Why Do Dogs Dig in Their Beds?

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Is he looking for something or is he nesting? Learn the reason why your dog digs in his bed before he’ll climb in.

Dogs have a natural desire to dig. As natural as this behavior is, it can be a little annoying at times – especially when your dog does it in your newly planted flower bed. But dogs don’t just dig outside – sometimes they do it indoors when there is nothing to dig up. Sometimes they do it in their beds.

As a dog owner, you’ve undoubtedly seen your dog do some pretty strange things but digging in his bed is near the top of the list. Keep reading to learn more about why dogs exhibit this behavior.

Related:5 Tips to Keep Your Dog from Digging in the Yard

7 Reasons Why Dogs Dig in their Beds

When your dog does something strange, you probably just laugh it off but sometimes you may find yourself wondering the reasoning behind it. The truth is that sometimes dogs just do things for no reason, but most of the time there is a reason behind it.

Here are X reasons why dogs sometimes dig in their beds:

  • Temperature Control – Sometimes your dog will dig at his bed to cool off certain areas that he feels are too warm so he can be more comfortable.
  • Scent – Dogs have a natural desire to spread their scent and giving their bed a couple of good scratches is one way to deposit that scent.
  • Comfort – Many dogs turn in circles before lying down and scratching or digging at the bed is part of the process.
  • Camouflage – In nature, many dogs will dig out an area before lying down to hide themselves.
  • Making Room – Female dogs dig in their bedding to prepare a comfy nest for themselves and their puppies. You may notice this behavior in your dog when she’s feeling broody.
  • Hiding – The most obvious reason anyone digs is to find something – if your dog is digging in his bed it might be because he hid something there and is trying to find it.
  • Nerves – Scratching and digging can be nervous behaviors for dogs, so ask yourself if your dog might be stressed by something.

Now that you have a better understanding of why your dog might be digging in his bed, you may be wondering if it’s a behavior you should try to curb and, if so, how. Keep reading to learn more.

Related:Why Do Dogs Circle Before They Lie Down?

Tips for Changing Your Dog’s Behavior

Generally speaking, if your dog is digging in his bed for any of the reasons above, it is probably not something you need to be particularly concerned about. If your dog frequently displays nervous behavior, it’s worth talking to your vet, but the other reasons are fairly harmless. When your dog’s digging and scratching behavior starts to extend to your own furniture, however, it could be a problem.

Here are some options for dealing with your dog’s behavior:

    Dogs are silly – that is simply a fact of life. If your find your dog digging in his bed, you probably don’t need to be concerned about it. Just consider whether one of the reasons listed above might be applicable and, if you’re still worried, talk to your vet.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    ADVERTISEMENT

    You May Like

    Why Does Your Cat Like Sleeping on Your Head?

    Now this is the best ""night cap"" there is! Have you ever wondered why your cat chooses to sleep on top of your head at night?
    Your Cat Really Likes Spending Time With You!

    He likes you! He really, really likes you! Your cat may be playing hard to get, but deep down, he loves spending time with you.
    Best Dog Crate Pans

    Dog crate pans make sure your dog''s cozy nook remains clean and tidy- and make your job of keeping everything spotless so much easier.
    How To Treat Flea Bites On Dogs

    Save your pet from the suffering of a severe infestation. Take a bite out of pesky flea problems, as we go over ways to treat flea bites on dogs.
    Samoyed

    The Samoyed has all the qualities you''d expect in this type of dog. It is alert, strong, happy, trusting, loyal, hardworking, gentle, and playful.
    Cardinalfish

    Cardinalfish are a large family of saltwater fish made up of over 200 sub-species. Most species are extremely colorful and are a couple of inches in length.
    Show Off Cat Lady Pride With Feline-Themed Embroidery Patterns

    The feline-tastic book that will make your summer contains hundreds of cat motifs and easy-to-follow instructions on how to stitch them yourself.
    Cheese Whiz Dog Treat Recipe

    When it comes to cheese, dogs just can''t get enough. Satisfy those cravings with the Cheese Whiz Dog Treat Recipe.
    Common Musk Turtle

    The Common Musk Turtle is known as the Stinkpot Turtle because they can emit an offensive, foul odor. They make great pets when handled properly.
    Spectacled Parrotlet

    If you''re looking for a pet that doesn''t need much space to be happy- the goofy Spectacled Parrotlet is the ideal choice for you.
    New Research Suggests Training Your Cat Can Help Eliminate His Anxiety

    Forget what the haters say. New research suggests that you train cats of all ages, and it''s a great way to lower your kitty''s anxiety.
    Himalayan

    Although playful and active, the Himalayan likes lap time. These are people oriented cats who offer their ""help"" regardless of what their humans are doing.
    How To Understand Cat Body Language

    Cats can be hard to read because of the physical and vocal clues to let you know what they''re thinking. Here''s how to pick up on cat body language.
    10 Obvious Signs That Your Cat’s Out To Get You

    Remember that time you dressed up your cat like a baby - diapers and all - while taking pics and sending them to your friends? It''s payback time!
    Adoptable Dog of the Week – Teela

    We''ve partnered with Adoptapet.com and we''ll feature a new dog that can''t wait to find its forever home. This week''s dog is Teela, a senior Chihuahua Mix.