We tend to humanize our dogs. Just like how we use pillows to sleep for multiple reasons, should our dogs have pillows too? Now, we’ve seen our dogs rest on cushions, the side of the couch and so many other things as well. They do seem to like their neck support. But then again, you also see them sleeping on the hard floor (sometimes more than their actual bed), or with their head hanging over the edge of the bed, belly exposed and paws dangling in the air, sometimes with a twisty face.

So for us humans, we’ve woken up with a sore neck because the pillow was in an incorrect position, too high, too flat, and for us it’s truly important to get the right kind of support for a good night’s rest. Pillows help us sleep more comfortably, keeping our neck aligned with our spine. Dogs are built a little differently. They typically find it easier to sleep on their side with little or no head support and it won’t throw their spine out of alignment. The truth is just like us, there is no perfect sleep position for dogs as they are all different just like us humans. 

With dogs, there are just so many scenarios. There are the dogs that would sleep in your bed and hog your pillow, or your space where you sleep, because maybe it’s just comfortable. Sometimes they do it because they feel insecure and require your pillow to feel comforted, especially when you’re not home (also the reason why they sleep on your bed when you’re out and about even when they aren’t allowed to). Some might just act on their instinct to protect their pack and that’s you! And you’re vulnerable when you’re asleep. 

So the big question - do the need a pillow? Not really! They actually don’t need it. But some dogs actually love pillows. Some don’t. For us, as a pup, Kuro would actively seek out a pillow to prop her head up as support - all on her own! You can also introduce pillows to dogs, they may actually like it without knowing what they were missing in the first place (especially they seem to like to use other things in the house as support like the arm of the couch or your cushions). They might even grow to love the magic of neck support. There is no need to direct them to the pillow, they have a tendency to sleep in the most comfortable position anyway.

Does your dog like to sleep with a pillow?

Here are some pillow options that you might like (and there are a few more on our Pillows For Dogs Pinterest Board): 

Now what about beds? Do dogs need beds? They are likely to prefer your pillow or your bed, but it would be good for them to have a bed of their own. It’s their own comfortable safe space. Much like a crate, a bed of their own can help them bother you less for no reason. Having a dog bed is also cleaner overall than your floors. Sleeping on your hard floors might actually pose risks to older dogs, like arthritis pains and discomfort. You can check out the beds that we’ve explored and advice on how to introduce your dog to its bed, or check our Beds for Dogs Pinterest Board. 

Also don’t forget to give your good dogs a snack as a treat once and again! Choose from many of our all-natural, healthy but very yummy Kuro Snacks: