Ask DQ

YOUR DOG QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Why does my dog curl up in a ball to sleep? Surely he’d be more comfortable if he spread out?

Some dogs prefer to sleep curled up, and whilst we may anticipate that they would be more comfortable if they stretched out, it seems that this curled-up sleeping posture is inherited from their ancestors.

Dogs in the wild will dig a nest to sleep in and curl up in it – especially if it is chilly. This will help keep them warm and also keep their vital organs hidden away from predators. A dog will only stretch out if he feels safe and secure or is very hot!

Because of the preferred curled-up posture, a round bed might make your dog feel even more comfortable. Alternatively, he might just like a blanket to dig in and make his own nest!

Do dogs dream?

ANSWERED BY SARAH WANLESS

Scientists have discovered that dogs do, in fact, dream. Scientific research has demonstrated comparable brain wave patterns in dogs and humans, validating the longheld assumption of owners that dogs dream. Like us, dogs go through several sleep cycles, including Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. REM sleep is the period during which we experience our most vivid dreams. For most dogs, dreaming should occur about 20 minutes after they begin to doze. You’ll notice shallow, irregular breathing followed by muscle twitching and eye movements behind closed eyelids.

Why are dogs' noses wet?

ANSWERED BY SARAH WANLESS

As dogs explore their world predominantly through their noses, their noses need to function optimally. While scientists aren't entirely sure why your dog's nose is wet, it is believed that dogs' noses secrete mucus to keep the nose and nasal canals moist. This thin layer of mucus lines the nostrils and enhances the ability of the nose to absorb the scent chemicals, thereby improving your dog's ability to smell.

While a wet nose is the norm, a dry nose isn't always a cause for concern. Temperature and moisture are not necessarily good indicators of a dog's health status; some healthy dogs naturally have drier noses than others. Having said this, if you notice that your dog's nose is suddenly dry despite usually being wet, you should monitor them closely for other signs of illness and contact your vet if you are at all concerned.