One of the coziest sights is a dog curled up in his dog bed, or comfy on the couch, fast asleep. But what about when your dog can’t get comfortable lying down?
It’s normal for dogs to circle before they lie down—that’s an inborn behavior courtesy of canine ancestors who needed to tamp down a “nest” or check for danger before sleep. But if you notice your dog struggling to get comfortable, assuming an unusual position, or getting up and down frequently, it could be a sign of something amiss—from easy-fix issues to serious health problems. The most common reasons your dog may not be comfortable while lying down are joint pain, anxiety, dementia, pancreatitis, bloat and heart disease. We’ll discuss each below.
Joint Pain
Dogs with joint pain or canine osteoarthritis often experience discomfort that can worsen when they are lying down, or that can make the process of lying down difficult.
Your dog might have joint pain if:
- The amount of time he spends circling before lying down increases noticeably
- He attempts to lie down many times before settling into a spot
- He is stiff after lying down
- He has begun groaning as he lies down
If your dog is exhibiting pain symptoms or an aversion to lying down, take him to the veterinarian for a checkup to determine the cause, and to establish a treatment and pain management plan if needed.
Older dogs are at risk of developing joint pain and arthritis, and large breed dogs and obese dogs are at greater risk of joint pain as they age than other dogs. To prevent or delay the onset of joint problems, avoid stressing your dog’s joints and bones with excessive exercise when he is still young and growing. It also helps to make sure your dog always has a soft dog bed where he can lie down. A dog bed protects his joints and pressure points from the hard floor, and insulates him from a cold floor that can worsen his arthritis pain. If your dog is older, an orthopedic dog bed is his best option because it is specifically designed to support joints and relieve pressure points.
Anxiety
Dogs with anxiety disorders, such as separation anxiety or specific fears and phobias, have difficulty lying down to rest. If your dog is terrified of thunder, the issue is thankfully as short-lived as the storm. But if he has chronic anxiety or separation anxiety, he may:
- Pace and act restless
- Lie down on his dog bed and rise repeatedly
- Chew his dog bed, scratch, or engage in other destructive behavior
- Engage in nuisance barking or other compulsive behaviors
- Pant
- Shake when lying down
Talk with your veterinarian about your dog’s symptoms to clarify the type and severity of your dog’s anxiety. In cases of low-level anxiety, targeted behavioral training can help, while in more extreme cases a combination of prescription medication and training may be necessary.
The health benefits of having a dog are well known, including lowering your blood pressure and reducing your own anxiety. Simply being near your dog improves your wellness. And the benefits go both ways. Though it’s important for a dog with separation anxiety to learn to spend time alone, take your dog for long walks and give him plenty of snuggles when you are home, too. Invite him up onto your bed or couch. And if you observe a ‘no dogs on the furniture’ rule in your home, consider an exception for your anxious friend: An attractive furniture protector not only safeguards your sofa, but can actually help the dog feel more comfortable and secure, enhancing the bond you share while reducing your dog’s stress and yours.
Dementia
Like people, older dogs can experience some cognitive decline and, in some cases, dementia. One of the earliest symptoms of dementia in dogs is restlessness and shifting sleep cycles. If your dog has dementia:
- His sleep schedule may change and his periods of sleep may shorten
- He may get up and down all night rather than sleeping peacefully when the house is quiet
- He may seem confused about daily routines or get lost in familiar places
- He may get “stuck” in corners or small spaces—not physically, but because he is unaware of how to exit the space
- He may wait at the “hinge side” of even familiar doors
If you’ve noticed sleep changes in your older dog, schedule a visit to the veterinarian. Medications exist to manage and even reduce some of these symptoms.
It’s also valuable to establish a routine for your dog from mealtimes through bedtime. A daily schedule is comforting to dogs and helps them adjust more easily to the disorienting problems of age. Crate training your dog early in life also prevents problems with pacing and wandering the house at night that can arise with age.
Serious Medical Issues
A dog who suddenly can’t or won’t lie down, has labored breathing when lying down, or assumes the “praying position” of lying down with his bum in the air, may be experiencing pain or discomfort due to a serious medical condition: pancreatitis, bloat, or heart disease, for example. Contact your veterinarian right away if you suspect your dog has one of these conditions.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis occurs when digestive enzymes produced in the pancreas are “activated” too early, sometimes even escaping the digestive tract.
Symptoms of pancreatitis include:
- The “praying position”—the dog lies with his head and front legs down and his bum in the air to relieve uncomfortable pressure on the pancreas
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
Any dog can get pancreatitis; there is no breed or age predisposition. The condition can be chronic (long-term) or acute (occurring in a sudden attack). Acute pancreatitis can be mild or severe.
When mild pancreatitis is treated quickly with a special diet, IV fluids, and medications, the outlook is good. Severe acute pancreatitis requires intensive care, and the outlook depends on the degree of severity. With the right treatment, most dogs recover well from pancreatitis.
How to Comfort a Dog With Pancreatitis
Once you’ve met with your vet and planned treatment for your dog’s pancreatitis, you can comfort your dog by creating soft surfaces for them on which to rest. Whether it’s the sofa, your bed, or a memory foam dog bed, just about anything is better than the floor for comforting a dog with pancreatitis.
Bloat
Bloat is among the most serious explanations for a dog who is struggling to get comfortable. The clinical name for the condition is gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome (GDV). When a dog gets bloat, his stomach dilates and twists, a dangerous situation that can cause severe abdominal pain. Symptoms of bloat include:
- The inability to get comfortable sitting or lying down
- A distended or enlarged stomach
- Looking at stomach
- Anxiety, restlessness, and pacing
- Vomiting up any new food or water, or dry heaving
- Excessive drooling
- Pale gums
- Weakness
Large and giant breed dogs with deep chests are at greatest risk; these breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, St. Bernards, Gordon Setters, Newfoundlands, Weimaraners, German Shepherds, and Great Danes. To minimize the risk of bloat, feed your dog twice every day, rather than feeding him one large meal, and don’t let him play or exercise vigorously right after a meal.
A dog with bloat is in danger of collapse and possible death. Bloat is a medical emergency and doesn’t go away on its own—the condition requires surgery as soon as possible to correct.
Heart Disease
Heart disease can make a dog’s breathing difficult and labored, and breathing may be most difficult while lying down. Dogs with severe heart disease may even attempt to go to sleep while standing up or sitting. You can reduce your dog’s risk of heart disease if you keep him on a heartworm preventative and help him maintain a healthy weight. Heart disease can often be managed well with medications, certain diets, and appropriate exercise.
It’s possible your dog can’t get comfortable lying down because of a minor issue like an upset stomach or a muscle strain from an exuberant game of fetch. In these instances, his discomfort should be minimal and short-lived.
If he has ongoing discomfort or if his pain seems severe, he requires professional medical attention. With help from your veterinarian, and a soft place to lie down at home, your best friend should be curling up more comfortably in no time.
My Chihuahua is spinning in circles and cannot get comfortable at all . its happened a couple times , anybody know what this could be ?
I see this post was written last week and I don’t know the answer to your question, but my cocker spaniel is moving from one spot to another today and can’t get comfortable either. She also nibbles on her paws. She was seen at vet a couple of weeks ago and they gave her allergy med that seemed to help for awhile, but today, she’s at it again. Good luck with your doggie.
I am experiencing the same exact thing that you describe here. My English Bulldog has started getting up and down and recircling to get comfortable. And licking one paw in particular. If you seem to get yours under control or your vet helps you find a solution…can you post it here? That would be extremely helpful.
My dog has the same symptoms,,,did you get an
answer
Firstly, the most important thing is to see your vet. I know that may seem like obvious advice, but it’s also the best advice. Secondly, look into a high quality probiotic for your dog. This is because around 70% of your dog’s immune system resides in their gut. If your dogs immune system is strong, then they have a better chance of healing. You can find a very good dog probiotic at: PupFreshies.com – Other than that, I really can’t stress the importance of seeing a medical professional. I hope this helps.
This is exactly what is happening to my Toy Poodle, she frequently gets up and down, not able to get comfortable and she just started licking the ends of her front paws. Did either of you get an explanation? My vet can’t see her for 3 more days so I am stressed.
Even my dog is doing the same, what’s the reason ?
I’m having the same issues with my puddle did your dog get better by any chance.
I certainly will
So what do I do as far as a home remedy is concerned? Until I can afford medical help by the 3thd of next month. Im afraid for my Chihuahua.
What can I do for my dog it is 11 clock on Sunday nite can’t get to a vet until in the morn she has all the symptoms of restlessness etc in pain and distress
My cocker is acting the same.
Did the symtoms ever get better? I’ve noticed this sort of behavior from my dog recently
My chihuahua mix is also experiencing this. Just started. Instead of laying down and snuggled up under her blankets in her bed, she’s just sitting by my bed. I tried putting her up on my bed and that doesn’t work. She had a large cyst on her under belly. The vet says it’s benign but I’m wondering if it’s bothering her. She doesn’t cry when I touch it but clearly wants me to not touch her there. Still eating, drinking water and going potty.
My dog has the same problem? Have you had any luck finding out why she has this issue??
My beagle does the same thing. We visited vet but he’s good. What can it be?
https://dogsonlyclub.net/
My chihuahua did the same. It is doggie dementia. I just let her know I’m near, and hold her a lot. She also lost her eyesight and hearing. What calms her is holding her and letting her sleep in my lap or at my side.
My chi is 8 how old was yours how is your pet today..
My chihuahua is 3 and has an life long hip injury and is doing the same. I am no vet but I took her out side came back in and she is fine now.
My dog has all of the symptoms of a bad she’s most comfortable laying on my pillow. She keeps licking the same Paul and she’s very sad. Anybody get an answer to what’s going on. Her stomach does seemed loaded. She eats with no problem she’s not throwing up she just can’t get comfortable.
According to Google.com you seem to be correct
My 10 yo Boxer was doing this. She just couldn’t get comfortable and was up and down all night. Then she started dry heaving. We rushed her to the vet and turns out she had eaten something that was blocking her small intestines. She had emergency surgery and fully recovered.
About 5 weeks ago my olde english bulldog started moaning when lying down. It got worse as each day passed. He moans when lying down or any movement while lying down and can’t seem to get comfortable. He seems ok when he is walking. I had bloodwork on him done. There were somewhat high platelets but other than that, ok. I just had abdominal scans and echo on him and waiting on results of that. I thought it could possibly be acid reflux due to all of the burping he has been doing so vet has him on prilosec once a day for 2 weeks to see if it helps. He has been on it 2 days so far. Also, tried 5 days of galliprant that didn’t help much at all. I have been trying to figure out what’s wrong. I know he is in pain and it breaks my heart. I will find out results of tests done next week. Depending on results, I may get X-rays done next to check for bone abnormalities or possible torn tendons.
One other thing he started doing 3 days ago is the bow stretch where the legs are in front and butt in the air and moaning with it.
Was just browsing and seen you had pisted yiur statement about your pet. I took my Chihuahua to the Vet a couple of months ago and I only took him because I have read in several articles and on google that when a dog stretches with there front legs out and head down and butt in the air its releaving pain from thier pancreas. Sure enough when i took Ralph (my chihuahua) the vet said he had Pancrtitis. Make sure to keep an eye on him because if pancretitis isnt treated or if it gets worst it can kill them.
Bobbie, did you discover the source of your dog’s issue?
Hi Bobbie
What happened to your dog? Did you get results back? My 2y/o schnauzer is doing the same thing.
My dog is restless and don’t want me to rub her stomach anymore she used to go over and let me rub her stomach all the time now she doesn’t let me touch it
Go to vet now
My dog is doing the same thing? Did you find out the cause?
Check for Pancreatitis
Hi did you find out the problem with your bulldog, mine has the same problem
Hi,
My pug is on heat, its her 5th day if I’m not wrong, and she started doing this today, pacing from one bed to another, sitting in the corner in an awkward position. I let her up the sofa, she’s usually active, but today she just lies down and not even sleeping but stares blankly. Been doing a bit of reading and it says could be a serious medical condition (back, joint pain or even bloated etc), and to visit the vet ASAP. How ASAP is ASAP? Is it ok to wait another day to see if its gone?
Thanks
What finally happened. My dog is super active. Then 3 days ago came out of bedroom walking kinda crunched up. Wanted to sleep. I let her rest. The next day…back to normal. Next day…yesterday Saturday of course…acted weird. Sunday…sleeping. eats great and drinks water. Rests…but will not close her eyes.
My chihuahua mix is also experiencing this. Just started. Instead of laying down and snuggled up under her blankets in her bed, she’s just sitting by my bed. I tried putting her up on my bed and that doesn’t work. She had a large cyst on her under belly. The vet says it’s benign but I’m wondering if it’s bothering her. She doesn’t cry when I touch it but clearly wants me to not touch her there. Still eating, drinking water and going potty.
I have no idea what is wrong with my pug. He is throwing up, pooping little pebbles, he’s not as active as usual, he has loss of appetite, and he is also having this same problem. For the past 2 days, he has been sitting up while sleeping, but when he does lie down, he is moving in a way that looks like he is shivering, but I turned the heater on for him and he still continued to do this movement. So, I know he is not cold. Also, when he lays down, it is always in a uncomfortable position. I don’t know what is wrong with him, but I am very worried. Before I take him in to the vet, I want to have an idea of what might be wrong with him, so please help me out.
Im haveing issues with my chi also, she can’t get comfortable, she can’t sleep ,her little body just keeps going like she is trying to go somewhere but don’t get there her litt,e feet keep going and her lower body keeps jerking i rub her belly and she likes that
Then her tummygets real tight. She does not make any sound I don’t know if she is in pain.when you are over tired and you know your nerves and body start to jump twitch,that is what mitzi is doing, anybody else have this issue before, that is my baby.
Thank you
Hi there, I’m sorry to read about your pug! My dog is currently experiencing similar issues. Did you ever find out what was wrong with him?
My dog has been poorly and been trying to find out what is wrong for over a year! Her breathing gets louder, like she is snoring as soon as she lays down. They think this could be laryngeal paralysis, but doesn’t make sense why she is fine standing up.
She has been starving hungry too, scavenging and looking for food right after she’s had her dinner. She has been diagnosed with an under active thyroid and been on tablets for 3 months that don’t seem to be bringing her thyroid levels where they need to be, but making her even more hungry (which I didn’t think was possible!).
She has also been doing what some of the other people here have said, when she lays down she doesn’t settle and her eyes are open and ears are also up.
She is obviously more nervous too as her hackles go up a lot on walks and even at home.
If anything seems familiar, please advise as at the end of my tether not being able to find out what is wrong and help her 🙁
Hi Gail and Honey
I was wondering if you’d gotten any updates/advice? My dog is having identical issues. We’ve been to the vet twice all test and x Ray’s came back fine. The symptoms went away for a few weeks then all of a sudden they were back.
Hi Gail and also Kynn,
I too am having the same issues for over a year with my chi x and can’t get any answers.
Her blood work has come back normal as have xrays, but she is not herself at night. Would rather sit upright than lay down, and when she does lay down her ears are held back and she won’t sleep and sometimes shakes.
Out of curiosity , how old are your dogs? I’m wondering if this is something happening in older age as my dog is 10 now.
Please let me know if you have any updates
I hope this helps some here in the comments. My Angie had random episodes like this over the years (breathing very heavy, can’t lay down, won’t eat, etc). My vet and 2 different ER vets could never find a thing each of the 4 times (all tests normal). Unfortunately she didn’t make it this last time and passed away 4 weeks ago. From endless nights on the internet I believe she either had undetected heart failure, a svere allergy, or an intestinal issue that both would have needed more specialized testing for. If she were still alive I would take those next steps, but if this helps save any of yours, that is my wish. Best of luck to you dealing with this, my heart is broken from losing her and from the fact we never could ease her pain.
Carolyn, I’m so sorry to hear of your sweet Angies passing.
It is so hard when we as fur parents know something is wrong with our babies and have to watch them suffer, yet the vets think nothing is wrong.
Thank you for sharing your comments here to help us. I think I will go back to my vet to get the heart issues looked at.
Thank you and hugs to you and Angie
Sorry to hear about your loss ❤️♥️
My dachshund is having the same problems. She has a swelling on the center of one paw and is all the sudden not wanting to sleep with me. I put her on my bed and she immediately jumped down. It took a couple of tries for me to finally get her up here. She was circling a bunch and it took her a while to finally lay down. I’ve noticed her eyes and nose are a bit red like they’re irritated. She’s also pretty overweight for her breed but I’m not sure if that is the main issue? I don’t really know what to do. It just breaks my heart to see her so uncomfortable. If someone has any advice please let me know.
Seems very similar with my 11yo Boston Terrier. An hour or two ago she was fine and then I left for Home Depot for 30 minutes but came right home. When I got back home all of a sudden my poor baby wont stop looking over her shoulder, back and forth, as if shes just rocking her head back and forth. She seems kinda bugged out like during the 4th of July when the fireworks go off but this time she got that head nod left/right thing going on.
Its almost as if a yard stick I have leaning up against the wall by the door had fallen and possibly hit her while I was at home depot. The yard stick was on the floor when I got home and the spot she seems to be staying in is right where the end of the yard stick was but I dont know why she would want to stay back here, not go for a walk, not be on the need in front of the cool fan, or any other thing she enjoys. She wont even eat any snacks. I do hear faint fireworks going off as well tho so Im hoping its a mix between that yard stick falling and the sounds of the fireworks. She is going on 12yo tho so I am praying its not anything serious. Well see tomorrow.
This sounds more like an inner ear infection. The constant looking over the shoulder could be a vertigo issue due to the infection. Don’t laugh but I once had a Guinea pig with the same issue and it behaved that way as well.
Have her ears checked out to be safe.
Good luck!
We have a 6 month old cockapoo who was spayed a few days ago. She has been unable to sleep as she won’t sit or lay down when ready to sleep so falls asleep standing up then when she sways and gets close to the ground she startles herself and runs away never catching any sleep. She is ok to sit and lay down when awake with her bully stick so we think her head may spin when she closes her eyes because of the pain meds? Any insight would be great. Tomorrow is her last pain med (Day4) so we are going to give her only a portion and see if she doesn’t have this issue and can fall asleep lying down.
My cavalier puppy all of a sudden can’t settle in one spot and is laying in places he never does , he is whining alot which he never does it’s like he is looking for something on the floor in front of him, could he have been bitten by an ant outside
My 4.5 month old english shepherd pup has started whining when she lays down, she fidgets and kicks her legs like she’s uncomfortable. I have checked her over completely. She shows no reaction of pain when I poke her joints, legs, bones, vertebrae, and such. She is fine and happy and runs around and plays all day but she just can’t seem to settle down and sleep for the last few nights. I can’t figure out why. If anyone has any advice or ideas, aside from possible growing pains, I can’t think of anything. I’m going to end up having to take her to the vet, none of us are getting any sleep.
My dog is pregnant and keeps moving around and starts laying down but then gets up and finds a diffrent spot none stop and idk what to do is she just bloated?
Hello my dog is pregnant and she puts her legs up front and sticks her butt up but also can never get comfy and always moves around so idk what’s going on
My Rottweiler is facing this issue. He is preferring to sit from 2-3 days. He is not eating anything. I feel has some inner injury as one side of his back is looking swollen. He was having fever too.
My Rottweiler is facing this issue. He is preferring to sit from 2-3 days. He is not eating anything. I feel has some inner injury as one side of his back is looking swollen. He was having fever too.
Hello everyone if only anyone can help that would be so nice. My dog who is 6 months old is facing the same issue. From the last 2 days he won’t sleep no matter how much i try to put him to sleep. Even though he is sleepy he would just keep on standing until he falls down. He is having difficulties in breathing too when he is lying down his breathing gets more heavy like he is struggling with his breaths. Even his tummy is little swollen and tight. Could this be a heart problem issue??
we got bitter but he is getting be weiner dog every day now here about 7 to 8 month
Unless my wife complains not having any cigs like now and if go get some she will get mad that Buddy gets and can get them teeth
So we definitely know that my dog has arthritis and we’ve been managing it “ok” bought a gel cream and snacks for hip and joints. Recently, once he lays down on the floors in like a couple of minutes he gets up as if his butt is itching him or something near his tail is bothering him. I don’t know what to do, is it his anal glands or what else could it be?
My 3.5 yr old Golden Doodle can’t get comfortable either. She also has been vomiting yellow mucous and she will not eat. She is 55 lbs and the size of a Golden Retriever. The internet said it could be a digestive block, intestinal worms, bloat or just bile build up in the stomach from not eating for awhile. She ate last night and started refusing her meal this am so I am ruling out bile build up due to not eating. She went outside and started eating grass. The internet said give her a heartworm pill immediately. She was due one tomorrow anyway so I gave it to her. Within 15 minutes, she vomited it up along with the grass in yellow mucous. I saved that for our vet to examine as soon as they reopen and I can get in her in there. It could be a digestive block. I felt gurgling in the digestive area. ( I don’t give her chicken bones, etc. but she did have a bully stick last night.) No gas to my knowledge as of yet. Bloat usually causes a lot of swelling in the abdomen and I don’t see that. Plus, bloat is very painful and she is not whining or moaning. I have her fasting for 12 hours and then will try sugar water/bland food just to see if she can keep that down. I also have a male Golden Retriever who will not leave her side. Andy adores Bella immensely! If anyone has experienced this and can enlighten me, it would be so much appreciated.
Have her checked for kidney disease. My little Yorkipoo was doing exactly the same thing before he was diagnosed with last year.
My chihuahua is doing the same. Kept moving around could not get comfortable. I have a make and female it the female just started today the make is fine. The only thing different that happen they both were out front with me i was just going to check the male. There was a German Shepard dog they started barking next thing i know the dig was chasing them and they both were barking back i was yelling for them to come in the dog kept following a d finally the owner git her dog . Its a new dog she just got she is in training because the last owner abused the dog so sad. It seens like the female has been on edge every since with this constant moving around cant get comfortable. Any suggestion what could it be.
My chihuahua is doing the same. Kept moving around could not get comfortable. I have a male and female . it the female just started today the male is fine. The only thing different that happen they both were out front with me i was just going to check the male. There was a German Shepard dog they started barking next thing i know the dog was chasing them and they both were barking back i was yelling for them to come in the dog kept following and finally the owner got her dog . Its a new dog she just got she is in training because the last owner abused the dog so sad. It seems like the female has been on edge every since with this constant moving around cant get comfortable. Any suggestion what could it be. Could her nerves still be on edge??
My 8week old puppy is acting different all of a sudden ..He continues to get up and down from his bed and is very irritable it seems. He goes from lying in his bed to the floor and this behavior happens for about 5 minutes til he’s found which space is more comfortable. He wasn’t doing any of the couple
days ago, so this came on out the blueOne thing I have noticed is he does look a bit bloated. So I slowed down on his meals hoping this will help. I hear him moaning when he moves or when I pick him up. I can’t afford to take him to a vet so I’m praying whatever this is will go away soon. I really love this puppy☹️
My year old chihuahua seems to be restless and scratches in bed a lot, I’ve noticed she starts burning up then moves to the floor then comes back but can’t seem to get comfortable in one spot, she also cries a lot and has recently gotten closer with a toy that has been hers for months that she has just found. she treats it like a baby. when she’s not near it she freaks out and starts sniffing for it but when she finds it she just leaves it and goes back to sleep for a minute or two then once again does the same and pants a lot. I have no idea what she’s going through can someone help?
My year old chihuahua seems to be restless and scratches in bed a lot, I’ve noticed she starts burning up then moves to the floor then comes back but can’t seem to get comfortable in one spot, she also cries a lot and has recently gotten closer with a toy that has been hers for months that she has just found. she treats it like a baby. when she’s not near it she freaks out and starts sniffing for it but when she finds it she just leaves it and goes back to sleep for a minute or two then once again does the same and pants a lot. I’ve also taken notice she doesn’t eat a lot just drinks a little water. I have no idea what she’s going through can someone help?