Everypaw Pet Insurance's resident vet has weighed in on the touching TikTok trend that's been melting hearts online, where it's claimed that snuggle up on their owner's pillow because they find comfort in their scent. A couple of these TikToks have gone viral, racking up views in the millions – one boasting over 1.3 million and another with more than 608k.

These clips have sparked a wave of emotions among viewers, with many taking to the comments to share anecdotes of their own pooches doing the same. One user commented, while another wrote, "Great. Now I'm sobbing and shoving a pillow in every place my dog likes to sleep."

Doctor Anna Foreman, in-house vet, has clarified whether there's any truth to this behaviour or if it's just another TikTok fable: "Most dogs will be comforted by the smell of, or pheromones from, their owner – it is why we often recommend when a dog is coming into the hospital for a stay that they have an owner's clothing item, or one of their blankets, brought in with them for familiarity."

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have surged by 50 per cent in the past three months.

Searches related to dogs and sleep have seen a general increase recently, with 'dog ' seeing a 14 per cent rise over the past three months and 'how much sleep does my dog need' surging by 50 per cent compared to March 2024. According to Trends, in the last month, dogs were the 5th most popular search term for 'how much sleep do [xxx] need', following women, teenagers, three-year-olds and five-year-olds.

Why might dogs sleep on their owner's pillow?

Most dogs find comfort in the scent or pheromones of their owner – that's why we often suggest bringing an item of the owner's clothing or one of their blankets when a dog is admitted to the hospital. This familiarity can be comforting. Puppies, or dogs being rehomed, can also benefit from being introduced to a new owner's scent before moving.

How much sleep do dogs need?

The amount of sleep a dog needs can vary depending on their age, breed, and health status – much like humans. Typically, dogs tend to sleep through the night (8 hours) and will nap during the day for varying periods, especially when the owner is out or busy.

Do some types of dogs need more sleep than others?

As puppies, dogs tend to sleep more during the day due to the energy they expend growing and developing. They're also more active when awake – playing and exploring – which naturally leads to heavier sleep. At night, they may wake up several times for toilet breaks due to their relatively smaller bowels and bladder. As they mature, they'll sleep less during the day but are more likely to sleep through the night.

Elderly dogs tend to sleep more both during the day and night, but they may be more awake at night if they suffer from canine cognitive dysfunction (doggy dementia). Certain breeds are more docile and sleep more than others. Active breeds like working cocker spaniels, labradors, and border collies sleep less during the day and are more inclined to play or go for walks.

Breeds such as Basset hounds, brachycephalic dogs, and very large breeds like Great Danes are more prone to daytime sleeping. There aren't any breeds particularly susceptible to sleep issues, however, some may simply sleep less than others due to their specific needs.

Anna's top tips to help a dog sleep through the night

She says: "Ensure that your dog feels comfortable and content in their environment – they should feel safe and able to relax. Some dogs prefer a confined space, while others like to stretch out. It's important to ensure that a dog isn't in pain as this could disrupt their sleep – if you're worried about a dog being uncomfortable, seek advice from your vet.

"Make sure a dog gets plenty of stimulation during the day – they should be taken for walks and played with, and not left to nap all the time as they are more likely to then be awake at night. Giving calming supplements or treats before bed may help a dog to settle down."

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