Everypaw Pet Insurance’s resident veterinarian has shared insights on a heartwarming TikTok trend that has been capturing the attention of viewers online. The trend suggests that dogs snuggle up on their owner’s pillow because they seek comfort in their scent. Several TikTok videos showcasing this behavior have gone viral, amassing millions of views, with one video surpassing 1.3 million views and another exceeding 608k views.
These heartening clips have evoked a range of emotions among audiences, prompting many to share personal stories of their own furry companions exhibiting similar affectionate behaviors. Individuals have taken to the comments section to express sentiments like, “I caught my dog on my pillow, and now I’m on the verge of tears,” and “Now I’m tearing up and placing pillows wherever my dog likes to rest.”
Dr. Anna Foreman, the in-house veterinarian at Everypaw Pet Insurance, addressed the authenticity of this phenomenon, stating that most dogs derive comfort from their owner’s scent or pheromones. This explains why it is common practice to provide dogs with an item of their owner’s clothing or blanket for familiarity when they are hospitalized. The surge in online searches for ‘why does my dog sleep on my pillow’ by 50% in the last three months reflects the widespread interest in this endearing behavior.
Searches related to dogs and sleep patterns have witnessed a notable increase recently. Queries such as ‘dog snoring’ have risen by 14% over the past three months, while searches for ‘how much sleep does my dog need’ have spiked by 50% compared to March 2024. According to Google Trends data, dogs were the fifth most popular search term for sleep-related queries, following women, teenagers, three-year-olds, and five-year-olds.
The inclination of dogs to sleep on their owner’s pillow stems from seeking comfort in their scent or pheromones. This familiarity provides a sense of security and reassurance, particularly for puppies or dogs undergoing rehoming. The amount of sleep a dog requires varies based on factors like age, breed, and health status, similar to human sleep patterns. Typically, dogs sleep through the night for approximately 8 hours and nap during the day, especially when left alone.
Puppies tend to sleep more during the day due to their energetic nature and growth requirements, while elderly dogs may sleep extensively, particularly if they have cognitive issues. Different breeds exhibit varying sleep patterns, with active breeds needing less daytime sleep and more engagement. Certain breeds are predisposed to daytime sleeping, but individual differences in sleep needs exist among dogs based on their specific characteristics.
To assist a dog in sleeping through the night, Dr. Foreman recommends ensuring a comfortable and secure environment for the pet. Providing adequate mental and physical stimulation during the day, including walks and playtime, can prevent excessive napping and nighttime restlessness. Additionally, calming supplements or treats before bedtime may aid in settling a dog down for a peaceful night’s sleep.