Why Does My Dog Sleep on the Floor?
When a dog picks the floor over the bed, check these reasons first:
- The bed is too small, too thin or slides around.
- Your dog is warm, or the bed sits somewhere your dog doesn't want to be.
- If your dog suddenly stops using a bed, ask your vet.
Updated October 2026 · By the EachPaw team, the makers of the EachPaw Orthopedic Dog Bed.
Plenty of dogs nap on the floor now and then. If your dog skips the bed every night, work through the reasons below, starting with the bed itself.
On this page
- Is the bed too small for your dog?
- Is the bed too soft or too thin?
- Is your dog too warm on the bed?
- Does the bed slide or have walls to climb over?
- Why does my dog sleep on the floor next to my bed?
- How do I get my dog to use a new bed?
- When should you ask your vet?
- Dog sleeping on the floor FAQ
- Ready to choose a new bed?
Is the bed too small for your dog?
A dog who sleeps stretched out may pick the floor over a bed that leaves a head or paws hanging off the edge.
Measure your dog lying down from nose to base of tail. Add about 6 in for a dog who curls up, or 10 to 12 in for a dog who stretches out. The bed's sleeping length should cover that number.
| Dog weight | Size (L x W x H) | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 30 lbs | Small, 36 x 20 x 3 in | $92 |
| 30 to 60 lbs | Medium, 42 x 24 x 4 in | $104 |
| 60 to 100 lbs | Large, 48 x 30 x 5 in | $140 |
| 100 lbs and up | XL, 52 x 36 x 6 in | $188 |
L x W is the sleeping area. H is the foam depth.
Is the bed too soft or too thin?
If your dog sinks through to the floor, the bed isn't giving much more than the floor does, so some dogs skip it.
Press your palm hard into your dog's usual spot. If you can feel the floor, the bed is too thin for your dog. The EachPaw bed is one solid piece of memory foam, 3 to 6 in deep by size.
Check whether your dog's bed has gone flat
Is your dog too warm on the bed?
Many dogs stretch out on tile or wood when they're warm, after a walk or on a hot day. Keep the bed away from heater vents and direct sun.
The EachPaw bed doesn't sleep warm.
Read whether orthopedic beds run hot
Does the bed slide or have walls to climb over?
A bed that skids when your dog steps on can put your dog off, and a high wall all the way around means climbing in.
The EachPaw bed has a non‑slip bottom, and the bolster sits at one end only, so the front and sides are open for walking straight on. For hard floors, see where to put the bed.
Compare bolster and flat dog beds
Why does my dog sleep on the floor next to my bed?
Your dog may simply want to be near you. If your dog's own bed is in another room, the floor by your bed wins.
Try moving your dog's bed into your bedroom, in the spot your dog already picks.
How do I get my dog to use a new bed?
- Put the new bed where your dog already sleeps.
- Lay your dog's old blanket, or a shirt you've worn, on top so the bed smells familiar.
- Praise or reward your dog for stepping on and lying down.
- Give your dog a few nights before you decide.
Beds bought directly from EachPaw come with a 90‑day comfort trial, and you can exchange sizes during the trial.
When should you ask your vet?
A sudden change in where your dog sleeps is worth asking your vet about, especially if your dog also seems stiff getting up or keeps shifting around at night.
Dog sleeping on the floor FAQ
Is it OK for a dog to sleep on the floor?
Many dogs nap on the floor now and then. If your dog never uses a bed, check the bed first: the size, how deep it is and where it sits.
Do dogs like sleeping on the floor?
Some dogs do, especially when warm or when the floor is next to you. If your dog always picks the floor, the bed may be too small, too thin or in the wrong spot.
Why did my dog stop sleeping in the bed?
Check the bed first. A dip that stays after your dog gets up, or a floor you can feel with a palm press, means the bed has gone flat. If the bed is fine and the change was sudden, ask your vet.
Will the bed fit inside a dog crate?
No. The EachPaw bed won't fit inside a dog crate.
Ready to choose a new bed?
The EachPaw bed is recommended by our 20+ veterinarian partners.
Standard shipping is free (contiguous US and DC). Beds bought directly from EachPaw come with a 90‑day comfort trial and a 10‑year warranty that covers the bed flattening.