal attention. 

Less attention can make them sad and more likely to develop anxiety. A dog will sleep on your head often if it feels a lack of attention. 

Solution: Give Your Dog Some Attention

Spare a minute and think how much attention your dog’s been getting. This will help you realize the situation. 

The easiest way to solve this is to spend more time with your dog! Play some fetch or take it for a walk in the morning. 

Reason 4: Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety

Dogs often develop anxiety disorders, and separation anxiety is one of them. One of the most common forms of anxiety among dogs is separation anxiety. 

This mostly happens because of the owners. 

If the owners don’t make enough contact with the dog, it’ll suffer from loneliness. It will always try to be detached and self-isolate itself. 

The dogs suffering from this anxiety will often sleep next to their owners. It becomes their way of telling you to stay and not go somewhere. 

Separation anxiety will also harm your dog physically. Some common symptoms include vomiting, lack of appetite, and excessive barking. 

Solution: Contact A Veterinarian

The first thing you should do in this situation is to contact a vet. They have a higher understanding of dogs’ health. 

You can also help dogs with separation anxiety yourself. It takes time, but your dog will eventually feel better. 

FAQs

Why do dogs lay to you?

Dogs lie to you because they want to show some love and comfort. Dogs consider you one of their family. That’s why they will often lay on you to shower you with love!

Do dogs have a favorite person?

Yes! Dogs choose a favorite person that matches their personality. This varies from breed to breed. Some dog breeds will form a stronger bond with one person. They’ll like to interact with that particular person from time to time. 

Why does my dog have to be touching me when he sleeps?

If your dog is touching you while sleeping, it’s because of protective instincts. Since sleeping is considered a vulnerable state, dogs immediately become protective of you.