Vizslas are a breed of dog with many unique characteristics, one of which is how they sleep. So why do Vizslas Sleep on their back?
There are many reasons why do Vizslas sleep on their back. Such as for comfort, instinctive behavior, submission, and attention. Further, they might also sleep on their back to prevent touch, in pain, and due to fear.
Is it ok if they just lay on their bellies as most dogs do? Why don’t they curl up into a ball like other breeds often do? Does this make them unique and different from other breeds of dogs?
In this article, we’re going to answer these questions for you!
Why Do Vizslas Sleep On Their Back?
Vizsla is a hunting dog, which means people breed for long hours of activity and need to sleep often. However, they don’t enjoy sleeping on their stomach because it feels uncomfortable for them. So when the canine lays down on its back, they stretch out all the limbs and relax.
Moreover, the causes why Vizslas sleep on their back are:
Vizslas Sleep In Their Back For Cooling Themselves
When it is hot, vizslas sleep on their back so that they can cool themselves down. When the temperature rises, dogs will find a shady spot and lie there while panting to keep as cool as possible.
Sleep in your back makes your Vizsla cooler because it is exposing less of its body surface area. The armpits and belly are the hottest parts of Vizsla’s body. So, Vizslas sleep on their back to reveal these parts to the air. Thus, this will help Your Vizsla to remain calm.
Vizslas Sleep In Their Back For Comfort
Vizslas are a medium-sized hunting dog breed. Generally, they sleep in their back because this position also helps them feel more comfortable while resting or dozing off during the day.
Vizsla’s furless belly provides an ideal and comfortable surface for them to lie on their back.
Vizslas Sleep In Their Back Due To Instinctive Behavior
People breed Vizsla as hunting dogs, and their instinct to sleep on their back is a holdover from when they slept in trees. Sleeping with one eye open was not only for safety but also for comfort. More commonly, vizslas will rest on their back for the same reasons they would sleep in trees. Vizslas are natural pack animals and like to feel safe; sleeping this way provides some of that comfort.
Vizslas Sleep In Their Back In Submission
Vizslas sleep on their back in submission because they view the person lying next to them as an authority figure. Vizsla sleeping on their backs is not harming them, and it does not mean that any severe medical conditions are going on with your dog. However, some people find this uncomfortable. But if you want to make your Vizsla more comfortable, you can let them sleep on their side or belly.
Vizslas Sleep In Their Back For Attention
Some people believe that Vizslas want attention, which is a position where they can watch their surroundings while being pet.
Many also speculate that some dogs enjoy this position because it allows them to look out with their noses. So, they can see what’s happening around their area. It also gives the dog more control over how much attention it wants from you, although you pet them in their back.
Vizslas Sleep In Their Back Due To Prevent Touch
Dogs typically sleep in their back for safety reasons. When you own a dog, it is your responsibility to provide them with a safe environment to rest and have peace of mind. Vizslas are no different when it comes to this issue; they want to feel as if they’re not at risk at night time while they’re sleeping. Further, preventing touch is a big part of it, but the main reason why they choose to sleep in this position is that it makes them feel more secure.
Vizslas Sleep In Their Back Due To Pain
Some Vizsla often sleeps in its back due to pain. This pose is a way to avoid any pain in the back, neck, and joints. So, if your Vizsla is sleeping on its back and starts to growl or show signs of pain, you should take them immediately to the Vet.
Vizslas Sleep In Their Back Due To Fear
Vizslas love to curl up into a ball for sleeping. They are very fearful dogs, and they feel more comfortable curled up in their back, with their head down. They often sleep this way when they feel scared or stressed out as well.
What Does Vizsla Sleeping On Their Back Mean?
The Vizsla is a sighthound, meaning that they rely on their eyesight to hunt. Therefore, when a Vizsla sleeps, it is awkward because it ensures the prey’s visibility and any potential threats. Resting on its back can also help cool them down if they are too hot from running or other activities.
Usually, sleeping on its back means different things in different circumstances like:
- If your Vizsla is sleeping in the back position and rolls over, it could be that they are trying to get your attention.
- When Your Vizsla is sleeping in its back and darker areas, it is typically to keep themselves hidden.
- If your Vizsla sleeps on its back in the light, this could mean that they feel scared and want to look at any potential threats before attacking them.
- When your dog sleeps on its back with its paws in the air and front legs stretched out, then they might be too hot and are seeking some relief from their heat by exposing as much of themselves to more excellent surfaces.
- If a Vizsla is sleeping on their back while you’re petting them, it may indicate submission or fearfulness.
- When the dog sleeps in this position and is sensitive to touch, it could be because they feel safe and secure.
Is Vizsla Sleeping On Their Back Indicating Something Serious?
When Vizsla sleeps on their back, they are usually trying to protect themselves in some way. For example, they may be very submissive or fear something will happen and want protection from it. Sometimes they will sleep on their back because they feel overwhelmed and excited.
It does not necessarily mean your dog has a severe ailment when resting in this position. But if your Vizsla shows the following signs along with sleeping in the back, then it might be a fatal issue. Moreover, the symptoms can be:
- Vizsla is sleeping on their back for extended periods.
- It appears to be in distress or uncomfortable when still awake.
- Your Vizsla is not moving or responding to any stimulus.
- Vizsla has difficulty getting up and appears unsteady on their feet when awake.
- Vizsla is sleeping for more than 24 hours at a time.
- It cannot get up or walk.
- Vizsla becomes lethargic, loses appetite, and twitches when awake.
If you notice any signs of distress, please bring your pup to the veterinarian as soon as possible. If it’s a serious issue, they will need medical attention right away.
Is It Comfortable For Vizsla To Sleep On Their Back?
It is more comfortable for a vizsla to sleep on their back because they are not constantly shifting around and waking up in discomfort. When you allow your canine companion to rest, they will be able to catch up on that much-needed sleep that is essential for their health and well-being.
Vizslas sleep on their back to feel secure and comfortable. It is one of the many positions they can sleep in, and it’s also a sign that your dog feels safe with you. Knowing this about Vizslas will help make sure they’re getting enough rest while sleeping.
Unless your dog is sleeping on its back and doesn’t show any other signs of pain, discomfort, or anxiety, you don’t need to worry at all.
What Can I Do To Make Vizsla Sleep Comfortably?
If you want to make your dog more comfortable while sleeping, it’s best to provide them with a soft surface. However, it’s essential to make sure that the texture is not too smooth. Further, some other ways to help your Vizsla sleep comfortably are:
- Provide an elevated bed or pad to sleep. It will help keep pressure off Vizslas’ joints to prevent muscle and nerve injuries caused due to prolonged periods of lying down.
- Let your Vizsla have a few minutes in the sun before they go inside. It helps them cool themselves down after being outside for long periods without shade.
- Give your Vizsla a safe space to retreat or hide if they want to be alone. It is essential for dogs that survived abuse in the past.
- Provide an area with soft blankets that are not too close to any heat sources.
- If your Vizsla suffers from arthritis, make sure that their joints move well and have regular exercise to keep them feeling healthy.
- Keep the room cool at night with a fan or air conditioner running, so it is not too warm for your dog when sleeping in the house.
- Check on your Vizsla regularly when they’re sleeping to make sure they are comfortable, especially if your dog is pregnant or has a sensitive stomach.
- Be aware of any changes in their behavior like excessive panting, shaking uncontrollably, sudden lethargy, and unusual aggression.
- Encourage your Vizsla to sleep in different positions, such as with their back or side against a wall. It also prevents contact with the floor, which can lead to fleas.
- Provide an outdoor area where to protect from predators to get some well-deserved rest without fear.
- Try and make their sleeping space as quiet and dark as possible to help them relax.
The Positions Your Vizsla Can Sleep And Their Meaning
According to their individual preference, every dog has a comfortable position to sleep. Besides this, the sleeping position might also change depending on weather, health condition, environment, etc.
Usually, the most common sleeping positions of Vizsla and their meanings are as follows:
Sleeping On Their Backs
It means that the dog is feeling safe and having a sense of security. But, on the other hand, Vizslas are also trying to prove themselves as submissive or timid in front of their human masters, other pets in the house, or strangers they meet outside.
Lying on One Side
It shows laziness and a sense of feeling relaxed. However, it can also indicate that the dog is feeling unwell or uncomfortable in its environment.
Lying on Their Stomach
Usually, this position indicates aggression, fearfulness, hunger, obesity, or just boredom with their surroundings. However, sometimes it could mean they want to get some attention from you to get some food or playtime.
Standing Up
It means that the dog is vigilant, on alert, and ready to fight for their life if they have to. They might be trying to find a way to go out or escape from any possible dangers lurking around them.
Sleeping With Their Heads Tucked Underneath Them
Typically, this sleeping position is common in puppies and dogs that are timid. They might also be feeling cold, as if they want to bury their head to protect themselves from the environment around them (e.g., heat, harsh winds).
Sleeping With Their Tails Wagging
It shows happiness and enjoyment of being with other people or pets.
Sleeping With Their Tongues Out
It means that the dog is thirsty and wants to drink water or feel hot in an environment where it’s too warm for them (e.g., indoors).
Sleeping On Top of One Another
Dogs indicated a sense of being very happy or trying to dominate one another sleeping in this position. It can also tell their sibling’s love for each other or a sign that the dog feels anxious and needs attention from you.
Sleeping With Their Eyes Open
Sleeping with their eyes is a sleeping position that shows alertness, vigilance, and fearfulness as if they know something wrong might happen soon around them.
Conclusion
Moreover, if you have always wondered how Vizslas sleep and what this might mean, look no further. In addition, other benefits of sleeping on their back, such as less snoring and fewer wrinkles, protection from predators that may be lurking under or near them in a prone position.
Thus, the best way to make your furry friend more comfortable is by providing soft bedding (or even better- an orthopedic dog bed) for it to rest its head-on.
