Why Do Dogs Dig In Their Beds? Here’s 6 Reasons
Dogs are intelligent but they’re also simple creatures. They wag their tails when they’re happy and whine when they’re sad. They’ll let you know when they want to go outside and when it’s time for a treat.
But sometimes, they do things that leave us scratching our heads – like digging in their beds.
It can be a funny thing to witness and there are several reasons why they may do it, which we will be going over in detail below.
Why Do Dogs Dig In Their Beds? The Reasons Explained
1. Dog Nesting Behavior
Digging is instinctual for many dogs as their ancestors used to dig to create safe resting places. They would flatten grass and leaves and remove rocks and debris to make the area soft and comfortable.
The nest would not only keep them safe but would also help them regulate their body temperatures. It would keep them cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold.
While modern dogs have cozy beds and no longer need to create dens, the instinct remains.
2. Stress Relief
Dogs will dig in their beds to calm themselves – it’s similar to how humans fidget (e.g. tapping a foot) when nervous or stressed.
For example, a dog with separation anxiety may find the repetitive action of digging to be calming. It’s a self-soothing behavior that gives them a sense of control over their environment.
Similarly, a dog who’s stressed about a change in environment may dig at their bed to make it feel more familiar and secure. To help them with the transition, you can try using a calming spray for dogs.
3. Comfort
Dogs like to sleep comfortably and to do that, they may dig in their beds.
It’s a way for them to ‘fluff’ the bedding, making it softer and cozier to lay on. Some dogs will also take the opportunity to rearrange their blankets.
Remember, dogs are different from humans. Just because their bedding looks perfectly fine to you, doesn’t mean that’s the case for them.
They all have their own preferences as to what their sleeping space should be like. If your dog is sleeping in bed with their blanket pushed to the side, that’s probably what they prefer.
4. Marking Territory
Dogs are known for marking their territory, and beds are no exception. If your dog is digging in bed, they are letting everyone know that the space is theirs.
It’s similar to how they kick the ground after pooping. They have scent glands in their paw pads, which release pheromones when they dig. This signals to other dogs that it is their territory and that they should stay away.
Many dogs will do this even if they’re the only dog in the house. It’s a natural instinct that they inherited from their ancestors, who used to mark their territory to keep other animals away.
5. Releasing Pent-up Energy
Dogs with leftover energy may dig in their beds before lying down. It’s a way for them to release that energy before resting.
As long as they’re not digging excessively, there’s usually no issue with it.
If it gets to the point where they’re being destructive (e.g. tearing the stuffing out), however, that’s when it becomes a problem. For example, they might have underlying stress or anxiety that needs attention.
It could also mean your dog is bored.
If that’s the case, you want to make sure they’re getting enough physical exercise. Take them out for regular walks and consider playing some games with them like fetch You also want to keep their minds engaged with puzzles or interactive toys.
6. Pregnancy
Many female dogs will dig in their beds when they’re pregnant. It’s an evolutionary trait that helps protect their young.
It’s similar to how wolves create dens in nature. It prepares them for giving birth and creates a safe and cozy environment for their litter.
Dogs with false pregnancy (due to hormonal changes after a heat cycle) may also engage in this type of behavior, even if there are no puppies involved. However, it’s usually just a passing phase.
Preventing Damage to Your Dog’s Bed
Now that we’ve answered the question, ‘why do dogs dig in their beds’, let’s take a look at what we can do to prevent the beds from being damaged.
Keep Their Nails Trimmed
Dogs with long nails can easily tear through fabric, including their bed’s.
An easy way to prevent this is by trimming their nails regularly, ideally once every 4-8 weeks.
For example, you can use an electric dog nail trimmer or a dog nail grinder.
For those who don’t feel comfortable doing it themselves, you can always bring your pup to the groomers or vet for a professional trim.
Invest in a Durable Bed
Not all dog beds are made equal. Ideally, you want one that’s made from reinforced fabric such as canvas or ballistic nylon.
Also, pay attention to the seams. Avoid those with single stitching and go for the ones with double-stitched seams instead. They’re much less likely to split or tear, even when dug or chewed on.
Keep in mind, however, that they will be more expensive as you’re paying for quality. This is especially true for extra large dog beds due to their size.
Use Blankets or Towels
If your dog likes to dig in their bed as part of their ‘pre-sleep ritual’, try adding some old blankets or towels over it. That’ll allow them to scratch and dig without damaging the actual bed.
The towels and blankets will also provide additional cushioning and warmth, which will make the bed cozier for your pup.
It’ll also make clean-ups a breeze as it’s much easier to wash a couple of blankets and towels as opposed to an entire dog bed.
You can even use the same dog blankets for the couch.
Use a Protective Cover
Consider buying a protective cover – one that’s made from waterproof or tear-resistant fabric – if the bed doesn’t already come with one. It’ll act as a shield, protecting the bed from digging, scratching, chewing, dirt and moisture.
Most protective covers are also machine washable, meaning you can easily toss them in the washer if they become dirty.
Redirect Their Behavior
If your dog’s digging becomes excessive, you may want to redirect their behavior. For example, you can distract them with a treat. Holding up their favorite toy may also be effective.
Just remember to reward them once they’ve stopped digging.
You can also redirect them to an appropriate alternative, such as a digging box, if you have one set up for them.
