Why Does My Chihuahua Sleep So Close to Me? The Surprising Answer!

Chihuahuas are known for their small size, but they have big personalities. They are loyal, affectionate, and love to spend time with their owners. One of the ways they show their love is by sleeping close to their owners.

If you’re a Chihuahua owner, you may have wondered why your pet likes to snuggle up to you at night.

There are several reasons why Chihuahuas sleep so close to their owners.

  1. One reason is that they feel safe and protected when they are near their owners. Chihuahuas are known to be anxious dogs, and sleeping close to their owners helps them feel secure.
  2. Chihuahuas are pack animals, and they see their owners as part of their pack. Sleeping close to their owners is a way for them to bond and show their loyalty.
  3. They love to be warm. Chihuahuas have a thin coats, which means they are more sensitive to the cold. Sleeping close to their owners provides them with warmth and comfort.
  4. Chihuahuas love to cuddle, and sleeping close to their owners is a way for them to get the affection and attention they crave.

Bonding

Chihuahuas are affectionate little creatures that love to bond with their owners. Sleeping close to their owners is one way that Chihuahuas show their affection and deepen their bond.

In this section, we will explore the different ways that sleeping close to you can help your Chihuahua bond with you.

Comfort

One reason why Chihuahuas sleep so close to their owners is that it provides them with a sense of comfort. Chihuahuas are small and fragile dogs that are prone to getting cold easily.

Sleeping close to their owners provides them with warmth and comfort. Additionally, sleeping close to their owners allows them to feel safe and secure.

Security

Chihuahuas are also protective dogs that like to keep a close eye on their owners. Sleeping close to their owners allows them to keep a watchful eye on them and protect them from any potential threats.

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Additionally, sleeping close to their owners provides them with a sense of security and helps to alleviate any anxiety they may have.

Overall, sleeping close to their owners is one way that Chihuahuas bond with their owners. It provides them with comfort, security, and a sense of closeness.

By allowing your Chihuahua to sleep close to you, you are deepening your bond and strengthening your relationship with your pet.

Temperature

One of the main reasons why your Chihuahua sleeps so close to you is because of the temperature. Chihuahuas are small dogs with thin coats, and they can easily get cold during the night.

Sleeping close to you or under the blankets helps them maintain a comfortable body temperature.

It is common for Chihuahuas to seek warmth from their owners, especially during the colder months. If your Chihuahua is shivering or seems cold, it might be because it needs to be closer to you or another heat source.

Out of habit, if your Chihuahua has always slept close to you, it might just be a habit that has developed over time.

It is important to note that Chihuahuas have a higher body temperature than humans, about 3-6 degrees higher. This can make them an efficient means of getting the bed warm on a cold night.

However, if you find that your Chihuahua is overheating or panting excessively during the night, it might be a sign that they are too warm and need to move to a cooler spot.

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Overall, it’s important to pay attention to your Chihuahua’s body language and behavior during the night to ensure they are comfortable and getting the rest they need.

Health

As a pet owner, it is important to pay attention to your chihuahua’s sleeping habits. While it may be cute to have your pet snuggled up next to you, it could also be a sign of underlying health issues.

In this section, we will discuss two potential health concerns related to your chihuahua sleeping close to you: anxiety and illness.

Anxiety

Chihuahuas are known for being anxious dogs. They are prone to separation anxiety and may feel more comfortable sleeping close to their owner. If your chihuahua is sleeping close to you out of anxiety, it is important to address this issue.

Separation anxiety can lead to destructive behavior, excessive barking, and other negative behaviors.

To help ease your chihuahua’s anxiety, try providing a comfortable and safe sleeping space for them. This could be a cozy dog bed in a quiet room away from distractions.

You can also try leaving a piece of clothing with your scent on it near their bed to provide comfort while you are away.

Illness

In some cases, your chihuahua sleeping close to you could be a sign of illness. If your chihuahua suddenly starts sleeping closer to you than usual, it could be a sign that they are not feeling well. They may be seeking comfort and security from their owner.

If you notice any other symptoms of illness such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or vomiting, it is important to take your chihuahua to the vet for a check-up. Early detection and treatment of illness can help ensure a speedy recovery for your pet.

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Overall, while it may be comforting to have your chihuahua sleeping close to you, it is important to pay attention to their behavior and take action if necessary. By addressing any potential health concerns, you can help ensure a happy and healthy life for your beloved pet.

Training

Training your Chihuahua is important for many reasons. Not only does it help with behavior issues, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your pet. When it comes to sleeping habits, training can also play a role in helping your Chihuahua sleep in its own bed.

Start by creating a comfortable and inviting sleeping area for your Chihuahua. This can be a cozy bed with soft blankets, toys, and a familiar scent. Encourage your Chihuahua to sleep in their bed by offering treats and praise when they do so.

Consistency is key, so be patient and persistent in your training efforts.

If your Chihuahua continues to sleep close to you, it may be helpful to gradually move their bed further away from yours each night. This will help them become more independent and comfortable sleeping on their own.

It is important to note that punishment should never be used in training. Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, is the most effective and humane way to train your Chihuahua.

Additionally, consider consulting with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist if you are experiencing difficulty with training or behavior issues.

FAQ

Do Chihuahuas like to sleep a lot?

Yes, Chihuahuas do tend to sleep a little more than other breeds. These little guys and gals have a LOT of energy, but all that perkiness comes at a price. While most dog breeds will sleep around 12 to 14 hours every day, it’s not uncommon for Chihuahuas to sleep a whipping 14 to 18 hours per day.

That said, they tend to learn their owner’s schedule, so don’t worry. You’ll have plenty of time with your dog and the time that you do spend together will make you envious of their excited energy.

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Can Chihuahua sleep through the night?

Yes, once a Chihuahua reaches about 6 months of age, then they will likely be able to sleep the entire night uninterrupted. Until then, however, you will likely need to take them out once or twice at night. As pups, they are the neediest, since they cannot control their little bladders for very long.

Due to this, a Chihuahua pup can usually wait for up to an hour for every month of their age. While sleeping, this schedule is a bit more relaxed, but if your dog is awake at night and you hear them crying out then you should take them outside right away to avoid any incidents.

Why do Chihuahuas sleep under blankets?

Dogs love dens and tend to burrow naturally, but none more so than the Chihuahua. These little guys and gals love the warmth and the secure feeling that they get when they burrow into a blanket, especially when you are underneath it too!

This is very cute but you need to be careful if you are a restless sleeper, as rolling on your fragile dog could hurt them or at least earn you a panicked nip for disturbing their sleep!

Do Chihuahuas like to cuddle?

Yes. Though these picky dogs tend to bond to their owner and merely tolerate the rest of the people on the planet, that lucky chosen person should expect a bit of cuddling.

Chihuahuas love cuddling up next to you on the couch or the bed, and some even like to sleep on the pillow right next to your head! While they get a bad rap for how they treat people who aren’t their owners, Chihuahuas are extremely sweet to that one person whom they have chosen.

Expect your dog to try to be close to you often because they love you!

Can Chihuahua puppies sleep through the night without a potty break?

Generally, until they reach 6 months of age, Chihuahua pups are going to need to go out on a fairly regular schedule, even at the night.

The best thing to do is to set an alarm so that your dog doesn’t have any accidents in the bedroom or their crate and resist the urge to let them sleep in your bed until they get older. As puppies, they need to go out every few hours, and can only wait for 1 hour per every month of age.

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It’s a little trying at first but doesn’t worry, your Chihuahua will be able to wait a little longer each month and eventually they’ll sleep just fine through the night.

Should my Chihuahua sleep in bed with me?

As long as your dog is free of fleas and other parasites and they are at least 6 months of age, then letting them sleep on the bed is not only fine but encouraged. When they are younger, however, it’s not a good idea. These little dogs are fragile, to begin with, but also they cannot control their bladders very well until they get older.

While a small nap with your dog might be okay at this time, that will confuse them at night when they aren’t allowed to sleep in a bed. It is better for now to let them sleep in their bed or a crate so that if there is a potty accident, it doesn’t happen where YOU have to sleep.

Can my Chihuahua sleep in a crate?

Yes, your Chihuahua can certainly sleep in a crate, but it’s a good idea to put that crate in your bedroom and make sure that it is facing the bed so that your dog will see you and feel safer at night. Crate training is quite useful, especially while you are still potty training your dog.

Once they get old enough to sleep through the night, you can even leave the crate door open and your bedroom door closed so that they start viewing it as their own space.

This will make vet trips much easier and when they are older, they’ve got a place to go for some alone time if they want that or if they aren’t so fond of visiting friends.

Should my Chihuahua puppy sleep in my bedroom?

Yes, the bedroom is best when you’ve just brought your puppy home. They will feel safer with you closely and you’ll be better able to hear them if your puppy needs to go out at night for a potty break. Just be sure to take them out when they cry, unless they’ve just had a potty break.

Too many potty ‘accidents’ can teach them that it’s okay to potty in the crate, and after that your potty training will take much longer as you’ll have to break them off that habit. That said, sleeping in the bedroom in their bed or crate is a good idea if you don’t mind the company!

When will my Chihuahua start sleeping in their crate without crying?

While it can sometimes take 2 to 3 weeks, usually a few days to a week is all that it will take for your dog to stop crying in the crate. Usually, if the crate is in the bedroom, they will be able to see you, and this is going to comfort them quite a bit.

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The trick will be to ignore cries for attention, as long as your dog has had their potty break on a regular schedule. Once they see that crying will not get them their way, then they will calm down and finally accept that the crate means it’s bedtime and that they should go to sleep.

Does my Chihuahua know when I am sleeping?

Yes, your dog will usually know when you are asleep, as certain chemical changes in your body will smell a certain way to them. If your dog is roaming the bedroom free with the door closed, don’t be surprised if they try to confirm that you are sleeping by smelling your mouth or nose.

If you pretend to still be asleep, they’ll usually back off, but otherwise, they’ll notice that you’re awake now and likely become very excited to see that you’re finally up!